HEALTH WITHIN
TREATMENTS
How We Help
Back and Neck
Pain
There are many underlying factors that contribute to neck and low back pain. The doctors at our office are expertly trained to use manual muscle testing to help us to find and address the specific underlying cause of your symptoms. This allows us to efficiently diagnose the problem, correct the biomechanical dysfunction, and stimulate your nervous system to function optimally.
Neck and low back pain are very common symptoms we see in our office and there are a variety of reasons an individual may experience these complaints. The two overarching causes are macro-trauma and micro-traumas. Meaning, trauma that was caused by either an acute injury (such as lifting incorrectly, sustaining a car accident, an athletic injury, etc.) or a repetitive trauma that creates a “wear and tear” pattern. At some point, the body cannot adapt to repetitive stress and symptoms may arise.
Our first goal with patients is to start the healing process and get some relief. After a thorough history, exam, and X-rays, if needed, we create a treatment plan designed specifically for the patient and can then start the path to recovery. We then work to correct and strengthen the underlying causes that are contributing to the dysfunctional pattern in the body. Our goal with each patient is to restore optimal nervous system function so they may continue to do the things they love.
Chiropractic Care for Children
We are often asked, “Why do kids need chiropractic care?” If you think about it, the answer is obvious.
First of all, think about the trauma that a child is subjected to. It can start at the very beginning of life with a difficult delivery or a forceps delivery. There are numerous falls while learning to walk, ride bikes, skateboards, etc. Children are also subjected to the stress of carrying heavy backpacks to school, sports, and often, poor posture.
Many of the problems that we suffer today as adults began from traumas that we had as children. The falls and stresses take a toll on young joints. While children may not often experience the “back pain” that adults suffer from, other complaints such as headaches, neck pain, and other joint pains are common. These then become the early stages of more trouble, as we get older.
In addition to various pains that a child may suffer, chiropractic care has been shown to improve the function of the immune system, help with an ear infection, ADHD, and even asthma among others.
Adjusting techniques are modified for children. Most kids really like their adjustments. If you are unsure if chiropractic care is appropriate for your child, call us for a FREE CONSULTATION. You will be able to discuss your concerns with one of the doctors and get answers to your questions.
We Treat Chronic Headaches
Headaches are a very common and sometimes debilitating condition. Headaches of all types ranging from tension to migraine are one of the more common conditions treated successfully at our office.
We find that about 80% of all headaches stem from mechanical problems in the neck or cervical spine. These mechanical problems result in three factors that will trigger a headache. They include nerve tissue irritation, increased muscle tension in the muscles at the base of the skull, and inflammation.
In some more difficult cases, nutritional support to balance hormones or correct a deficiency can also play an important role. Our techniques and procedures have proven very effective at treating these conditions.
Chiropractic Care for Seniors
As we age, the wear and tear on our body takes a toll. It is not so much that we are older but rather the miles that we have accumulated along the way. Just like a car, one that is driven hard and not maintained will be in much worse condition than a similar car with fewer miles that has been well cared for.
Chiropractic does not work to replace joints that are worn out. Rather, we work with the parts that you have to help them work better. Our goal is to not only add years to your life but also to add life to your years.
We want to help you to keep up with your grandchildren or to spend enjoyable hours in your garden or walk and stay active. It may also be getting to the golf course more regularly. Obviously, all of the aches and pains may not go away, but they can often be better managed without the damaging effects of prescription drugs to help make your life better.
Chiropractic care can be compared to the auto mechanic that tunes up the car to get it to run better or to give it a little extra life. Our experience with seniors is extensive. Chiropractic care can truly be a “better idea” than resorting to more and more drugs to just cover up the pain.
Sports Injuries
Sports and athletic injuries generally occur for one of two reasons. First, a joint or tissue is subjected to trauma or force that exceeds the ability of the tissue to adapt. While this can result in the breaking of a bone (i.e. fracture) it more commonly affects the soft tissues.
Soft tissue injuries involve muscles/tendons and ligaments. When these tissues or fibers are stretched or torn it is called a strain (muscle/tendon) or a sprain (ligament). These types of injuries can also involve the discs of the spine.
When these injuries do occur, chiropractic care is important to properly align the joints involved to allow a speedier and more complete recovery. As in a dislocation, a partial misalignment requires correction (reduction) for optimal and proper healing.
Specific nutritional support is also valuable to minimize swelling and inflammation as well as to provide the appropriate minerals for tissue regeneration. As well as pain reduction. Rehabilitation exercises may then be used to further strengthen the tissue involved.
Ice and rest is always important for the new and acute injury. Proper bracing, taping or additional support may also be necessary. If home care does not seem adequate, then call us to assess the extent of the damage including an x-ray, if necessary.
Work Injuries
We work with all of the workers’ compensation insurance carriers for Idaho as well as Washington L&I. Treatment for injuries focuses on returning the injured employee to work as soon as he/she is able. This may also include light duty.
In treating an injured worker, we have two responsibilities. The first is to alleviate the pain and return the worker to on-the-job activities as soon as possible. The second is to strengthen the injured area to help avoid a re-injury. This may involve rehabilitation exercises, reviewing body mechanics such as lifting procedures, or workstation ergonomics.
We can refer out for MRI studies if necessary. We will also coordinate care with other specialists when needed.
If you have been injured on the job, call us so that we get started with the proper care right away.
Whiplash
Does Chiropractic Work?
Although the “rear-ender” type of accident represents only 20% of motor vehicle accidents, it causes over 80% of injuries giving long-term and persistent symptoms.
A surprised accident victim does not have a chance to brace for impact, which can result in more serious injury to the spine and nervous system.
In a typical collision, having the head turned to one side, such as when talking to another passenger, can dramatically increase the amount of neck injury.
Studies indicate that an injury can occur at impact speeds of 8 mph where there is little to no damage to the car. Even in these types of accidents, the head can receive up to 2½ times more force than the car itself.
Many times, severe whiplash can be detected immediately after a mishap. However, a whiplash injury may take hours, weeks, months or even years before symptoms are noticed. This is due to the bleeding and formation of scar tissue that occurs in the deep soft tissues that surround the injured area.
The most obvious symptoms of whiplash, even mild cases, are neck and shoulder pain. But, beware of symptoms you may not relate to the whiplash such as headaches, dizziness, stiffness, nausea, numbness, and tingling in the arms, hands, weakness, swelling, back and chest pain, and blurred vision.
