Good Posture Equals Good Health

One of the best ways to reduce physical stress in your life, is to improve posture.  Seems that all of those times our mothers told us to sit up straight really was for our own good!

Posture is the window to the spine and the foundation of the body. We all know the importance of building a solid, balanced bridge.  If one of the support beams is built too short, it puts more tension on different cables and can make for a very un-safe bridge.  The same is true for your body and skeleton.

If your posture is out of alignment, the spine is out of balance, which puts stress on your nervous system. When stress is placed on the nervous system, all other systems of the body feel the affects and are placed under more stress, too.  It is a fact that your posture effects your overall health.

Optimal posture is a vital key to achieving optimal health. Early detection and elimination of subluxations will lead to a healthy nervous system at any stage of life.  However, it is important for you to have an active role in your spinal health and overall wellness.

Proper Spinal Posture

From a rear view, your spine should be perfectly straight with each of the 24 spinal bones (called vertebrae) stacked exactly on top of one another.

Looking at the spine from the side you should see three curves. These spinal curves are extremely important to maintain so that the spine can absorb the stresses of everyday life properly and protect the delicate spinal cord, which sends information from your brain to every part of your body.

If you will notice, the curve in the neck almost makes a “C” shape. Keeping the head raised and evenly placed between your shoulders is extremely important in keeping this “C” shape. As posture declines, so does the curvatures of the spine. This results in a significant reduction of blood flow to the brain and places unnecessary stress on certain muscles and joints – wearing them down more quickly. This lays the foundation for degeneration and arthritis in the future.

The mid-back has the opposite curvature. Notice that there is a slight curve, but the head is still positioned over the middle part of the back as well. Often, poor posture at a workstation, sitting on a couch or La-Z-Boy, and even low confidence can begin to increase this curvature and brings the head forward. This places tremendous stress on the spine and muscles. Try holding an 8-lb bowling ball with your wrist flexed forward rather than in a straight line – it’s nearly impossible. The average human head weighs 8-lbs and the spine is responsible for holding it on straight!

The lower back has the same curve as the neck – the “C” shape. This is also a common area for problems and pain because of poor lifestyle habits and posture. Specifically, women tend to have more low back pain because of high heeled shoes that forces this curve in the low back to increase. This places a great deal of stress on the joints and discs of the spine and can cause disc problems if uncorrected. Also, men and women with a little extra weight in the tummy have more back problems than normal. This is because the extra weight in the front, pulls the spine forward and increases this curve again. In some case, more is better – in this case – it definitely is not!

Poor posture can cause the spine to become constantly mis-aligned. Constant subluxations, or mis-alignments, can cause early degeneration and decay, scoliosis, and unnecessary pain. Chiropractic adjustments can restore balance and proper alignment to your spine – but it is your job to work on reducing subluxations out of our office by improving your posture. This is a free, easy fix that will be a very important part of achieving a healthier wellness lifestyle!

If your spine is out of alignment, this can result in early degeneration and decay and subluxations.  Chiropractic adjustments can restore balance and proper alignment to your spine.

People who are under regular chiropractic care are among the healthiest people in the world, enjoying far less hospitalizations and medications. Chiropractic treatment is one of the best ways to get well and stay well for life.

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Proper posture while you are standing, walking, sitting, and sleeping is extremely important in your health and aging process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Know Your Spine

The human spine has 3 primary functions:

1. Support the body
2. Protect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
3. Movement of the trunk

We take our spinal columns for granted because we do not understand the importance of a fully functioning spine. Common belief is that everything is functioning as it should until pain occurs. In this instance, your spine and teeth are alike. It is accepted that brushing your teeth and having regular check-ups with the dentist is important to maintain proper hygiene of the mouth. If you neglect your teeth, cavities can occur. Cavities are not “painful” but they are not considered healthy and normal. If the cavities are ignored, pain can occur. This is usually a sign that the nerve is damaged and immediate care is needed.

The same is true for your spine. It is important to practice “spinal hygiene,” with regular check-ups and adjustments from a chiropractor to prevent problems. After pain occurs, the nerve becomes involved and more serious intervention may be needed. So PLEASE, make an appointment with our office for you and your family for a spinal check-up.

When your spine is not able to perform its three primary functions, problems can occur with the rest of your body. Like a fast-moving highway, your brain communicates with all the tissues of your body. The destination can be muscles, organs, or glands. When there is a “traffic jam” in your nervous system, the signals may not reach these tissues.

