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PAIN RELIEF CENTER |
EXPECT RESULTS!
Dr. Nicholas
G. Dezes
Chiropractor
Frequently Asked Questions!
More questions to come ...
What
are some common causes of back aches?
Fatigue, over-working, and just bending over the wrong way are some of the most
common "causes" of back aches. Quite often these symptoms are
treated with a back rub, some warming gel, and anti-inflammatory drugs ... which
all may indeed provide temporary relief. More often than not,
however, the true cause of a back ache is a mal-aligned spine. That
pain is actually telling you that you are in dire need of perhaps just a simple
realignment of the spine. At ChiroPlus, we stress long-term cures, not
quick-fixes.
What
happens when I come for an evaluation?
After the initial paperwork, of course, the first thing we do is examine your
back, your posture, and your standing and sitting positioning. Quite
often, just a brief visual and physical examination will reveal the true
source(s) of the pain. Nonetheless, because your health and well-being are
our primary concerns, the next step is to take x-rays of the affected and
surrounding areas. After that you actually get to take a short but very
relaxing break where you lie face-down (or sitting up, if need be) on a soft
table and enjoy an electro-massage! After that, you will be ready for your
first "adjustment." You'll be glad to know that this very first
treatment usually provides significant relief! From there you'll
set up the following appointments, and we'll see you again soon to go over the
x-ray results and schedule your follow-up treatments.
To oversimplify it, our three steps are Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. Most people come in complaining of muscle problems when in fact the pain is stemming from pressure on the nerves of an unbalanced spine. We want to make you feel better first, and then make you better ... all over.
How
long does a follow-up appointment take?
Your first visit usually takes the longest, because we want to make sure you
fully understand what the problems may be, and how we can help you. Once
you begin your regular follow-up appointments, you can expect to be in and out
in less than half an hour. That's including the electro-massage and
adjustment! Very little time to commit to ensuring a healthier back ...
and a healthier you!
How
long do I have to keep coming (repeat visits)?
As you can imagine, the answer to this question depends on the severity of your
pain and relevant problems. Proper treatment and therapy can last
anywhere from 20 to 50 visits or more, depending on you own individual
circumstances.
Can
I go to either of your locations?
Yes! We'd like to know ahead of time so we can be sure to share you
records with both locations, but assuredly we have both offices open for your
convenience.
Can
you completely fix my back/spine/neck?
Naturally, we'd like to answer this with an enthusiastic YES, but that may
depend on your definition of "fix." If you mean, can we
alleviate your pain and improve your range of movement, then yes. If you
mean, can we make a curvy spine ram-rod straight, well, that may be
possible. Let's put it this way - the sooner you begin correcting the
problems, the closer we get to "completely" fixing them. And
don't forget the long-term benefits of resolving these problems now, with an
emphasis on preventing arthritis! It's
never too early to begin chiropractic treatment. We work with teenagers,
children, even babies!
Can
I resume my regular activities during this time?
Depending on the depth of your pain or injury, and what your "regular
activities" are ... yes, but with caution. After an injury, Fire
Fighters can often return to work within weeks or even days. We strongly
urge you to allow time for adjusting and healing first.
What
about physical therapy?
Physical Therapy is quickly becoming an increasingly involved part of our
complete program. It is very important that you learn the RIGHT exercises
to do which will help your back get better, stronger, and straighter. We
utilize several different methods of physical therapy and strength training
specially selected to improve flexibility, mobility, and strength. These
include balancing techniques, stretching, and very controlled light-weight
exercises.
Why
do stretching exercises?
Hard as it may seem to believe, simply focusing on doing certain in-depth
stretching for a full 6-7 minutes would result in feeling the next day as though
you'd spent hours at the gym! One concern is that so many people who do
exercise, even exercise correctly, do not take the time to stretch out
afterwards. As most professional sports players will tell you, stretching
is one of the most important and effective things you can do to increase ... and
protect ... your strength. For example, stretching the hamstrings for just
a few moments each day will significantly help to support your lower back!
Does
diet/nutrition affect anything?
Modern medicine is constantly coming up with new research and studies that
support what healthy eaters have known for a long time ... cut back on the fats,
meats, dairy, and sweets, and increase the fresh vegetables and fruits. It
just can't be any simpler than that. Certainly being overweight can do
serious damage to one's spine, joints, and nerves. But you don't have to
be overweight to have an unhealthy diet. Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol ...
all of these have unhealthy effects on your body as a whole. We are
happy to talk to you about improving your eating habits.
What
if my back still hurts after 20 visits?
If your back still hurts after
20 visits, come 20 more times. Although it may seem like it was just one
twist, slip, or fall that created the problem, in reality it took much
more time to create the cause of your pain
and discomfort than what you'll spend in 10 or 20 visits. While some people
do get "fixed" quickly, expect
to continue until the problems are totally resolved. And then, for
preventive care and to ensure continued good health, the best plan is to come in
for an adjustment on a regular basis. We will work with you on what
programs, treatments, and schedules best meet your needs. Again, your
health and well-being are our primary concerns. Expect Results!
More questions to come
...