How Your Chiropractor Can Treat Your Sciatic Pain

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve is somehow impeded from functioning properly. The sciatic nerve begins in the back, in the pelvic area, and runs down both legs. It is therefore responsible for the sensation in those areas, and as well functions to control the movement of the lower limbs. People who suffer from sciatica experience a number of symptoms, which generally begins as pain in the lower back that radiates down one leg or the other, and which then progresses into leg numbness and even “foot drop” – or, the inability to lift or lower the foot affected by the sciatica. Sciatica is generally diagnosed by a specialist, who then refers the patient to other specialists for treatment. One such treatment that sufferers of sciatica often receive is chiropractic care. If you experience sciatica, then it is likely you will be referred to the chiropractor’s office at some point. Here’s how your chiropractor can treat your sciatic pain:

More and more medical doctors are working in conjunction with alternative methods to treat conditions today. This makes it important that your insurance covers chiropractics and other forms of alternative care. These therapeutic services can help boost your physician’s care.

TIP! Pay attention to the way you sleep position to lessen back problems. Put the pillow beneath your head and shoulders.
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The initial examination.

The first thing your chiropractor will do is take a thorough account of your medical history. This is to identify any factors that may be causing or contributing to your pain. You will also undergo a comprehensive medical examination, again so the chiropractor can identify underlying health issues that may aggravate your pain. Once your chiropractor is familiar with your specific case, it will be possible to develop a treatment plan.

A chiropractor can even help you in boosting your body’s immunity. This boosts your physical ability to ward off infection.

TIP! Properly get out of your bed. Getting out of bed this manner cuts down your chances of a spinal injury happening.

The treatment plan.

Treatment will inevitably involve sessions during which the chiropractor will manually manipulate your spinal column in order to properly align your vertebrae. This relieves pressure in between your discs to ease swelling and pressure on your nerves. Specifically, your sciatic nerve should also be relieved, and should not send as many pain signals to the nervous system. The circumstances of your individual condition will determine how often you go in for these sessions, and for how long you will have to receive treatment.

Ask your chiropractor if the chiropractic office to see of they offer discounts for multiple visits. Chiropractic care often requires multiple visits over time. You may have to go several times per week for months to come. The cost really can accumulate. The office may be able to give you a discount for multiple visits to make treatment much more affordable.

Supplemental treatments.

In addition to vertebral alignments, your chiropractor will also recommend vitamins, nutritional supplements, and exercises that can help alleviate your sciatic pain. Many chiropractors also offer deep tissue massage, which eases tension and pressure on the sciatic nerve, and acupuncture, which uses small needles to stimulate pressure points and relieve a number of health conditions, including pain caused by sciatica.

Check out the references of a chiropractor before you make an appointment with them.

TIP! You can use a cervical pillow or rolled-up towel underneath your neck when sleeping. They let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head being pushed forward.

Seeing a chiropractor can be one of the best things you can do for your sciatic pain. Consult with your physician for a referral, and also to make sure chiropractic care is appropriate for your particular condition.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

What is Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation?

If you are experiencing any of a number of common physical ailments, then it is likely your doctor will at some point refer you to a chiropractor for therapeutic treatment. After your initial evaluation at a chiropractic office, the chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan for your condition, which will include regular in-office sessions. These sessions may include things like deep tissue massage, acupuncture, traction, and/or cold laser . . . but they will always include spinal manipulation, because spinal manipulation is the hallmark of chiropractic care. So, exactly what is spinal manipulation, and is it as scary as it sounds? If you are facing the prospect of seeing a chiropractor, then these spinal manipulation basics can help set your mind at ease:

Did you realize that good chiropractic care can boost your body’s immunity? This will boost your physical ability to ward off infections and disease.

TIP! There are quite a lot of good reasons why a chiropractor. If you have pain in your back or neck that is debilitating and ongoing, you need to see a chiropractor.

Origins of spinal manipulation.

The process of manipulating the spine for proper alignment can be traced back to the beginning of recorded history. Ancient Egyptian and Chinese texts outline techniques they used to keep the spine in proper form, and even the ancient Greek philosopher and physician Hippocrates touted the positive effects and importance of spinal manipulation in his texts, saying that the spine is associated with many common health ailments. Spinal manipulation was introduced to the American mainstream in 1895 by Doctor Daniel David Palmer. Since that time, its popularity has spread to global proportion.

