Drs. Kabler and Armstrong have years of training and experience in spinal adjustments. Besides manual manipulations to correct subluxations and realign the spine, we may also prescribe strengthening exercises, nutritional counseling, and advise on lifestyle changes to help restore you to optimal health. Finally, we offer state-of-the-art technologies to provide our patients with the very best in neuro-musculoskeletal care. Never in the history of chiropractic have we been able to provide the level of help and expertise that now exists.
Spinal Decompression
Back pain is epidemic in our country, affecting more than 21 million Americans. One common cause of back pain is age. Bone strength and muscle elasticity decrease as we grow older. The discs in our spine lose fluid and flexibility, decreasing their ability to cushion the vertebrae. Injuries also result in significant back pain for millions of Americans. Herniated or bulging discs, which press on the delicate nerves in the spine, are a major cause of lower-back pain.
A herniated disc pushes outside its normal location between vertebrae and puts pressure on sensitive nerve roots, which causes severe pain. Other symptoms of disc herniation include numbness and a burning sensation in the lower back.
In the past, conventional treatment for back pain centered on medication, physical therapy, and surgery and too often these approaches offered little long-term relief. Now there’s a new option for those in suffering chronic back pain: spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression does far more than provide temporary relief from pain. In many cases, it can produce long-term pain relief and healing because it actually corrects the problem of a herniated discs.
Spinal decompression works by applying a gentle force at the correct angles through the use of a specially-designed treatment machine. Patients lie face up on the treatment table and a computerized system applies gentle pressure that manipulates the vertebrae in the affected area to stretch and relax the spine. The gentle stretching relieves pressure on the discs and forms a vacuum that creates a negative pressure that draws herniated material back into the disc, much the same way that toothpaste is sucked back into the tube once you stop squeezing it. This takes pressure off the sensitive nerves that surround the spine and allows the disc to heal.
Many people report immediate relief of symptoms and have been able to avoid painful back surgery as a result. One study published in Orthopedic Technology Review found that of 219 patients in the study, 86% reported “immediate resolution of symptoms” after completing decompression therapy.
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Surface Electromyography (sEMG)
Surface Electromyography unit (sEMG) is another state-of-the-art technology which helps detect spinal misalignments. This instrument measures muscle tension and activity around the spine, much the same way an EKG measures heart muscle activity. When the spine is out of alignment, surrounding muscles are forced to “brace” and tense up in an attempt to help support the area around the misalignments. Electrodes are placed on the surface of the skin overlying the spinal muscles, and these electrodes measure the amount of electricity the muscles produce and can help the doctor diagnose problem areas.
Free Screenings Available
We always welcome any opportunity to help promote good spinal health. Our sEMG unit is portable, and Dr. Armstrong is available to provide free spinal screenings for your organization, club, or business. We invite you to call or stop by for more information.
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Physiotherapies
To complement and enhance the healing effects, Reflection Ridge Chiropractic also provides the following physiological therapeutic procedures:
Electro-Muscle Stimulation
Electro-Muscle Stimulation is a special form of electrical current administered at the site of soft tissue injuries, such as muscle injuries, to block pain and reduce swelling. Low level electrical current is induced into the tissues. At first, you will feel a slight tingling sensation. The intensity of the treatment may be raised during the 10 to 20 minute course of treatment. Electro-Muscle Stimulation reduces the sensation of pain, decreases swelling, promotes muscle tone and helps to speed the healing process. Electro-Muscle Stimulation has been used as an effective form of pain relief. It is recommended in cases in which pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Many painful symptoms can be relieved with the application of Electro-Muscle Stimulation.
Ultrasound
Ultrasonography is the use of high frequency sounds to speed healing of joints, musclea or tendons. Ultrasoound has two distinct benefits. In one application, the use of ultrasound induces hyperemia, or increased blood flow, as tissue is heated to 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. The thermal affects from the energy produced by the sound waves speeds healing and reduces inflammation. The second common application of therapeutic ultrasonography is a cavitational effect that results from the vibrating of tissue. The vibration seems to stimulate cell membranes which encourages repairing effects of cells in inflamed areas.
Superficial Heat
Heating pads, hot packs, hot water bottles, infrared lamps and warm moist towels are frequently used to raise the temperature of the soft tissues directly below the skin. When heat is applied to the surface of the skin, the blood vessels below the surface dilate and relax the tissues. This temporarily relieves painful symptoms, increases circulation, reduces joint stiffness, and relaxes muscles. This can be helpful before and after treatments. Heat is generally recommended to relax tissues that are spasming and to relieve symptoms associated with chronic pain and muscle tightness. It is an easy way to promote circulation, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, reduce joint stiffness, and relax muscles. Using heat to calm tissues suffering from long term spasm or irritation is an easy way to increase flexibility, range of motion, and promote increased circulation to speed the healing process. While heat therapy is widely available and inexpensive, you should always consult your doctor before self-administration of any therapy.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is the application of ice, cold towels, ice massage or compresses with the intent of reducing temperatures of tissues directly on or below the skin’s surface. Cooling causes the blood vessels to constrict, numbs painful areas, and helps to relax muscle spasms. It also reduces nerve transmission of painful symptoms and provides temporary relief. It is frequently used to manage acute injuries and recent eruptions of chronic conditions. During the initial stages of an injury, cryotherapy should be applied several times a day.
Sports Physicals
All student athletes must complete a sports physical prior to their participation in organized athletics. Drs. Kabler and Armstrong are licensed to perform sports physicals. The purpose of the sports physical is not only to determine the general health of the athlete, but also to screen athletes for conditions that may predispose the athlete to injury to themselves or fellow athletes. Because we desire to discuss specific at-risk health concerns, we require that parents accompany athletes.
