“First do no harm”—Chiropractic adjustments don’t have to hurt

I am 1000% behind this! As a chiropractor, I take my job seriously when it comes to high quality HEALTHcare for my practice members.

In addition to “typical chiropractic adjustments,” I specialize in gentle adjustments for practice members who need or want them. Recently, I received two testimonials from people who EXPECTED to be really sore for a few days after chiropractic adjustments based upon their past chiropractic experiences. After a Back to Wellness Chiropractic adjustment, they were pleasantly surprised at how great they felt with little if any soreness afterwards.

Along with these comfortable adjustments,  I like to get an “inside look” to see what’s going on with a person before I touch his or her spine; that’s why I take x-rays before an initial adjustment to the spine. It’s like an auto mechanic running diagnostics to determine the cause of a car’s problems.

Once I get a good understanding of how the STRUCTURE is on the INSIDE, I get a very clear understanding of how a person is FUNCTIONING on the INSIDE. Using x-rays and specific chiropractic adjustments, I am able to come up with a unique chiropractic treatment plan specific to each individual. When Lakeville and its surrounding community members embrace the Back to Wellness Chiropractic lifestyle, they can reach their maximum health potentials!

What is Chiropractic?

Both infants and adults can benefit from ongoing chiropractic care. In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is just as important as the initial remedy. 

What truly differentiates doctors of chiropractic from any other healthcare professionals is the fact that chiropractors are the only professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat what are called spinal subluxations.  The word “subluxation” comes from the Latin words meaning “somewhat or slight” (sub) and “to dislocate” (luxate).  So the term ‘vertebral subluxation’ literally means a slight dislocation or misalignment of the bones in the spine.

When a subluxation occurs, a chiropractor can correct the misaligned bone and allow it to return to its proper position. This procedure is appropriately called an adjustment, and the adjustment enables the body to heal. The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both.  Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas that sounds like a “crack.”  The sound sometimes shocks people a little bit the first couple times they get adjusted, but the sensation is usually relieving.  Occasionally, minor  discomfort is experienced, especially if the surrounding muscles  are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic  procedure.  There are times when the audible “cracking” does not occur.   This is often due to either significant  muscle tightness or that the patient may be having a hard time relaxing during their adjustments.  However, the chiropractic adjustment is still important.  The leak is fixed. The wiring is fixed. Information is flowing again. To keep the wiring fixed, several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary, in addition to massage, physical therapy, stretching exercises, or strengthening exercises. In the chiropractic world, keeping the problem fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is just as important as the initial remedy.

There are actually five components that contribute to the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC).

1. Bone Component-where the vertebra is either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing degeneration.  This frequently leads to a narrowing of the spaces between the bones through which the nerves pass; often resulting in irritation or impingement of the nerve itself.
2. Nervous Component-is the disruption of the normal flow of energy along the nerve fibers, causing the messages traveling along the nerves to become distorted.  The result is that all of the tissues that are fed by those nerves receive distorted signals from the brain and, consequently, are not able to function normally.  Over time, this can lead to a whole host of conditions, such as peptic ulcers, constipation and other organ system dysfunction.
3. Muscular Component-since nerves control the muscles that help hold the vertebrae in place, muscles have to be considered to be an integral part of the vertebral subluxation complex.  In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC.  A subluxation can irritate a nerve, the irritated nerve can cause a muscle to spasm, the spasmed muscle pulls the attached vertebrae further out of place, which then further irritates the nerve and you have a vicious cycle.  It is no wonder that very few subluxations just go away by themselves.
4. Soft Tissue Component-the VSC will also affect the surrounding tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues as the misaligned vertebrae tug and squeeze the connective tissue with tremendous force.  Over time, the soft tissues can become stretched out or scarred, leaving the spine with either a permanent instability or restriction.
5. Chemical Component-is the change in the chemistry of the body due to the VSC.  Most often, the chemical changes, such as the release of a class of chemicals called “kinins,” are pro-inflammatory; meaning that they increase inflammation in the affected area.

