Dr. Gus Tsamoutalidis, D.C., CSCS

HOW DO YOU GET SPINAL MISALIGNMENTS/SUBLUXATIONS?

There are 3 basic causes/stresses of subluxations: PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, and EMOTIONAL stresses.

Examples of PHYSICAL stresses include slips and falls, accidents, the birth process, repetitive motions, poor posture and improper lifting. This type of stress is the most commonly associated with chiropractic, but in reality is the least common cause of subluxations.

Examples of EMOTIONAL stresses include worry, grief, anger, and fear. These are by far, the MOST common causes of subluxations. 

Examples of CHEMICAL stresses include alcohol, drugs, pollution, smoking, and poor diet. These are the second most common cause of subluxations. Usually it is a combination of all three stresses that cause subluxations. As you can see, the list is endless and these causes occur throughout life.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A SUBLUXATION?

Unfortunately, most of the time you don't. It is true that some vertebral subluxations may be accompanied by pain and/or muscle spasms, but in most cases, subluxations are present without any obvious symptoms. The only way to be absolutely sure is to have your spine checked by the trained hands of a chiropractor. Like early stages of cancer, heart disease, and tooth decay, subluxations can be present before any warning signs. Only a thorough spinal analysis can show the location and severity of any subluxations you may have.

HOW DOES A CHIROPRACTOR CORRECT SUBLUXATIONS?

To be absolutely accurate, we must point out that the chiropractor does not really correct the vertebral subluxations. The body has its own spinal muscles to do that. Where there are muscle fibers working to correct a vertebral subluxation, we apply a very gentle and specific force in the direction indicated so that your body may adapt accordingly. If after this application of force your body is no longer working for change, our job is completed. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table, or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

ARE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS SAFE?

Yes. A New Zealand government study (and many others) has found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." A thorough spinal analysis can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might need to be modified or not might not be suited. Many hours of training and years of perfecting our art has made chiropractic probably the safest form of health care ever. If you have any doubts, compare the statistics and check malpractice fees for chiropractors vs. other medical specialties. Adjustments are hundreds times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.  The only side effect from an adjustment is BETTER HEALTH!

WHAT MAKES A SOUND DURING AN ADJUSTMENT?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joints shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. In other words, you can be adjusted without producing the sound or you can produce the sound without being properly adjusted. 

CAN I ADJUST MYSELF?

No. Some people can make their joint "pop", but that's not an adjustment! In many instances they are moving hypermobile joints (joints that move too much to make up for the "stuck" joints). By doing so, they give the stuck joints no incentive to become unstuck. Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

DOES MY MATTRESS OR HOW I SLEEP HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY ADJUSTMENTS?

Everyone has slept on a bad mattress, couch, or chair and awoken stiff and sore. Logically a good mattress should help support your spine and help you hold your adjustments longer. Sleeping on your stomach jams your spinal joints together and in many people will cause or aggravate pain. Many people report that sleeping on their side or on their back helps them when they are feeling discomfort. Ideally you want to keep your spine in a straight line when on your side. You do not want pillows that are too high or too flat. Experiment and see what works best for you.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE NEED MORE FREQUENT ADJUSTMENTS THAN OTHERS?

Everyone is under different stresses and everyone's ability to handle stress is different. Our bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc. are different and respond differently to stresses. We all have different genetic predispositions to subluxations, which we have inherited from our parents and grandparents. We do different things to promote or damage our health. Taking all that into consideration it is easy to see how some may need more frequent care than others. As you progress with care, your chiropractor and you will both determine what frequency of care is best for you based on your subluxation patterns.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET ADJUSTED IF I FEEL FINE?

For optimal health, you need regular care just like brushing your teeth, working out, and eating right to be at your best! 

The question you have to ask yourself is, "How much nervous system interference/malfunction from subluxations is acceptable?" For me - NONE!  I believe getting adjusted is the single most powerful thing someone can do for their overall health.

SO WHAT'S NEXT?

That is really up to you. If you are really serious about being the best that you can be physically, mentally and emotionally, then you need to add chiropractic to your life. A chiropractic spinal exam is easy and painless. If you have a vertebral subluxation, the correction of it is also easy, and takes just a few minutes.

If you aren't satisfied with your current level of performance or if you think you see room for improvement in your life, then you owe it to yourself to have your spine checked and see what life is really like when you're running on all cylinders!

Potential is something we've all been blessed with. Whether or not you fully express it is entirely up to you!

CHANGE YOUR THINKING...CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

Still have questions? Please contact me anytime on my contact us page! I look forward to hearing from you.