Ask your chiropractor if the office allows for multiple visits. Chiropractic care often implies a number of visits. You may need to go a couple of times per week for months to come. It can become costly.The doctor’s office may be able to give you a discount if you visit a lot so things don’t cost you so much money.

Spinal manipulation techniques.

High velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust is the most common type of spinal manipulation technique. HVLA thrust involves placing pressure on a specific area of the body with the intent of providing a therapeutic effect, and it can be done in a variety of ways. Other spinal manipulation techniques (which may or may not involve HVLA thrust) include the toggle drop, the lumbar roll, release work, and table adjustments. The truth is, ten different patients may be able to describe ten completely different types of care they received at the chiropractic office. Additionally, chiropractors may opt to use instruments to achieve spinal adjustments, and may even put the patient under general anesthesia for more complicated sessions.

A cervical pillow or roll up a towel and position it beneath your neck when you sleep can really help. They will let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head being pushed forward.

TIP! Is your blood pressure something you are facing? Studies have proven that chiropractic care can help lower blood pressure medications. When the vertebrae are manipulated, the vertebrae’s nerve supply helps free up the heart to properly regulate blood pressure.
What is Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation-

How spinal manipulation works.

The purpose of spinal manipulation is to properly align the vertebrae in a way that frees up space between the spine’s discs. When there is ample space between the discs, irritation and swelling may go down and, in turn, the nerves encased in the spine receive less pressure (which they register as pain) and are better able to communicate effectively with the body’s nervous system.

Don’t carry your wallet within your back pocket. Many men put a wallet in the back pockets because they do not know it can hurt your lower back. Carry it in a front pocket.

As you can see, spinal manipulation is nothing to be afraid of. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it is an ages-old technique that is time-proven to provide effective results.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Chiropractor

Not all chiropractors are created equal, and the health of your spinal column is a really big deal. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the first chiropractor in the phone book, or of not doing ample research before deciding on which professional you will allow to adjust and align your spine. Instead, keep in mind these five things to look for when choosing a chiropractor:

Are you aware that chiropractic care can help make your immune system? This blood flow increases your physical ability to fight off infections and disease.

TIP! Make sure you are getting up out of bed properly. Getting out of bed this manner cuts down your odds of sustaining a spinal injury happening.

Referrals and recommendations.

Roughly six to twelve percent of the population is receiving regular chiropractic care at any given time. That means it should be easy to find these people and ask them how they feel about the chiropractors you are considering. Ask potential chiropractors if they can refer you to speak with any of their satisfied patients; Reputable chiropractors will be able to point you to a few. You may also ask your family doctor, friends, and family for recommendations and work from that list.

There are many benefits to seeing a person ought to visit a chiropractor. If you suffer from persistent pain in your back or neck, you need to see a chiropractor. Your body will work better if your skeletal system is aligned.

TIP! Ask your chiropractor if there are frequency discounts in their office. Chiropractic care often implies a series of visits.

Reasonable costs.

Sure, chiropractors may charge differently for different services, and you should not ever choose a chiropractor based solely on affordability. You need to determine what your goals are and be sure that the doctor understands them.  Some chiropractors will focus only on reducing pain while others may focus on multiple things such as how improved nutrition or exercise can impact your care.

TIP! A cervical pillow or roll up a towel and position it beneath your neck as you sleep can really help. They will let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head forward.

Chiropractic techniques.

Different chiropractors use different techniques, and you need to choose one who uses techniques you can be comfortable with. For example, some chiropractors work solely with their hands while others may use various instruments.  There are 3 pillars of chiropractic: science, philosophy and art.  Just as there are usually many different ways to drive to a destination, there are many different ways your chiropractor can help you regain your health.  Most chiropractors will give you choices of techniques so if you are uncomfortable with a particular method let your doctor know.

TIP! Don’t carry your wallet in a back pocket of your pants. Doing this can actually cause unusual levels of strain in the lower back.

A well-rounded approach.

The goal of any competent, reputable chiropractor will be to get you well, and as soon as possible. That naturally means fostering your care from a variety of angles. If a chiropractor seems unwilling to work with other professionals involved in your health care, and closed off to the idea of you supplementing your treatment with other healthful activities, then you should find another chiropractor.

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Strong working relationships.

Good chiropractors work with other professionals in the health field to keep up on industry changes, as well as to maintain important connections that could better the treatment of their patients. As previously mentioned, this quality is best proven by positive referrals from other doctors, therapists, and healthcare practitioners.

