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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during my visit?
Dr. Barnes will conduct a thorough
analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence
of vertebral subluxations (spinal
misalignments producing nerve interference or irritation). The
five
criteria include:
- X-Ray Analysis
X-ray films enable Dr. Barnes to visualize the entire structure of
your spine. This is helpful in evaluation for any disease
processes, fracture, posture, joint and disc integrity and vertebral misalignments.
- Nervoscope
The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the
spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure.
This instrument
is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers
gliding down each side of your spine.
- Static Palpation
This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine
in a stationary (or static) position. Dr. Barnes will feel
for the presence
of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or
tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
- Motion Palpation
This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending
it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine
how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in
different directions.
- Visualization
Visualization is a way to cross-reference all the other findings.
Dr. Barnes is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your
posture and movement which could indicate any problems.
After a complete analysis, Dr. Barnes will deliver any necessary spinal
adjustments. The focus is to be as specific, precise and accurate as possible,
addressing only the problem areas (areas of subluxation). Great care is
taken to ensure a mechanically correct position and precise thrust to provide
the most accurate and painless adjustment possible.
How long will it take for me to feel better and
be rid of my symptoms?
With Gonstead chiropractic therapy, we treat the cause, not the symptom.
The healing process always takes time. Depending on the individual,
the time required will vary. Children typically respond very quickly,
while adults with more advanced problems will need more time. Your healing
will depend upon your unique case, history, age, health and attitude.
Chiropractic care can be divided into three stages. Continuing
through
all phases ensures that you gain the maximum benefit Gonstead
chiropractic
has to offer. What are the three stages of chiropractic care?
- Intensive Care – a
chronic (long-standing) or acute (recent) subluxation(s) has
led to damage with is likely causing symptoms of pain and
malfunction. This may be the first or one of many episodes.
Visits are frequent
in this stage, and the aim is to gain relief from your most
obvious
symptoms.
- Corrective Care – This stage marks the time for a
decision. The symptoms have settled. Do you discontinue care
and risk a complete
relapse
with another round of the intensive care or continue with correcting
the problem and increasing the structural stability of your spine.
- Wellness Care – Your spine now shows a state of increased
stability, strength and flexibility. This stage involves
periodic spinal
checkups to maintain your new improved level of health. Like
eating right, regular
exercise and brushing your teeth, maintaining the integrity
of your spine and nervous system makes sense.
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