.png)
About Chiropractic
Chiropractic Learning Center
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are a type of doctor who specialize in Musculoskeletal and Nerve-related conditions. Though the spine is our focus, we can treat any joint issue, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle and even the TMJ (jaw) joints. Furthermore, Chiropractic treatment has numerous positive effects on the both the central nervous system and the autonomic (automatic) nervous system.
What is the Neurology behind Chiropractic?
The Neurological benefits of Chiropractic really have to be broken down into two branches;
(1) Reduction of Pain & (2) Improving overall functioning of the nervous system.
(1) Reduction of Pain: Short, Intermediate, and Long Term
-
Short Term pain reduction comes from the immediate disruption of the pain signal to your brain. Our body has different fibers or types of nerves. The ones that feel pain are called “Nociceptors”. And they scream at your brain to get attention. Chiropractic Adjustments activate a different type of nerve, “Mechano-receptors”. And these Mechano-receptors block or turn off the Nociceptors. So your sensation of pain is blocked
​
-
Intermediate Term pain reduction is achieved by reducing inflammation and swelling at the injury site. Inflammation is a cascade of chemicals designed specifically to agitate your nerves, thereby brining your attention to the area. They “turn on the switch” of pain sensation. And swelling increases pressure on the nerves. Adjustments reduce inflammation and swelling, resulting in less nerve activation.
​
-
Long Term pain reduction is the result of continued Chiropractic Care that results in normalizing joint functioning, strength, and mobility. By removing the dysfunction at the joint, the source of all the pain is removed. A healthy joint that is properly moving does not incite the pain pathway.
(2) Improvement of Nervous System Functioning
-
Since its inception in 1895, Chiropractors have been touting the neurological benefits of Chiropractic to the overall functioning of the whole nervous system. Back in those days, this was based mainly on the observations Chiropractors saw in their patients and the testimony of the patients themselves. Today we are learning that, not only were they right, they were even more right than they knew!
​
-
The spine houses the spinal cord, the information super-highway, connecting the body to the brain. Messages travel both ways, constantly relaying inputs and outputs between them.
​
-
In the past several years, studies of Chiropractic Adjustments have been shown to result in increased activity levels within the PreFrontal Cortex (PFC) of the brain. This is HUGE!
​
The Prefrontal Cortex controls our:
-
Decision-Making and Self-Control systems
-
Immune System
-
Pain Regulation system
-
Sleep Regulation System
-
Emotion and Mood Regulation system
-
Autonomic Nervous System (breathing, sleeping, heart rate, blood pressure, digestion)
-
Endocrine system (Testosterone/Estrogen, Cortisol, Adrenaline (E/NE), and Serotonin)
-
Regulating Inflammation levels and processing
​
It is important to note that, at this point, we don’t have all the studies that directly “connect the dots”. We do have many studies showing positive effects to these areas, such as the fact that immune functioning increases with Chiropractic care. But we haven’t mapped it directly back to the PFC. At least, not yet. But this is the direction where studies are moving, and many within the profession, ourselves included, believe these dots will invariably connect.
Chiropractic Care in Milpitas, CA
PROFESSIONAL ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENTS
At Healthworks Chiropractic, we specialize in correcting your body’s misalignments. Our goal is to ensure your spine and the rest of your body are working harmoniously. To do so, we will help you develop a plan which will require light stretching, some exercise, chiropractic care, and a healthy diet. To do so, we will help you develop a plan that may require light stretching, corrective exercise, chiropractic care, and a healthy diet.
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT & SPINAL MANIPULATION
The Chiropractic adjustment, or spinal manipulation, is the staple to any Chiropractic office. The Doctor of Chiropractic will identify joints within the spine (and extremities) that are inflamed and lack proper motion or function, as well as symptoms relating to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Techniques employed includes:
-
Diversified
-
Thompson
-
Sacro-Occipital (Pelvic Blocking)
-
Flexion-Distraction
-
Activator
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SPINAL ADJUSTMENTS
The adjustment procedure involves the use of the Doctor’s hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, rapid force to the joint. Several adjustment techniques are available and the doctor will choose an appropriate technique based on your general health, specific condition, and personal preference. We will be able to determine where your problem lies and discuss the various treatments available.
​
OTHER CHIROPRACTIC CARE TREATMENTS & TECHNIQUES OFFERED
We specialize in correcting your body’s misalignments for all of our chiropractic care treatment procedures, including:
-
Flexion-Distraction – a technique that utilizes a specialized table that gently distracts or stretches the lumbar spine, taking pressure off of the spinal discs, and in turn reduces spinal nerve inflammation.
-
IAST/Graston – the Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue massage (IAST), which is utilized to break up scar tissue, speed healing, and increase function.
-
Myofascial Release – if you struggle with chronic pain and tightness, you may suffer from a problem known as myofascial pain syndrome. You may find relief from this treatment as it combines c chiropractic care and a treatment modality.
-
Prenatal Care – prenatal chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for reducing pain and discomfort through all stages of pregnancy.
-
Sports Care – we walk step by step through strengthening and rehabilitation exercises, as well as home care. Once the exercise or sports injury is properly healed and rehabilitated, we get you back out doing the things you love.
-
Cupping decompression – cupping also stimulates mechanoreceptors in the tissue, sending increased neuro-sensory input to the brain to promote improved muscular output, thus reducing pain.
-
Physiotherapy – our techniques in exercise rehabilitation are perfect for muscle stimulation & relieving overall pain and discomfort.
BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Many of our patients have reported an improvement that is as effective or better than traditional prescription medications.
A few of the benefits of chiropractic care include the following:
-
Improves Blood Flow
-
Improves Overall Body Function
-
Loosens Tight Muscles
-
Stimulates Healing Process
-
Reduces Pressure on Spinal Nerves and Discs
