Chiropractic is a conservative, non-invasive healing modality that employs neither surgery nor drugs, instead embracing the concept of innate intelligence – the body’s inherent ability to restore and maintain wellness.
We typically understand that the human body’s innate intelligence is manifested through proper functioning of the nervous system. The brain functions like a master, regulating all the systems and organs of the body. The spinal cord, spinal nerves and peripheral nerves function as conduits for the transfer of information to and from the brain. The central nervous system is housed in the skull and the spine. When the spine or other joints become poorly positioned, interference occurs in the transmission of information and malpositions (subluxations) begin to take place in the region of the body influenced by the affected nerves. Symptoms such as pain, stiffness and other forms of unease follow.
How It Works:
I use a variety of techniques to determine symptom origins, techniques that may include listening to a patient (what a concept!), touching patients, employing neurological examinations, x-rays, muscle testing and thermography.
When a problem is identified, I will make an adjustment, a quick, specific manipulation of the involved joint to reestablish proper alignment and function and to remove pressure on nerve roots. Adjustments are performed with hands or with mechanical tools.
The adjusting table upon which the patient lies can be configured to enhance the adjustments. Specialized adjusting instruments such as an activator or ArthroStim® induce mechanical pulses into joints. This can be advantageous if you are in severe pain, unable to relax or if it is a difficult joint for me to access.
These include chiropractic joint adjustment and manipulation to optimize alignment and improve functionality from head to toe. These techniques range from gentle manipulation to more focussed methods using hands, devices, or assists from a chiropractic adjusting table.
Other therapies and services provided at Kintner Chiropractic include:
- ultrasound,
- electric muscle stimulation,
- nutritional consultation and supplements,
- massage
- custom orthotics (footbeds) and
- supportive pillows for sleep and sitting.
History:
Chiropractic techniques and concepts are not new. During the Chinese Kong Fou period (2700 B.C.) spinal manipulations were performed. Hippocrates, who lived from 460-377 B.C. and is considered the father of modern medicine, taught the concept of innate ability to heal. Chiropractic, as we know it today, was developed by D.D. Palmer in 1895.
Training:
Today’s chiropractors complete a rigorous academic program. Admission requirements for chiropractic college are much like those for medical school, including a year each of physics, organic and inorganic chemistry.
The first two years of chiropractic and medical schools are similar academically, covering subjects including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry in depth, and although medical and chiropractic studies are similar, application of the knowledge varies. For example, medical students receive more education in pharmacology; chiropractic studies emphasize radiology. Medicine is focused primarily on chemistry – pharmacology – while chiropractic is chiefly concerned with structure – alignment.
Outcomes:
Because Chiropractic removes interference with the body’s innate intelligence by relieving nerve impingement caused by the skeletal system, it is both corrective and preventative.
Chiropractors are sought most often to correct back, neck and head pain. We also provide relief for cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, asthma, whiplash, shoulder and hip pain and other discomforts.
Reports of increased comfort during pregnancy as well as faster, less complicated deliveries are being researched. Sufferers of migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, recurrent ear infections, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue likewise have reported improvements.
Chiropractic can enhance physical performance and is sought by athletes, dancers and others seeking optimal health.
If you are striving for maximum wellness, why not give chiropractic a try? You too may find the sense of well-being and health that has made chiropractic the largest non-invasive health care practice.
Mary H. Kintner, D.C., R.N., is a Vermont chiropractor with a clinic in Jericho. Her specialties include sports injuries, women’s health, and nutrition.