Chiropractic Care

Getting Back in Motion by Dr. Cara Hillwig

My approach to chiropractic–as to health in general–is to restore function where function has become impaired. The functional problem may be easily attributed to a specific injury. However, function can be compromised by any one or combination of other factors – including poor ergonomics over a longer period of time (such as sitting day in and day out at a poorly designed workstation), continual wear and tear and, most certainly, by emotional stress.

When your natural functions are compromised, your body tells you that help is needed. Off-and-on pain, aches, weakness, instability, numbness and tingling are signals; your body is saying “Something is wrong.” It is time to consult with a health professional. Yes, you may opt to do nothing and hope the problem goes away. It is highly possible that your body will eventually feel better over time. However, inaction can increase the likelihood that a re-injury will occur within a year or less.

When your body asks for attention or when you want freedom from the symptoms or impaired function without drugs or surgery, the answer may be chiropractic. While medicine and chiropractic each have their place today, doesn’t it make sense to try the most conservative, least invasive health strategy first?

Many insurance companies cover chiropractic services. This is, in large part, because chiropractic can be both cost-effective and outcome-effective.

FAQs

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is type of health care based upon the principle that the body naturally works to heal itself. With this in mind, it is the chiropractor’s job to help the body heal better and/or faster. Tools that Dr. Hillwig uses include chiropractic adjustments, exercise programs, stretches, and, in some cases, physical therapy modalities.

What exactly is a “chiropractic adjustment”?

A chiropractic adjustment is a carefully delivered, gentle thrust to a specific area of the body where function has been found to be compromised. Since muscles anchor to bones, applying motion to the locked joint often serves to bring relief to both that joint and the associated muscles. The adjustment also has been shown to positively affect the body’s nervous system. Increased range of motion, decreased pain, and improved function often result. Many people feel significant relief after just a few treatments.

What causes the sound of the adjustment?

The sound has been described as a little “pop” or like “cracking your knuckles” is actually due to gas being released from the joint capsule. An adjustment is very quick, and with proper set-up and technique, it should be painless.

What do chiropractors treat?

Examples of conditions:

Headaches
TMJ Dysfunction
Neck Pain / Stiffness
Shoulder Pain / Stiffness
Muscle Spasms
Back Pain / Stiffness
Tennis / Golf Elbow
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sprains and Strains
Hip and Lower Extremity Pain

Research suggests that chiropractic can help you to be…

BETTER FASTER. Healing time can be significantly reduced under chiropractic care. Under the care of a good chiropractor, you should begin to move better and return to your activities earlier than by either taking medications or simply “waiting out” your discomfort.

BETTER LONGER. The likelihood of suffering a re-injury has been shown to be reduced with chiropractic care. This effect appears to be most strongly related to proper rehabilitation. Carefully following specific exercise recommendations made by your Doctor of Chiropractic is one way to reduce the risk of re-injuring yourself. Recent research shows that early and appropriate rehabilitation – not bed rest – is what better helps your body to heal.

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