These changes get progressively worse over time if they are not treated correctly, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle trigger points, the formation of bone spurs, loss of movement,  as well as muscle weakness and spasm.  Chiropractors have known the dangers of the vertebral subluxation complex ever since the birth of the profession. More and more scientific research is demonstrating the tremendous detrimental impact that subluxation have on the tissue of the body.  In order to be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations.  Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the vertebral subluxation complex through chiropractic care.

Your First Visit

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Consultation

Next, you will have a consultation with Dr.. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and potential treatment options. This initial visit is designed for Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor to learn more about you, your condition, and  expectations to determine how chiropractic care can meet your goals.

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Examination

After your consultation, Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor will perform a complete chiropractic examination testing your reflexes and flexibility. Other standard neurological, orthopedic, postural, and physical tests will be performed as well. However, nothing  will be done in our office  without your consent.

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X-Ray Studies

Depending on your specific condition, we may take X-rays as well. X-rays help us develop  the most effective treatment plan for you, and alert us of  any serious spinal conditions. Most people are amazed once they see their X-rays up close. In some cases, they can even identify their misalignments and degeneration themselves.

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Report of Findings

Once the information is collected  and examinations are performed, Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor will give you a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions including:

1. How can you help me?
2. How often do I need to come in?
3. What  will  my treatment  cost?

After reviewing your health history,  goals, and examining your spine and X-rays, Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor will discuss recommendations and notify you if  your condition  requires care with other providers.   Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor  will  provide the best  treatment and  wellness program for your needs.

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Treatment

At the conclusion of this initial  appointment, you can choose to  experience your first treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and/or soft tissue massage.  Treatment is interactive, so  you can express concerns about the different styles of treatment  anytime.

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Wellness Program

Prior to leaving, the doctor will suggest a  wellness program  to incorporate outside of treatment.  If you are in pain when you first come into our office this may include: ice or heat application instructions, certain activities or positions to avoid, and at home exercises and/or stretches.  If you desire,  our wellness team will work with you also to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle.  Every person is unique, therefore everyone requires a  customized wellness plan.  The purpose  of our wellness program is for   you  to achieve good spinal alignment, have a  healthy diet, exercise, and maintain a positive mental state.

What to Expect From Chiropractic Care

Laying the foundation

Chiropractic care is like building a house – certain things have to happen in a particular order in order for everything to stand strong and work correctly. When building a house, if you tried to put up your walls before you had a solid foundation, your walls would be weak and eventually collapse. If you tried to put on your roof before the walls were ready, you would run into the same problem. The same is true for your body. Your body has to go through a particular plan of care in order to repair itself correctly and fully. There are three general phases of chiropractic care . . .

Phase 1: Intensive Care

If you are in pain when you come into our office, the first objective is to help you feel better. Depending on the severity of your problem, it is typical to need care 2-3 times per week for 4-12 weeks.

Phase 2: Corrective/RehabilitativeCare

During the corrective care phase, muscles and other tissues are allowed to heal more completely, thereby helping prevent injury. It is typical to need care 4-8 times per month for 6-24 months, depending on your overall health and the severity of your problem.

Phase 3: Wellness Care

Once your body has fully healed, it is important to come in for periodic adjustments to avoid problems in the future. Usually, this only requires a quick visit to the chiropractor 1-4 times per month, based on your lifestyle and goals.

Related Topics

• Your First Visit
• Phase 1: Relief Care
• Phase 2: Corrective Care
• Phase 3: Wellness Care

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Welcome to Back to Wellness Chiropractic,
your chiropractor in Lakeville.
Call us today at 952-693-3736 !

Lakeville chiropractor Kayla Zirpel-Proctor, DC at Back to Wellness Chiropractic is one of the best chiropractors in the Lakeville area specializing in wellness chiropractic care!

Back to Wellness Chiropractic’s purpose is “to educate and adjust as many families as possible towards optimal health through natural chiropractic care.” We coach our Lakeville and surrounding area residents to take a more active and responsible role in restoring and maintaining their own health as well as the health of their friends and family.

At our Lakeville chiropractic office you will receive the best care through the use of modern chiropractic techniques and technology. Dr. Kayla Zirpel-Proctor and the staff at Back to Wellness Chiropractic have a genuine concern for your well-being and health! Call us today and we can develop a chiropractic plan specific for you.