If you are experiencing pain in any area of your body, you should have it checked by a specialist. Below is an easy-to-follow chart linking your spinal column to other areas of your body. Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to have us check your spinal health!

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Your spinal column or “backbone” is made up of 24 vertebrae:

• 7 in your neck (CERVICAL SPINE)
• 12 in your midback (THORACIC SPINE)
• 5 in your low back (LUMBAR SPINE)

Your spinal cord is made up of billions of nerves. It is incredibly delicate, which is why it lies within the spinal column, protected on all sides by bone.

Nerves extend from the spinal cord through openings between your vertebrae and connect to your internal organs, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and other body parts. This connection is vital to your well-being.

INTERESTED IN A 3-D DEMONSTRATION OF HOW YOUR BODY WORKS? CLICK HERE.

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The Atlas Vertebra

IS YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT?

Play the animation of the atlas vertebra segment (1:05)	Many years of clinical research points to the fact that most of the problem associated with spinal misalignment and its consequences can be associated with the atlas vertebra, the top cervical bone in the neck.This single bone can effect the alignment of the entire spine. The spine is like a chain—when the first link is twisted and turned, each link down to the last turns—thereby disrupting the rest of the chain.Consider the atlas the first and therefore the most important link in that chain. The human body is balanced when the head is positioned in the center of the feet. When the atlas is misaligned it causes the head to tilt. The spine then shifts to support the weight of the head, thereby creating biomechanical and postural stresses and strains. When the atlas bone is properly aligned, that is in the neutral position, the rest of the spinal vertebra come into better alignment allowing the body to heal itself. The delicate and complex connections of the nervous system allow communication between the systems of the body. .
Play the animation of the misaligned Atlas (1:35)	The atlas vertebra weighs a mere two ounces and the human head weighs 9 to 17 pounds. The name ATLAS came from the comparison of the Greek mythology figure, Atlas, who carried the world on his shoulders. The atlas is located directly under the head, connecting the head to the rest of the spine.The atlas supports the weight of the head most efficiently in the orthogonal, or neutral position.Trauma in one form or another is the primary cause of misalignment. When the atlas vertebra is subjected to stresses and strains, it may be pushed out of proper alignment.Trauma may include the birthing process, car accidents (no matter how minor and regardless of immediate symptoms), slips and falls, blows to the head, or sports related injuries. Repetitive micro traumas, such as bad sleeping habits, poor posture, incorrect lifting and carrying can also cause misalignment. .
Play animation showing disruption of the normal function of the nervous system (1:09)	Once the atlas is moved out of the neutral position the body will compensate to maintain its center of gravity. It does this by keeping the head directly over the center of the feet. To maintain this level position of the head, the rest of the spine is thrown out of alignment. The body alters its structure in such a way that the muscles contract to cause one leg to appear shorter.In most cases one leg is not actually shorter than the other, but is drawn short due to the body’s compensation for the displaced atlas. The resulting misalignment may cause nerve pressure and inflammation causing a disruption of the normal functioning of the nervous system. This one dysfunction may play a role in a multitude of symptoms and pain in different areas of the body. Besides directly impacting the neck, we can see other effects such as decreased curves in the neck, scoliosis, and changes in the alignment in the shoulders and pelvis. These changes in the alignment affect the structural integrity of the skeletal system AND proper function of the nervous system. When either system is compromised, a host of other problems can occur ranging from headaches and neck pain to behavioral problems and learning difficulties or even poor digestion. .

Insight Millenium Subluxation Station

The OWC is a proud provider of the state-of-the-art Insight Millenium Subluxation Station. The technology was created assist chiropractors In evaluating the function of the nervous system. This cutting edge computerized technology has been certified by the Space Foundation and is used by NASA. This technology is also used on many professional sports teams, such as the Indianapolis Colts (Superbowl 2007 Champions!), the Baltimore Ravens, the Detroit Lions, the San Diego Padres, and the Houston Rockets … just to name a few.

Insight Millenium in the news!

What are the scans like?

Like no other test you have ever done before. All five portions of the scan typically take about 30 minutes. The scans are completely safe, non-invasive and painless. Since they only read what is coming out of the body, the Insight does not generate any radiation or electricity into the body.