Meet the chiropractor before you schedule an appointment. A good chiropractor can change the way that you live. A bad chiropractor can make your pain symptoms even worse. Make sure you find one that you can trust them. Be sure you talk with a chiropractor before scheduling treatment.

TIP! The cost and minor inconvenience are worth it to be sure that you receive the best possible care is to have a complete exam performed. Don’t let your chiropractor has studied all your x-rays and any other appropriate tests.

Choosing a good chiropractor isn’t all that difficult, as long as you are willing to do some research and some legwork. Use these tips as a starting point when sizing up your options.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

Easy Steps To Eliminate Your Back Pain

Does a painful moan come out of your mouth often when you get up from a chair?

Back pain can make a serious negative impact on your quality of life if you need to have the right information to handle it. This article provides the information you are doing all you can to treat and manage your back pain.

Find a good mattress to avoid aggravating your back pain.

It is a well known fact that very soft mattresses are bad for backs. While firm mattresses are always better, take care that a mattress is not too firm, as this will cause back pain also. You might have to check out numerous stores and try laying on different mattress sets until you find one that feels like it will help your ideal mattress.

For instance, the greater flexibility offered by yoga can help you to prevent unnecessary muscle strains. If you have to do a lot of heavy lifting, focus on strength training for your core muscles to fortify them.

To determine your back pain’s severity and to avoid worsening the injury, it is a good idea to take it easy for a couple of days after the onset of the pain. If the back pain subsides in a short time, then you can assume the injury was minor. When your pain does not go away or gets significantly worse, you should consult your care provider or a chiropractor to discover the cause and treat it. Resting more than two days is counterproductive because of muscle atrophy, and it may even make the problem worse due to back muscle atrophy.

Lay down and lift your knees at a 90 degree angle to your hips.

This comfortable position will decrease the stress your back. If this position feels uncomfortable to you, try experimenting with different positions to find one that works for you.

Lifting items that are far from you is usually a result of laziness and/or impatience. People attempt to do this daily. You have to ensure you move physically closer to far away objects, and take the time to do things the right way.

The fastest way to accomplish this is to lay down and putting heat to the tense muscles. It will also be a good idea to drink lots of fluids and reduce your sodium intake while you are in pain. This is because dehydration can either cause or worsen muscle spasms.

If you are having back pain, consult your physician for a diagnosis.

There are tons of both prescription and non-prescription medications that help with back pain. It is crucial that you consult a physician before you make any decisions on which medications to take. Sometimes you can get relief from non-prescription medicine, and sometimes it is necessary for other prescribed medications; even treatment with a dose of painkillers.

Back surgery might be a consideration if your doctor in cases of severe back pain. Surgery should only be used as a last resort if all other options have been unsuccessful.

Some back injuries can be so severe that they cause paralysis, but it’s dependent upon how extreme it is and the situation. There are also other back conditions that can only be fixed with surgery.

Make sure that you are sitting up straight.

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Bad posture tends to put unnecessary strain on your spine and spine. If you have to sit for long periods of time for work or other reasons, have a supportive, comfortable chair to sit in. Sitting on an exercise balls can help you improve your posture and keep your back.

Be aware of your posture throughout the day and night.

Your back should be straight, your elbows should be at your sides, with one in front of the other and as you type, keep your elbows by your sides.

Visit your local natural foods or nutrition store to see if they carry good back pain. Different types of stores and specialists will recommend different types of items. Ask someone that is working there what they recommend for back pain.

Smoking can be a cause of back pain. Smoking affects circulation and contributes to the degeneration of your spinal discs by reducing blood flow.

You can easily spread your weight evenly by sleeping on your side to sleep.

If your job requires you to sit for long periods of time, bringing in a foot stool can minimize the amount of back pain you feel over the course of a day. Just raising your feet up at the onset of back pain. The elevation should work to eliminate your pain before it becomes a big problem.

Physical Therapy from a Professional

Physical therapy from a professional can be a very effective method to reduce back pain, although it can be costly if your insurance doesn’t cover it.If your doctor doesn’t have a referral for you, they will at least direct you to the right place. It can be a bit costly, but a medical professional can give you the best care for your back pain.

Although you want to avoid excessive alcohol consumption for your back health, consuming a glass of wine can help give you some back pain relief. Wine will help your muscles relax, but only when moderately consumed. This may be a great way to help you temporarily relieve back when it is hurt.

