Many people are looking for chiropractic care, as indicated by the number of internet searches for “chiropractors near me”. Unfortunately, choosing a chiropractor is not always as easy as picking a name from a Google search. The vast array of varying techniques, treatments, and philosophies in the chiropractic profession makes it hard to do so.
Often people seek chiropractic care for acute or chronic back and neck pain. Many chiropractors fill this need by addressing their patient’s musculoskeletal complaints. While this may help alleviate symptoms, it does not address the root cause of the problem. After all, the onset of symptoms is the body’s way of communicating that there may be a more serious problem than just damaged ligaments or muscles. In many instances, patients in this type of clinic discontinue their chiropractic care when they are out of pain or their symptoms alleviate. However, the absence of pain or symptoms does not mean that the problem is no longer there. If the dysfunction is not fully corrected, underlying issues worsen.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a philosophy, science, and art. The former approach largely ignores the true philosophy of chiropractic and is a very mechanistic approach that looks at the pieces rather than the whole. This approach differs significantly from the MaxLiving Chiropractor, which embraces a more holistic and vitalistic view of health.
Many symptom-focused chiropractors employ a “one size fits all” treatment protocol. Conversely, the MaxLiving doctor focuses on each patient’s specific case and develops a customized plan to address the nervous system and any abnormal positioning of the spine or misalignments of the vertebrae. MaxLiving doctors use spinal adjustments, cutting-edge techniques, equipment, and spinal rehabilitation to accomplish corrective changes. All MaxLiving clinics also employ the 5 Essentials of health to ensure a holistic, whole-person approach to health and offer educational workshops, community outreach, and nutritional testing. MaxLiving doctors go well beyond symptoms and simple pain relief. They are looking for long-term changes and the prevention of degeneration and disease.
More than Just Back and Neck Pain
The human body was designed to be healthy, well, and vibrantly alive! When one truly wishes to discover how wonderfully our bodies were created, the Central Nervous System (CNS) is a fantastic place to start. The CNS is composed of the brain, spinal cord, and elaborate spinal nerves. It controls all movement activities, sends and receives information, and interprets the input gathered from our surroundings. If the spine is misaligned (also known as subluxation), it can alter the nervous system and significantly affect the stimuli received from our surroundings.
The Association of Chiropractic Colleges Guidelines defines “subluxation” as: “a complex of functional and/or structural and/or pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health.” “Vital information travels from the brain and spinal cord to all of the parts of the body. But, not only does information travel down the nerve, but at the same time, information from the peripheral parts of the body is sent back to the brain and spinal cord. When this information is interfered with, a problem arises in the body.” 1
Doctors of Cause
MaxLiving doctors are doctors of cause. In other words, they focus on the state of your spine and nervous system and how your body is functioning and healing over what specific symptoms you currently have. Think of car tires. Imagine you find your tires worn to the threads on one side of the tire, so you get a new set of tires. They look great and seemingly work well, but if the car is out of alignment, the tires will wear once again and break down more quickly. Similarly, subluxation is a progressive, degenerative disease and, when left unattended, can eventually cause dysfunction in your organs and tissues.
The MaxLiving chiropractor seeks to alleviate any compromise to the nervous system for the sake of restoring function and healing. Not merely to address symptoms. The disappearance of symptoms is simply a by-product of a properly functioning nervous system.
Questions to ask if you are interested in finding a chiropractor who focuses on corrective care, prevention, and overall wellness:
- Does the doctor identify and address subluxation? This includes a detailed x-ray report identifying the levels and degree of subluxation and a specific plan to address them.
- Is there a thorough intake process? This includes patient paperwork, exam, consultation, diagnostics, review of findings, and patient education.
- Does the doctor focus on corrective care? This includes pre and post-diagnostics like scans or x-rays, a specific prognosis and care plan, and a process of evaluating progress throughout care.
- Does the doctor bring you alongside as a partner (as opposed to an authoritarian) in addressing your health issues? This is accomplished through open lines of communication, clear expectations, and resources to help you through your care.
About the Author
Kimberly Roberto is a wife, mother of three, author, and business owner. She and her husband Fred have owned and operated a chiropractic and wellness clinic for the last 25 years. Kimberly and Fred have been a part of MaxLiving since its onset. Kimberly co-authored the Maximized Living Nutrition Plans book in 2009 which sold over 10,000 copies and recently authored MaxLiving’s Maximizing Your Pregnancy, Birth and Newborn book. She’s a holistic nutritionist and maintains a healthy cooking/recipe blog. She is passionate about natural health and helping people reach their potential for health and wellness. She resides in Marietta, GA, and their three children are now grown and attending college.
References:
- Daniel J. Murphy, DC; Spinal Biomechanics, Harrison, 1992, p.366