The video below gives you a brief explanation about all of the scanning technologies and how they are performed.

What will the scans show?

NERVOUS SYSTEM INTERFERENCE

The scans will show areas where there is nervous system interference. Since humans are all unique and different, symptoms will vary making it hard for physicians to determine the CAUSE of your symptoms. This helps focus chiropractic treatment on where your specific problems are coming from. These scans also assist the chiropractor in locating areas where < a href=”http://www.wecreatewellness.com/services/chiropractic/subluxations/” target=”_self”>subluxations may be occurring.

PROGRESS MADE DURING TREATMENT

With these scans, we are able to track your changes and response to treatment. It is very important to us to relieve your symptoms of pain. However, only 10% of your entire nervous system is responsible for pain signals. When the pain goes away and that 10% has improved, the scans allow us to see if the underlying problems still remain.

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YOUR WELLNESS QUOTIENT

Most people know their IQ, but do you know your WQ? The Insight scans give you a “grade” on a 100 point scale on where your nervous system and health status is. Curious what your NeuroSpinal Functional Index is?

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Subluxation Degeneration

This is a representation of one type of subluxation. A subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves.

When a subluxation occurs it causes nerve interference in some portion of the body affected by those nerves. The subluxation causes changes to the structures around it. Subluxations are corrected through precise chiropractic adjustments. If subluxations are left uncorrected, tissue changes will get progressively worse over time. These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as “subluxation degeneration” and arthritis. By understanding the type and amount of changes, it is possible to reasonably estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in understanding the time and effort needed for correction through chiropractic care.

Near Normal Spine

Phase One Subluxation Degeneration

Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration

Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration

Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration

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Near Normal

This is a side x-ray view of the neck. As with all the pictures you will see on this page, the patient is looking to the right of the screen, so you are viewing the right side of their neck. Compare this “near normal” spine with the ones you will see below. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. This curve helps absorb shock. Between each of the vertebrae are discs. Notice how each of the disc spaces are thick and even (represented by the black space between each bone). This is normal. Also notice how the front portions of each of the vertebrae (right side of the xray) are fairly square with clear and well defined borders. This type of arrangement is normal in the neck. Normal vertebrae in other parts of the spine also have similar characteristics to what we see here. When subluxations occur and are left uncorrected, ongoing changes occur that result in damage to the structure and function of the spine and body.

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Phase One Subluxation Degeneration

Phase one is normally seen in uncorrected subluxations present for up to 20 years. It is usually seen as the misalignment and malfunction of the spine. Normal spinal motion, curves, and disc spacing are altered. Because the body is so adaptable, this early phase can exist without the warning of pain or other symptoms. If left uncorrected, the degeneration continues.

• loss of normal spine curve
• disc, joint, muscle, and some nerve damage
• posture is distorted
• less energy
• height may diminish

The response to chiropractic care is generally good and can take from 6 to 18 months. More than 80% of these people have no pain. If left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress into the next phase.

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Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration

Phase two is normally seen in uncorrected subluxations present for 20 to 40 years. It is recognized on X-ray views of the spine by visible bone spurs and rough edges of the vertebrae. Soft tissues, such as discs and ligaments degenerate from the lack of normal joint movement. Again, pain or other symptoms may not be present. Some people complain of being stiff and achy .

• increasing decay, disc narrowing, and bone deformation
• spinal canal narrowing (Stenosis) may occur
• aches and pains are more common
• fatigue
• reduced ability to cope with stress
• height decrease continues

Chiropractic care for patients in phase two typically offers significant improvement and ranges from 1.5 years to 2.5 years. Again, if Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.

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Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration

Phase Three is caused by subluxations that have been continuing on for 40 to 65 years. A lifetime of neglect can lead to a number of serious problems.

• greater posture imbalance
• increased nerve damage
• permanent scar tissue
• advanced bone deformation
• beginnings of physical and/or mental weakness/disability
• loss of energy and height loss also occur

Chiropractic reconstructive care for patients in phase three ranges from 2.5 years to 3.5 years. This does not mean that at the end of this time that any or all of the calcium changes will be gone. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium, leaving room for only functional improvements.

As before, if Phase Three Degeneration is left uncorrected, it advances onward.

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Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration

Phase four is seen with subluxations that have been raging on uncorrected or altered for over 65 years. Phase four will negatively affect the patients longevity and quality of life. This degree of damage is often irreversible. Chiropractic care can improve the quality of life remaining.