It is important to have proper lower back support whenever you are seated at the office. If the lumbar region of your back (where it curves) isn’t supported, a lot of back pain can result. Try placing a pillow behind this region for better support.

Include more of the vitamin B12 into your daily diet.

A deficiency in this type of B12 has been known to cause back pain for some people. You can eliminate back pain by eating foods that are high in many vegetables.

As mentioned earlier, being properly informed is essential in managing a serious issue like back pain in an appropriate manner. Use the information laid out here to make informed choices on how to best handle your back pain, or the back pain of someone you love.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

5 Ways Your Chiropractor Can Relieve Pain

People go to chiropractors for a number of reasons, but one of the most predominant reasons is for the relief of pain. Contrary to what you may believe, pain of all types – even headaches and joint discomfort – may resonate from problems in the spinal region. For that reason, chiropractic care can be a great, natural go-to for pain relief, even if you are seeing a medical doctor; especially if your doctor hasn’t been able to ease your pain. As a matter of fact, a recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found that sixty-five percent of all people who receive chiropractic care for pain assert that they experience “a lot” of relief from their treatments. So, just how does chiropractic care work such wonders? Here are five ways your chiropractor can relieve pain:

TIP! Pay attention to the way you sleep; making adjustments can help your sleep position to lessen back problems. Put a pillow underneath your head and shoulders.

Multifaceted approach to wellness. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications. Instead, they advise their patients on diet and nutrition, as well as exercise and fitness, in order to promote a well-balanced approach to the treatment of pain and other health conditions. For example, a chiropractor can tell you which vitamins and supplements will best support the recovery of your specific cause of pain.

A chiropractor can even help you in boosting your body’s immunity. This will boost your physical ability toward off infections.

TIP! Be sure to get out of your bed correctly. This technique will help your spine stay in good shape
chiropractice different than medical doctor

Vertebral alignment. This is the standard treatment you will receive any time you go in for a session to relieve pain. Many types of pain are caused by misaligned vertebrae, as well as swelling caused by illness and injury. When a chiropractor aligns your spinal column, it frees up the space in between your discs, allowing nerves the ability to communicate with the nervous system more effectively so that they stop sending pain signals.

There are many good reasons you may want to visit a chiropractor. If you are experiencing ongoing pain in your back or neck, then you should contact one immediately. Your body will not run correctly if you properly align the skeletal structure.

TIP! Ask the chiropractor you visit if they offer discounts for multiple visits. Chiropractic care addresses the underlying function of the body.  It didn’t go bad overnight and it sometimes takes time to repair.

Deep tissue massage. Chiropractors often offer deep tissue massage as an additional service. This treatment can greatly relieve pain caused by stress, muscle tension, and inflexibility.

TIP! Is your blood pressure elevated? Studies have proven that chiropractic care can help lower blood pressure medications. When this is done, your nerve supply that leads to your heart is then freed and that can help with blood pressure.

Acupuncture. In addition to deep tissue massage, many chiropractors also offer acupuncture as a supplement to their other services. Acupuncture is an ages-old technique used to treat and relieve pain, in addition to a wide array of other health conditions.

Chiropractic care can also improve your immunity. Bones that are not aligned properly can cause problems with the nervous system. Because the nervous system is in control of cell, cell and organ function, if it gets impacted it can make your health go wrong. Fixing any issues can return your immune system back to peak levels.

TIP! Don’t hold your wallet within your back pocket. Many men put a wallet in their back pockets and won’t realize that this can hurt your lower back.
Laser Therapy with Dr. M

Cold laser. This is a relatively new technological development to be used in chiropractic care, and some chiropractors are seeing great results in their patients who seek pain relief from their chiropractic treatments.

Don’t carry your wallet in a back pocket. This can cause lower back. It will put quit a bit of pressure in that area of your back along with the nerves that connect to your reproductive organs, the colon, bladder, and your bladder.

As you can see, a chiropractor does much more than bend, twist, and pop your back into place. Chiropractic care encompasses a variety of treatment techniques, and can effectively treat pain of any type – even pain having nothing to do with the back.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

Chiropractic Care Basics

Chiropractic Care Basics

It’s likely you know at least one or two people who make regular visits to a chiropractor, and it’s also likely these people swear by the benefits of chiropractic care. So, what is chiropractic care all about? And, more importantly, is it right for you? Here are chiropractic care basics to help answer your questions:

Pay attention to the way your sleep position can lessen back problems. Put a pillow so that it is under your head and shoulders. Place a rolled up towel beneath your neck and knees to maintain the natural curve of your body’s main three curves stabilized. You should also have a more comfortable mattress.

