Frequently Asked Questions in Mt Lebanon PA

A subluxation is defined as a minor misalignment of a spinal vertebra that alters the biomechanics (movement) and physiology (function) of the body. Subluxation can interfere with communication between the brain and the body resulting in the inability to maintain health.

Subluxation results from three primary sources: physical stress such as car accidents, sports injuries, work injuries, poor posture or chronic wear and tear. Chemical stresses like medication, a bad diet, or nutritional imbalance. Mental/Emotional issues that are long standing or overwhelming that can lead to breakdown.

Adjustments are performed by doctors of chiropractic in a specific and directed manner to resolve subluxation in the spine or extremities. Adjustments are typically performed via the doctor’s hands or with the use of specially designed instrumentation. Adjustments are safe and virtually pain-free.

Chiropractic care improves the healing capacity of the body by removing interference upon the nerve system. Since the nervous system controls every aspect of life, patients report improvement in many aspects of health including but not limited to; mental clarity, headaches, balance disorders, sleep, asthma, back pain, numbness and tingling, fatigue, heart burn and reflux, digestion and elimination, immune function, and allergies.

To answer this question it’s important to understand how arthritis occurs. Arthritis is a function of unrelenting subluxation. Subluxation is like a wheel on a car that is out of alignment-it accelerates the breakdown of the tire. The same occurs in the spine. Subluxation alters the way a joint functions resulting in breakdown of the soft tissues initially (discs, ligaments, tendons) and then the bones. The body will create new bone to form (bone spurs) as the disc deteriorates eventually fusing the bones as one. This process can occur throughout the entire skeletal framework of the body.

Adjustments work to improve the mechanics of the joints and reestablish the soft tissue integrity. Through rehabilitation the goal is to halt further breakdown. If you are diagnosed with arthritis early chiropractic intervention is critical to maximize the healing potential of the remaining structures.

Surgery may be necessary in situations of unremitting pain or if compromise to organ function is occurring. An example is loss of bowel or bladder control that may occur with a ruptured disc affecting the lumbar nerves.

Surgery is not indicated in most cases when a disc injury has been diagnosed. Proper rehabilitation including spinal adjustments, exercise, adjunctive therapies, life-style and work modification, can in many cases stabilize the condition and prevent future episodes.

The post surgical patient can many times experience significant benefit. It is vital to bring all information such as advanced imaging, X-rays, diagnostic test results, and the surgeon’s notes for the chiropractors review. The more information the chiropractor has available, including his own examination findings will determine if you are eligible for care.

In many cases the patient does not have to give up their exercise program; however, there may need to be modifications. It is important to inform your Doctor of Chiropractic what you are doing to ensure the best outcome.

Neuropathy is defined as damage to a nerve, which can result in symptoms like: numbness, tingling (paresthesia), burning pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal sensations.

A neuropathy affects the peripheral nerves – the nerves that originate off of the spinal cord. Typically the involved nerve is swollen, and inflammation is present. This affects the ability of the nerve to communicate normal signals. A common cause for neuropathy is a disc bulge or disc herniation putting direct pressure on the nerve. In some cases stenosis, an advanced form of arthritis, causes direct bone impingement upon the nerve. In severe cases surgery may be an option.

Chiropractic techniques that specialize on the disc ( Cox Flexion/Distraction, or Gonstead) can reduce the impact upon the nerve thereby allowing the neuropathy to resolve. Adjunctive therapy is often beneficial in the form of interferential, cryotherapy, or traction.