• degeneration of the cartilage and bone
• massive amount of neurological damage
• bone fusion, constant pain, and discomfort
• permanent loss of height
• inability to turn, bend and twist
• physical and mental weakness and disability are evident

Patients in Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope.

Many patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.

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It should be noted that the above are common guidelines and not hard rules. Every person is dynamic and different. People degenerate at different rates and heal at different rates. The further along your spine may be with subluxation degeneration the more strenuous and time consuming your road to improvement will be. For this reason we always stress early care to stop and prevent the advancement of subluxation degeneration. Of course, if you are not currently under chiropractic care, the best time to start is NOW!

Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments are the most essential part of your care.

It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure that is applied to joints to correct subluxations and restore proper motion and position. Spinal joints that aren’t moving right can choke or irritate nearby nerves. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing interference in the nervous system.

Chiropractic adjustments are a very precise procedure that highly skilled chiropractors learn and perfect over years of training at chiropractic college and in clinical practice. You should never try to be your own doctor and adjust yourself! Self-adjusting can be very harmful to your spine and and body. Leave it to the experts!

Are adjustments safe?

Yes! Records form insurance and court cases have constantly shown that chiropractic is the safest portal of entry health care available to the public today.

It is important to remember that every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic stands on its record of safety and effectiveness that is unmatched in healthcare. Adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And they work!

To learn more about the safety record of chiropractic please visit the website www.chiropracticissafe.org

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Do adjustments hurt?

Most patients report relief and ease with adjustments. It is common to experience some mild soreness following your first couple of adjustments. This is a natural process your body goes through while adjusting to the proper positions. This is similar to the soreness you might feel when working out after a long break from the gym. Muscles, joints, and nerves must get used to this new, correct position.

Most patients enjoy getting adjusted once they become familiar with this healthy lifestyle choice. After all, if adjustments weren’t pleasant, our patients wouldn’t return for the multiple visits needed to retrain their spine!

When weighing the decision about adjustments, consider this: Would you rather experience minor discomfort for a day or two now to prevent the possibility of experience severe pain down the road from the degeneration that will result from uncorrected subluxations?

Who can get adjusted?

Everyone! Newborns, infants, children, pregnant women, athletic men, seniors, and even back surgery patients can get adjusted. Naturally, adjustments are tailored to your size, age and particular health issue. The OWC offers a wide variety of different techniques. Finding a technique that is right for you and your child will always be discussed with Dr Lauren.

Find out for yourself by scheduling a no-obligation consultation to discuss your problem.

Why should expecting moms get adjusted?

Pregnancy may be one of the best times to receive chiropractic care! While it’s always good to have an optimally functioning nervous system, it’s especially helpful now. Both mother and baby can benefit. Adjusting methods are adapted to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care. Some report shorter and easier births.

Why would a newborn get adjusted?

Many babies receive their first subluxations during pregnancy and the birthing process. Modern medical procedures such as the Cesarean section, the use of forceps, and induced deliveries put unnatural strains on the infant’s delicate body. Frequently, doctors still hold the baby upside down from the feet. Throughout the ordeal, the tiny spine is twisted, tugged and stretched. The frequent result: subluxations.

People who understand the importance of spinal checkups and care bring their children into the chiropractor’s office when they are tiny infants.

Will adjustments hurt my baby?

ABSOLUTELY NOT. Your child getting adjusted is no more harmful than a regular check-up at the pediatrician.

Infants and children do not receive the same adjustments as adults. Adjusting techniques are modified for each person’s size and unique spinal problem. Plus, an infant’s spine does not have the long-standing muscle tightness seen in adults. This makes the energy needed to adjust a child’s spine considerably less than an adult’s does. The pressure used to adjust an infant is about the same pressure used to test the ripeness of a tomato. Very gentle.

Will my insurance and MD approve?

First, you do not need anyone’s approval to seek a chiropractic opinion about health issues affecting you or your child! The judgment of another health care expert is always helpful in the decision-making process. Medical practitioners keeping up with the latest pediatric chiropractic research are starting to understand the value of this natural, drug-free approach to better health. It is very common for up-to-date physicians and chiropractors to work together in helping you achieve your highest level of health!

Most insurance companies DO reimburse for chiropractic care. Like all medical procedures, it is best to contact your insurance carrier to verify your chiropractic coverage.