TIP! You should not expect one treatment at the chiropractor to solve all your back problems. You may feel a great sense of relief at first, but you can only really heal your problem if you continue to see a chiropractor.

Who gets chiropractic care?

Anyone may go to a chiropractor for treatment, regardless of age, and for a wide variety of reasons. People with back pain often seek the treatment of a chiropractor, but so do people with asthma, headaches, diabetes, allergies, stomach ulcers, and many other common ailments. If you think chiropractic care might be a good solution for you, then it never hurts to schedule a consultation.

Ask your regular physician if they can refer you doctor to recommend a quality chiropractor. Even if you don’t need a referral, your doctor can suggest a good chiropractor.

TIP! Choose a chiropractor that answers your questions.  If you’re not sure who you should trust… ask your friends and family who they see!

What can you expect at the chiropractic office?

Any chiropractic session includes an alignment of the vertebrae. This is where the chiropractor works the muscles around the spinal column, as well as the positioning of your back and joints, in order to correctly align all of your discs, relieving pain and pressure in the process. It is not unusual to experience some soreness after the alignment, which will subside with time. Additionally, many chiropractors offer extra therapeutic services in their office for the treatment of back discomfort and stiffness. These include deep tissue massage and acupuncture.

TIP! You can use a cervical pillow for neck support when sleeping. They let your head drop back instead of normal pillows pushing your head being pushed forward.
pillow

How does chiropractic care work?

When the chiropractor aligns your spine, the goal is to free up ample space in between your vertebrae for optimal nerve conduction. By alleviating the pressure on your spinal cord, often caused by swelling and/or bulging or herniated discs, the nerves are able to communicate effectively with the rest of the nervous system. This can relieve many common health conditions, many of which have nothing to do with the back, itself.

Don’t carry your wallet in your pants’ back pocket. Many men put a wallet in back pockets because they do not know it can harm their lower back. Carry your wallet in a front pocket.

TIP! While your primary care physician knows a lot about your body, their understanding about other therapies can be limited.  Chiropractors have substantial education to determine whether or not chiropractic care will benefit your case. Don’t hesitate to go to the chiropractor first.  They will refer you out to another specialist if and when it’s necessary.

How much does chiropractic treatment cost?

The cost of your treatment will vary depending on what kind of care is required. Any time you are a new patient, you can expect that the doctor will take some extra time with you going through a thorough medical history, as well as an extensive physical examination.

TIP! Don’t sleep directly on the front side or your stomach if you have back problems. This makes it so the spine beyond its natural alignment.

As you can see, there are many reasons to visit a chiropractor, and many benefits to be had from chiropractic care. Consider these chiropractic care basics to determine if seeing a chiropractor is right for you.

Contact Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.

Basics of Chiropractic Adjustments

Basics of Chiropractic Adjustments

The prospect of seeing a chiropractor for the first time can cause some apprehensions, to say the least. However, that is usually only due to unfamiliarity with the functions of a chiropractor and the techniques a chiropractor uses to treat patients. Fortunately, chiropractic care is nothing to be scared of, and it could likely be just what you need to experience relief from your condition. Spinal manipulation, also called chiropractic adjustment, is a mystery to people who have never been to a chiropractor. But, being as how chiropractic adjustment is the cornerstone of chiropractic care, it is important that you understand what it means if you plan on seeing a chiropractor any time soon. Here are the basics of chiropractic adjustments:

More doctors are working in conjunction with alternative providers today. This makes it important that your insurance policy and other forms of alternative care. This can improve your physician’s care even more.

What does chiropractic adjustment involve?

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will manipulate the joints in your spine, forcing them through their natural range of motion, until they “fall” into their natural position, called “alignment.” The release of pressure is the goal of spinal manipulation, and is what makes that popping sound once the goal is achieved.

Pay attention to the way you sleep position to lessen back problems. Put a pillow under the head and also your shoulders. Place rolled-up towels under the neck and knees to keep your body’s curves. You should also want to sleep on a mattress that is comfortable.

What techniques are used during chiropractic adjustments?

