by Dr. Matthew Carroll, Chiropractor
Are all chiropractic patients adjusted the same way?
No…absolutely not!
Each patient’s spine and care plan is uniquely developed according to their presenting complaint. Within the spine, there are 26 moving bones (with some congenital variations as exceptions, and not including the hip bones) that can each move in seven different directions This also means that there are many ways in which a vertebra can be misaligned or subluxed, resulting in a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each individual patient is analyzed and examined based on their age, condition and individual health goals. As such, there are several different chiropractic techniques or adjusting styles in which to choose from in order to appropriately address the presenting complaint at hand.
Some techniques are better suited for specific age groups. The geriatric age group for example, will look for care that will bring improved mobility and a better quality health lifestyle, as they get older. On the other hand, certain techniques are better suited for the younger population looking to reach certain health, fitness, or sporting goals. With the variation of techniques available to address patient needs comes the ability to care for a wide variety of injuries and age groups. From a personal perspective, the youngest patient seen in clinical practice to date has been 2 weeks old, with the oldest being a spry 104 years old.
As a baby or a child grows and develops, there are certainly many bumps and bruises to deal with along the way. Many preliminary studies also suggest that colic, asthma, reflux, latching issues, ear infections and constipation, just to name a few, can be linked to problems of the spine in young babies and children.
In general, most patients get chiropractic care depending on individual their needs. A thorough health history coupled with the appropriate orthopedic and neurologic testing during the initial consultation help guide the chiropractor to the sources of the patients complaint. With respect to the adjustment itself, some adjusting techniques can produce a “popping” or “cracking” sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It is a lot like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. While the sound may be satisfying to some, and terrifying to others, it is not an indication of success or quality of the adjustment itself. The true measure of effectiveness of an adjustment is the improvement in mobility, functionality, and ultimately the degree of relief experienced by the patient.
To book a Chiropractic assessment with Dr Carroll click here or call our West Royalty clinic at (902)629-1044.