Keep in mind that many insurance do not cover wellness services. Just as your insurance does not pay for your gym membership or organic food, often times they will not pay for the amount of care that is needed to keep you healthy. Some investment out of pocket may be necessary, but very worthwhile.

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Techniques

Dr Lauren is proficient in many techniques and can help find the best technique for you. Some people prefer the traditional manual adjustments where you might hear audible “pops.” This is simply gas being released from joints that have excess pressure built up. These adjustment are completely safe (even for your neck!). Other people enjoy the low-force adjustments delivered by instruments like an Activator or Arthrostim. Optimal Wellness Chiropractic offers a wide variety of treatment options that are sure to fit the desires of most patients. Below you will find a brief description of these techniques. Please contact us if you would like more information!

Applied Kinesiology

Arthrostim

Cox Flexion Distraction

Diversified

Logan Basic

Sacro-Occipital Technique

Thompson

Webster Technique

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing with other standard methods of diagnosis. Dr Lauren finds a muscle that is unbalanced and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. She then works out the treatment that will best balance your muscles. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counselling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

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Arthrostim

The Arthrostim instrument works with the natural feedback cycle of the nervous system. It delivers a rapid series of controlled thrusts. These thrusts create nervous system stimulation to the brain which can help reset dysfunctional muscular and skeletal patterns. Dr Lauren use this instrument to mobilize joints of the spine and extremities and for acute muscular spasms as a way to increase muscular metabolism to release muscular contraction. Since this technique utilizes an instrument to deliver the adjustments, no cracks or pops are typically heard. This is the perfect technique for those that prefer to not be “cracked.”

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Cox Flexion Distraction

Cox is a gentle, non-surgical, hands-on chiropractic procedure that focuses on one vertebral motion segment at a time. Using a specialized table, Dr Lauren delivers a “stretch” into the low back and hips. During this highly specific treatment, motion is gently put back into the spinal joints and discs which greatly reduces pressure on the nerves, discs, and joints, therefore reducing pain significantly. It is typically used to treat disc herniations and bulges and is a highly effective and safe alternative to back surgery. It is also appropriate for failed back surgery patients who still experience pain.

For more information on Cox Technic visit www.coxtechnic.org

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Diversified

This is the most common technique used in chiropractic and is what most patients are used to receiving. These adjustments entail a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust into a joint. These manual adjustments used to correct subluxations, often result in cavitation (the popping noise heard when pressure is released from the joint). The popping noise heard during the adjustment is completely safe and is a normal reaction in the body when gas is released from any joint (just like when you “pop” your knuckles). This technique can be used to treat many joint in the body. Diversified adjustments are often the quickest, most efficient way to get movement happening in a stuck joint.

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Logan Basic

This technique treats the muscles that control spinal balance in order to release this tension. The proper leverage, applied ever so lightly at the right spot, will cause the entire spine to move towards balance. This method is similar in principle to that used to change a flat tire. The proper leverage of a car jack will allow a comparatively small person to elevate a heavy car right off the ground.

With the patient lying face down, the doctor places a very light pressure on a pre-determined “leverage spot” on the sacral bone in the low back, employing the same principle described in using a car jack. This spot is held for several minutes while the doctor lightly rubs the back muscles with his other hand, coaxing them to release tension. “Cracks” and “pops” are not typically heard during Basic adjustments, making it a phenomenal technique for those that prefer more gentle adjustments. This is also a wonderful technique for pregnant moms, infants, children, and the elderly.

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Sacro-Occipital Technique

Sacro-Occipital Technique or SOT, is a systematic and comprehensive approach to chiropractic care that identifies the cause of your symptoms by re-organizing and correcting neurological patterns. SOT is similar to Cranio-Sacral technique in the foundation of the work lying with the base of the skull and upper spine (Occipital) and the base of the spine (Sacrum). SOT doctors integrate large amounts of information, using several different techniques and approaches simultaneously, as SOT integrates easily and seamlessly with other chiropractic systems. SOT is a very gentle technique that is highly effective for those that are experiencing any pain or symptoms or wishing to achieve a higher level of nervous system, endocrine and immune function.