Chiropractic adjustment involves a series of manual manipulations, most of which are used to apply pressure to areas around the spine where the vertebrae are out of place. Different chiropractors use different methods to accomplish this. Some use a soft, gentle touch, while others prefer using sporadic pressure and sudden movements to achieve the desired relocation. Before you choose a chiropractor, it is imperative that you ask about the techniques that will be used during the adjustment and pick a practitioner whose treatment style matches your preferences.

Be sure to get out of your bed the morning. Getting out of bed in this way can decrease your chances of sustaining a spinal injury happening.

How does chiropractic adjustment work?

Once the joints in the spinal column have been properly adjusted, the vertebral discs should be aligned in a way that provides for optimal space in between them. There are large nerves in disc joints, and when the joints are cramped (often due to swelling and/or bulging or herniated discs), those nerves are compressed. Compressed nerves become irritated and cannot communicate with the nervous system the way they need to, resulting in pain and discomfort. By aligning the discs through chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor lessons the pressure on the spinal cord nerves, in turn alleviating a variety of symptoms and health conditions.

You shouldn’t be expecting a single chiropractor to solve your pain problem. You may feel better, but true healing occurs over time. Stick to whatever regiment your chiropractor recommends. If you fail to do this, you can end up disappointed.

As you can see, there is a lot more to spinal adjustment than a few simple twists and turns of the back. Chiropractic care is a specialized field that makes use of its very own techniques. Chances are your health could benefit from these techniques in more ways than one.

Call 716-965-4343 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mierzwa today!

5 Chiropractic Care Treatment Techniques

5 Chiropractic Care Treatment Techniques

Many people think that chiropractors do not do much more than twist and tweak a patient’s back, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Chiropractors are trained to provide patients with a multifaceted rounded approach to health management, and to apply well rounded care from a variety of angles. If you are interested in chiropractic care and wonder what it might be like, then read on for five common chiropractic care treatment techniques:

A chiropractor can even help you in boosting your immune system! This increases your body’s ability to ward off infection.

Spinal manipulation. This is the hallmark of chiropractic care; some chiropractors even opt to provide spinal manipulation as their sole treatment. The process of spinal manipulation may sound scary, but it really is not so bad, and can actually be a pleasant experience. To accomplish the best possible alignment of the spinal column in order to free up available space in between the discs, chiropractors work with the spine using a combination of manual techniques. The result is that nerves in between the discs are less cramped, and can therefore communicate with the nervous system more effectively. Any session you have with a chiropractor will involve some form of spinal manipulation.

You should not expect one treatment at the chiropractor to solve your back problems. You might feel a bit of initial relief, but you can only really heal your problem if you continue to see a chiropractor. Stick to whatever regiment your chiropractor suggests. If you fail to do this, you will not experience proper healing.

Deep tissue massage. Many chiropractors offer deep tissue massage to loosen tight tendons, ease tense muscles, and work out pain-inducing lumps in your muscles.

There are a lot of good reasons you should visit a chiropractor. If you have back or neck pain, it is very important that you pay a visit to a chiropractor to get checked out. Your body will work better when your back is correctly aligned.

Acupuncture. This form of “alternative” medicine involves inserting narrow needles into certain parts of the body – called acupuncture points – in order to treat a number of common health conditions ranging from pain to nausea. Although it sounds painful, acupuncture needles only sit in the outer layer of the epidermis, and patients report little to no pain at all.

Ask your chiropractor if the chiropractic office to see of they offer discounts for frequency discounts. Chiropractic care often means many visits for treatment. You might need to visit them multiple times every week for several months. The cost really can add up. The office may be able to give you a discount for multiple visits to make treatment much more affordable.

Fitness and nutrition. Because chiropractic philosophy involves a holistic, total body approach to healing, chiropractors are trained to advise patients on dietary habits, as well as provide recommendations for nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins. Chiropractors can also formulate an exercise or physical activity routine that can strengthen the muscles that need strengthening in order to help your body heal faster and prevent future injuries.

Choose the chiropractor you intend to see one. Make sure you’re doing research prior to choosing a chiropractor.

Traction. A chiropractor may use this method of hanging you upside-down on a specialized traction machine for a specified period of in order to naturally loosen your spine and relieve pressure in between the joints of your spinal column.

Check out the background of any chiropractor before scheduling an appointment with them. Though most chiropractors really care about your health, some of them may try to address conditions beyond their scope of knowledge. Check on the internet for reviews and obtain references from medical professionals if possible.

As you can see, going into the chiropractic office entails much more than lying on a table and receiving a back adjustment. Your chiropractor will put a lot of thought will go into your treatment plan, and you can expect to receive care in a variety of ways.

