A new approach unlike conventional chiropractors, physical therapist and massage therapists, we focus on Structural Correction of the spine by utilizing specific spinal corrections, structural remodeling and complementary recommendations in an effort to correct abnormal Structural Shifts of the spine. Normal vs Abnormal
We're all familiar with normal body temperature: 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. How do we know when someone has abnormal eyesight? How do we know when someone has an irregular heartbeat? How do we know when someone has abnormal blood pressure? For that matter how do we know when the air pressure in our tires is low? The only way to appreciate abnormal - is to know normal.
When it comes to normal, we're not expecting anyone to be perfect. However, if your head is displaced 30mm beyond what's considered acceptable, you have Anterior Head Syndrome (A primary Abnormal Structural Shift of the spine). Your head shifting forward is no different than your car being forced out of alignment, or the foundation of your house sinking on one side by just a couple of inches. Because, the underlying structure has shifted (regardless of the reason), this deviation of your skull puts abnormal stress on your muscles, tendons,spinal bones, and discs - forcing them to degenerate (damaged).
What would happen if the foundation of your house sunk down just a couple of inches? Would it be reasonable that the floor boards would creak? Would you expect to see cracks in the drywall?
As you probably guessed, the PROBLEM is a structural shift-but in this case, of the foundation of your house. Traditional doctors regardless of what area of healthcare they fall, typically look to manage the Secondary Conditions- which we will get to in a minute, rather than focusing on the underlying cause.
The traditional doctor would put an extra nail in the floor boards, wd-40 on the window tract and patch the drywall. Will all of those measures FIX the problem?
What would you do FIRST if it were YOUR home? You would hire a person to fix your foundation, especially someone who focuses on structural correction. After that, and a little work on the secondary effects from the shift of the foundation, you're good to go.
Lets take a look at low back pain...
To understand what we do, and how what we do is New and Different, let's first start off by talking about what is considered Normal Structure spinal alignment and what's considered ABNORMAL spinal alignment.
As you can see by reviewing this picture, the sections of the body should be balanced no different than stacks of blocks.
At first, minor abnormal shifts of areas of the spine are nothing to worry about. No one has absolutely 100% perfect alignment. However like blood pressure, eyesight, cholesterol - there is a normal range.
If your structural shift are outside what's considered normal, then you will experience one or more of what we refer to as Secondary Conditions, in this low back pain. We call low back pain secondary because, as you may have guess is the result of a abnormal primary structural condition.
Think of low back pain like this, if your nerves carried a signal that came from your satellite dish and traveled to the box on your TV. If there is some kind of blockage that interferes with the signal, what would you expect to see on your tv screen? Thinking on those same lines, what would you expect to happen if a spinal segmental shifted and put pressure on a nerve?
As your head shifts forward beyond its center of balance, it creates a continuous strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments primarily in the upper part of the spine, but also down into the mid and lower regions of the torso. This stress results in degeneration of spinal bones, discs, and pain.
What we look for that indicates an abnormal structural shift?
There are four signs that clearly indicators of a structural shift. These indicators are not related to age or genetics. They are a result of trauma, abnormal loading, and failure to adapt to physical and emotion stress that have disrupted the normal function of the spine.
They include:
- Damaged/degenerated discs
- Damaged/degenerated spinal bones
- muscle spasm/tension
- Nerve impingement syndrome
More than one way to cook an egg, here are the more commonly used solutions...
- Over the counter medication
- Prescription medication, pain killers, muscle relaxers
- Massage, Physical Therapy and Conventional Chiropractic (their goals are to increase range of motion, decrease pain and decrease muscle spasm - and they do a good job at their goals)
- Pain management - very strong pain killers
- Surgeries, from disc ectomies (a partical removal of the disc) or Fusions of the bones with total removal of the disc.
- Future surgeries are common
My goal is to direct your spine to what's considered normal. By doing so, this will relieve pressure on the discs, which will subsequently will relieve pressure on the nerves, thus relieving your low back pain.
This is how correcting abnormal spinal structure will improve low back pain. Once we have the normal weight bearing curves in your low back - this takes the harsh forces of gravity and evenly distributes the forces through out the spine, which in turn relieves the pressure off the disc and nerves. This allows your low back pain to be relieved.
Our plan of care is based on what we find on the structural examination and is customized for each patient and their condition - this is not cookie cutter and will require certain complementary recommendations to enhance your care in our office.
Have a GREAT Day
ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC of West Hartford
Dr. Chris Chase - Certified Structural Correction Chiropractor, Dr. Chris is the only Structural Chiropractor in West Hartford, and surrounding communities. ADVANCED CHIROPRACTIC is a company that offers Structural Correction services for women, children and men - which is different from traditional chiropractors (not better BUT significantly different). Dr. Chris Chase is known for his directive focus to patient care and comprehensive approach to better health.
For additional information, you may inquire at: 860-523-5465 or visit our site: www.advancedwesthartford.com
FaceBook Page