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Thompson

The Thompson Technique is a variation of the Diversified technique that uses a special table with several segments called drop pieces. The drop pieces assist in the motion of the thrust which minimizes the force used during the adjustment, making it more comfortable for both the patient and the doctor. Cavitation, or “popping”, of the joint may or may not occur. The majority of the adjustments are performed with the patient lying face down.

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Webster Technique

The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and facilitates biomechanical balance in pelvic structures, muscles and ligaments. This has been shown to reduce the effects of intrauterine constraint, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. This technique is a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function for pregnant mothers.

In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse and posterior as well. It has also successfully used with twins. Any position of the baby other than ROA may indicate the presence of sacral subluxation and therefore intrauterine constraint. At no time should this technique be interpreted as an obstetric, “breech turning” technique.

For more information visit the ICPA website.

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Subluxations

What is a subluxation?

What causes subluxations?

How do subluxations affect me?

How do I know if I have subluxations?

How are subluxations treated?

What if subluxations are not corrected?

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What is a subluxation?

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when there is interference or irritation in your nervous system that causes poor communication between your brain and body.

Your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is responsible for sending messages to every cell, tissue, organ and system in your body. This communication is made possible by your spinal neurologic network. This communication network is in charge of virtually every function in your body and determines whether you enjoy good health or disease.  The central nervous system is so important that nature built armor around it, your skull and spinal column.

However, even with this inborn protection, our nervous system can experience interference, injury or disturbance. We call this damage to our nervous system a Subluxation.  Subluxations could potentially be a very serious threat to your continued overall health and well-being.

Subluxations can have devastating effects on your overall health and well-being. Our primary goal is to detect and correct the subluxations that are interfering with your nervous system.

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What causes subluxations?

Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer, minor slips and falls, and even a poor diet can result in subluxations. Research shows that the very first subluxation we often encounter occurs during the birthing process. The picture depicts the trauma these newborns endure. Ask yourself if this looks traumatic?

Subluxations are inevitable after more serious falls, accidents, and trauma. Car accidents, biking accidents, heavy lifting, etc. It is extremely important to get checked following these types of major injuries. The sooner you can get checked, the faster your overall recovery!

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How do subluxations affect me?

Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling from the brain to the rest of your body, messages can get unclear or lost. Since your brain tells your muscles to contract, the heart to pump, the intestines to digest, etc … a clear signal is necessary to carry on these vital life processes.

Subluxations that interfere with these messages can lead to constant muscle contraction, poor digestion, and even heart problems like high blood pressure. The affects of vertebral subluxations are numerous and shoud be taken seriously.

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How do I know if I have subluxations?

Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.

This is why it is important to be checked by a chiropractor who is an expert at locating subluxations. To detect the possible onset of a subluxation, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if necessary.

The OWC takes locating subluxations to another level through the Insight Millenium Subluxation Station. This is cutting-edge, non-invasive computer technology that helps located areas of dysfunction in the body. Chiropractors utilizing this technology are part of an elite group that offers total body health evaluations and complete wellness treatments.

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How are subluxations treated?

A highly trained Doctor of Chiropractic can locate and correct subluxations. Subluxations are easily corrected through the precise delivery of a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments are quick, safe, and highly effective. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be experts at correcting subluxations.

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What if subluxations are not corrected?

Degeneration, aging, and a loss in your total body health. Optimal health cannot be achieved if signals from the brain and body are unclear or absent. The brain and tissues of the body can become compromised, resulting in a wide arrange of problems.

The subluxation also causes changes to the structures around it. These changes get progressively worse over time if uncorrected. These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as “subluxation degeneration“. By understanding the type and amount of changes, it is possible to reasonably estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in understanding the time and effort needed for correction.

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CLICK HERE to check out our specialized techniques to correct subluxations.

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Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the largest alternative health profession in the nation and the second largest health care profession in the world. With the growing demand of a more natural and safe approach, it is also the fastest growing health profession. It has been successfully helping people find natural pain relief, and more importantly, in regaining their health. It is important to understand that chiropractic is NOT just for back and neck pain, although that is a common “side effect.” Chiropractors work primarily with the spinal column and spinal cord which has a positive effect on the nervous system.