See more of Dr. Mierzwa’s Testimonials HERE.

3 Ways a Chiropractor is Different than a Medical Doctor

3 Ways a Chiropractor is Different than a Medical Doctor

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If you have a lot of experience as a patient of a Chiropractor, having been treated by an array of doctors and specialists, then you are probably well aware of the various letter combinations that sit behind any given doctor’s name. The most widely recognized designation of this type is “MD,” which stands for “Medical Doctor.” However, if you have back problems or any number of other common health conditions, you may decide to visit a “DC,” or “Doctor of Chiropractic.” So, what do those two letters mean? And why can’t your MD do what a chiropractor does? For your information, here are three ways a chiropractor is different than a medical doctor:

Don’t expect miracles after one visit to the chiropractor. You may feel a great sense of relief at first, but you need to realize that true healing can only happen with ongoing care. If a regimen is recommended by the chiropractor, you need to adhere to his/her instructions. Otherwise, the relief you FEEL will be short term. The chiropractor’s main goal is not to eliminate symptoms.  While your symptoms will likely improve, the main goal is to ensure that your nervous, circulatory & immune systems are all functioning optimally.  Your chiropractor does that by adjusting your spine.

Education.

Doctor of Chiropractic   *Palmer College of Chiropractic                                      Medical Doctor  *Johns Hopkins

Anatomy                                       520 hours                                                                                          508 hours

Physiology                                    520 hours                                                                                          256 hours

Pathology                                      195 hours                                                                                          401 hours

Chemistry                                     325 hours                                                                                         200 hours

Microbiology                                130 hours                                                                                          114 hours

Diagnosis                                     520 hours                                                                                          224 hours

Neurology                                    130 hours                                                                                           112 hours

X-Ray                                            292 hours                                                                                           48 hours

Psychiatry                                       65 hours                                                                                          144 hours

Obstetrics/Gynecology                 65 hours                                                                                          198 hours

Total:                                             2762 hours                                                                                      1697 hours

The biggest difference is that in chiropractic we’re focusing on the functioning of the body and its neurology.  In medicine they focus on symptom management, primarily through pharmacology.

There are many excellent reasons for seeing a chiropractor. If you suffer from back or neck pain, you should consult a chiropractor. Even if you aren’t having any problems yet, keeping your spine properly aligned can prevent trouble from even starting. Making sure your skeletal system is in good alignment keeps you much healthier.

Licensing.

Chiropractors are required to obtain a license with their State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Medical doctors must pass an examination given by the United States Medical Licensing Board. Both must fulfill requirements for continuing education in order to maintain their licenses in good standing.

Choose your doctor wisely.

Treatment options and methods: Chiropractors primarily deal with the functioning of your neuro-musculoskeletal (nerve, muscle, bone) system while medical doctors usually prescribe medications to manage symptoms.  While medications are a valuable tool to manage a condition in a crisis, one must look to the overall functioning of the body in order to obtain maximum health.  The benefit of using medication is that the result will be predictable and swift.  Chiropractors use a non-invasive approach to treatment that involves manual manipulation of the spinal column to eliminate any interference to the functioning of the central nervous, immune and circulatory system. A chiropractor will also council you on the various lifestyle changes that would be beneficial for you. Let’s use a burning fire as a comparison.  When the house is on fire you need the firemen to put the fire out.  In medicine, this might be that you have high blood pressure and they need to prescribe medication (spray the water) to bring your blood pressure down to a safe range. If we carry on with the analogy… the medical doctor may prescribe a medication and tell a patient “You’ll be on this for the rest of your life.” That’s like the fire department saying “We’re going to stay here & continue to spray water so the fire doesn’t start again.” Yes, that will work but is it practical?

Chiropractors, as a rule, will work with you to change your lifestyle choices that have gotten you into the predicament in the first place.  Medical doctors know that patients need to improve their diets and exercise too… but when patients see them they often time ask for the “quick fix” which is “Doc, please give me some medication so I can go on with my life.” The medical doctor knows it doesn’t solve the issue but they cannot go home with the patient and force them to improve their lifestyle.  Ultimately, the majority of any patient’s health issue lies in the choices they make every day; from what they eat or drink, whether or not they exercise, have a healthy stress management protocol in place or are able to sleep at night!  As the patient, you have the choice to decide who is on your health management team.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Mierzwa today at 716-965-4343.