As a business owner, I perform a lot of physical labor and am generally very active. Recently, I began experiencing pain and stiffness in my shoulders that lasted for weeks. It was especially intense at night and kept me fro sleeping. After visiting Dr. Brad at Lakepointe for one adjustment, I felt better. After two other adjustments my pain subsided and I was able to sleep better at night. I don’t have time for pain, so I am thankful that I am felling better and able to move my arms and shoulders freely. All of the staff at Lakepointe were courteous and helpful. They accommodated my busy schedule with evening appointments and my sessions always started on time. I would highly recommend their services because life is too short to hurt!
T.H., Acworth, GA
Welcome to Chiropractic Care
Do you know what chiropractic is? Chiropractic is based on the premise that our central nervous system is in control of every organ and system in the body. The nervous system is comprised of brain, spinal cord, and all of the nerves that exit the cord. The skull protects the brain and 24 movable bones protect the spinal cord. These are the same 24 bones that make up the spine, and are called vertebrae. Every day, we participate in activities that result in the loss of the normal position of these vertebrae. When vertebrae lose their normal position, the result is dysfunction of the nervous system and, ultimately ill health.
Accomplished Professionals
A doctor of Chiropractic is a highly-educated medical professional. Chiropractors begin with the same undergraduate education that other types of doctors receive, plus and additional four years of post-graduate college education. Prior to practicing in our communities, we must pass an extremely rigorous set of National Board Examination. We are then required to meet equally stringent licensing requirements. We are also required to attend professional continuing education seminars, scientific symposiums and to read the most cutting edge journals to stay current with the latest research.
What to Expect from Your Chiropractic Experience
We will begin with a complete case history to evaluate all relevant aspects of your health. We’ll then move forward with a thorough examination. You will be asked to stand up, bend over and turn in all directions to evaluate your posture. We will also check your reflexes, your muscle strength, and appropriate orthopedic and neurological tests will be performed. These tests will show us what area of your spine may be causing your problems.
Diagnostic Testing
Based on the findings from your personal exam, we will determine whether x-rays or other types of diagnostic imaging/testing will be necessary. The images are used to reveal any pathology and the history of your spinal health. They will guide us in creating a chiropractic care program designed specifically for you. Today’s high-tech equipment and sensitive film minimize exposure.
Team Approach
When you consult Lake Pointe Chiropractic, you will be entering into a unique partnership with us and our professional team of healthcare providers here to meet your every need. Your current health is a direct result of habits, actions and all of the circumstances contributing to who you are today. Learn as much as you can from us and follow our recommendations for true health.
Can Chiropractic Help You?
If we find areas of abnormal spinal function, we will recommend a chiropractic care program, including adjustments. Your personal plan will be based on your age, overall health, lifestyle and unique spinal problems.
Adjustments
Specific chiropractic adjustments will be the primary focus of your care. This will help individual vertebrae to return to their normal positions. There are a wide variety of ways to achieve carefully-controlled spinal adjustments. Sometimes one area of the spine will be adjusted, and sometimes several areas of the spine will be adjusted. We use a combination of hands, tables and special instruments to adjust our patients. Every doctor has a personal preference based on their training, clinical experience and the unique spinal issues of each patient. Some of our adjusting techniques will result in a “popping” sound and some will not. This sound is called a cavitation and is the release of gases from the synovial fluid in the joints. The presence or absence of this cavitation has little meaning and varies with each patient.
Other Parts of Your Care Plan
We will also address additional procedures or suggest other ways to help reduce symptoms, inflammation, provide relief and enhance healing. These may include heat/ice, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional programs, exercise programs and massage therapy.
Chiropractic Care is Safe
Chiropractic care is safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers and back surgery. There are many research studies that document the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. When we compare chiropractic with traditional approaches to health care, chiropractic is remarkably safe. There are millions of chiropractic adjustments delivered safely to patients each and every day.
How Long Will it Take?
Chiropractic results vary from patient to patient. Some patients enjoy immediate results and some patients’ recovery may take several months or possibly longer. While children often respond quickly, adults with longstanding spinal problems heal more slowly. Healing does take time.
There are 3 Stages of Chiropractic Care
The initial Intensive Care stage is usually where most patients begin their care. During this stage, visits can be frequent depending on the severity of the condition. The primary focus is to reduce and eliminate pain and other symptoms.
The Corrective Care stage is the second stage of care and happens when pain and symptoms have diminished substantially. During this phase, we concentrate on stabilizing your spinal function to promote healing.
The final stage of care is the Wellness or the Elective Care stage. This is typically the longest stage of care. We promote maximum restoration of your spinal function. Many patients enjoy their regular checkups during this stage. Preventative care proves to save time and money for many patients by keeping minor problems from becoming more serious by detecting them early. Periodic subsequent examinations will help us determine the course of your care. Once you embrace and understand true health, you may decide you want some type of ongoing chiropractic care. Just like eating healthy foods, brushing your teeth, and other maintenance-type habits make sense, regular chiropractic checkups make sense too. How long you decide to reap the benefits from chiropractic care is always up to you!