The Philosophy of Chiropractic

The Science of Chiropractic

The Art of Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions

The Philosophy of Chiropractic

Chiropractic is a healing art with a strong philosophy and belief that the “power that made you, heals you”. This power the human body contains is what we term innate intelligence. The profession was founded on and builds upon 33 principles that explain the human body, the human experience, and life. Below is a brief summary of the Chiropractic Philosophy:

• There exists a Universal Intelligence which brings organization to all matter, and maintains its existence;

• All living things have inborn, or Innate Intelligence which adapts universal forces and matter for use in the body;

• Every living thing has ALL the Innate Intelligence it requires to maintain its life and optimal health;

• Health is the expression of the Innate Intelligence through Innate Matter, via Innate Energy;

• When there is interference with the transmission of Innate Energy, the result is a decrease in the expression of Innate Intelligence, which chiropractors call dis-ease (not to be confused with disease!).

Click here for the complete list of the 33 Principles of Chiropractic.

The Science of Chiropractic

There are four main scientific principles in which chiropractic builds its solid foundation:

1. The human body is a self-healing and self-regulating organism.

This means that if you cut yourself, you don’t have to think about the wound healing; the body’s innate intelligence does this on its own. If a corpse or cadaver were cut, this healing would not take place. It only occurs when life is present.

2. The nervous system is the master system of the body.

Every experience and expression is processed through your nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. What calls your immune system to action? What controls and regulates the healing process? What signals your glands to secrete hormones and enzymes? What tells your muscles to contract and relax? What tells your body to digest food? What tells you to speak and taste? Your nervous system.

3. Any interference and stress within the nervous system will negatively impact the body’s ability to self-regulate and self-heal.

These interferences do indeed take place, and they are called subluxations. If lifestyle stress and interference is not addressed and your body continues to experience daily abuse and neglect … disease and illness is inevitable. How does one end up with subluxations? Lifestyle stress — physical, chemical and emotional stresses. In many cases, subluxations do not exhibit any symptoms, yet still cause inflammation and interference to the nervous system. When the lines of communication are unclear or shut off, organs and tissues in your body slowly begin to lose their necessary life flow. Consider your cell phone. Everyone has experienced static or a poor connection while talking to someone on the other end of the line. Sometimes you can make out what the other person is saying, sometimes the connection is so bad it drops the call and cuts off communication. This is a similar concept. When intereference in your nervous system gets bad, it can blur communication and shut off the vital life flow to the destination tissue (i.e. heart, colon, etc.). Without proper communication, disease occurs. This is why even in the absence of symptoms, it is critical for everyone, including children, to have their nervous system checked for subluxations.

4. Chiropractors are trained experts in locating and removing interference in the nervous system through adjustments.

How do chiropractors locate subluxations? In our office, we use our hands, knowledge, expertise, and the Insight Millenium Subluxation Station, cutting edge computerized technology which is used by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation to do just this. The scans are completely safe, non-invasive and painless. Once we can locate areas of involvement, chiropractic adjustments can be safely given to remove interference and re-connect the circuit between the brain and the body.

Basing our treatment and care off of these scientific facts, has led to extensive published research backing up the safety and efficacy of chiropractic. Research studies are constantly being conducted and published supporting the science, art, and philosophy of chiropractic.

A major advancement in chiropractic was made with the introduction of the Insight Subluxation Station, cutting edge computerized technology which is used by NASA and certified by the Space Foundation. Thousands of chiropractors across the world are utilizing this technology which is constantly verifying the science behind chiropractic work. Take a look at this video for a brief explanation about how this technology works and what you can expect during an evaluation with this award-winning nervous system scan.

The Art of Chiropractic

The true art of chiropractic lies in the chiropractic adjustment. There are hundreds of different chiropractic techniques that are used safely everyday to remove interference in the nervous system. Adjustments are usually pain-less, quick, non-invasive, highly effective and absolutely safe. In fact, many newborn babies are adjusted immediately after birth. Finding the technique and chiropractor that works best for you is very important and can take some time. Be patient and communicate with your doctor about your concerns and what you enjoy.

Dr Lauren is proficient in many techniques and can help find the best technique for you. Some people prefer the traditional manual adjustments where you might hear audible “pops.” This is simply gas being released from joints that have excess pressure built up. These adjustment are completely safe (especially for your neck!). Other people enjoy the low-force adjustments delivered by instruments like an Activator or Arthrostim. The Optimal Wellness Center offers a wide variety of treatment options that are sure to fit the desires of most patients.

Applied Kinesiology

Arthrostim

Cox Flexion Distraction

Diversified

Logan Basic

Sacro-Occipital Technique

Thompson

Webster Technique

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