Chiropractic is the Art, Philosophy and Science of correcting spinal subluxations with adjustments to remove interference from the nervous system so that the body may function optimally.
Chiropractic deals with more than just the bones and muscles, but really with the entire nervous system. Because of this, Chiropractors are often referred to as Neuro-Muscular Specialists.
Of course Chiropractic is SAFE for everyone, from babies to seniors!
The answer to this question depends on many things:
1. What is the patient's spinal problem/condition?
2. What is the patient's age, lifestyle and physical condition?
3. What is the patient's treatment plan?
4. Is the patient compliant? (Does the patient come to all scheduled treatments and follow home exercise instructions?)
5. What is the expected outcome of treatment?
*Intake Forms - Your first visit will begin with you filling out some paperwork dealing with your spine related problems as well as your insurance and office policies.
*Consult & Examination - After your intake forms are completed the Doctor will go over them briefly. You will then be taken to a treatment/examination room and there you will meet the Doctor. A consult will follow where the doctor asks you many questions about your spinal problems and other related issues. Please answer these questions honestly and to the best of your knowledge as every answer will give the Doctor a little more information about the problem and an eventual diagnosis and treatment plan.
A complete chiropractic and physical exam follow the consult. This is when your body will give the Doctor more info about exactly what is going on and what the problem may be. Again, please follow the Doctor's instructions and answer all the questions honestly. After these steps are completed the Doctor will have a much better idea about your complaint will be able to form a diagnosis and treatment plan to help you get better. Also, a Re-Exam is performed on a monthly basis to see the patient's progress in treatment.
In the human body the Brain is the command center and controller of everything that occurs, from your heart rate to breathing to muscle movements.
The connection between the brain and the rest of the body is the Spinal Cord. The spinal cord is protected by the Vertebral Spinal Column.
This is a collection of bones that stack on top of one another with a hole in the middle to surround and protect the spinal cord. Between each vertebral bone, or Vertebrae, lies a piece if cartilage that acts like a shock absorber for the spinal column.
These pieces of cartilage are called Intervertebral Discs or Spinal Discs. If these discs become damaged from everyday wear and tear or traumatic injuries, they may bulge or herniate, creating pain in that area. These Herniated Discs may also irritate spinal nerves, creating pain and symptoms in the areas where those nerves travel.
The vertebral spinal column is divided into four (4) different sections: the Neck or Cervical Spine; the Middle Back or Thoracic Spine; the Low Back or Lumbar Spine; and the foundation of the backbone or Sacrum / Pelvis. Each section serves the same purpose, to protect the spinal cord and to provide a foundation for the body.
At every level or between every vertebrae a Spinal Nerve Root exits the spinal cord on each side to innervate the skin, muscles and organs in that section of the body. For example, the cervical spinal nerve roots exit at the top of the spine and innervate the head, neck, shoulders and each arm to the fingers. The thoracic nerve roots exit in the middle of the spine and innervate most of the organs in our thoracic cavity and abdomen. The lumbar nerve roots exit in the lower spine and innervate the organs of the lower abdomen and both legs to the toes.
The spinal cord and the nerve roots are very delicate and susceptible to mechanical and chemical stresses or irritations. These stresses or irritations can be caused by the spinal vertebrae becoming slightly out of place or not moving properly. This is called a Subluxation. You may hear this term used frequently by the Chiropractor because this is the basis of Chiropractic. Correcting a spinal subluxation will relieve the irritation and/or stress on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots and will allow appropriate nerve flow and connections to be reinstated, therefore allowing the nervous system to function properly and the body to function optimally.
Chiropractic allows the body to use its
"Innate Power" or in-born energy, to heal itself.
By correcting the problem, not covering it up with pain masking drugs, Chiropractic uses the power of the body to heal the body!
I ) Initial Intensive Care - This type of care will first and foremost help relieve the patient of their pain. Office visits will be frequent and adjustments will be combined with other procedures to help offer quick relief. Depending on the above criteria, repeated visits over weeks or months may be needed to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
II ) Rehabilitative Care - This type of care deals with improving the patient's spinal biomechanics after symptoms have disappeared. Muscle, nerve and soft tissue damage are still often present after symptoms have improved. Stabilization of the spine and complete healing will help prevent repeat onsets of the same conditions/problems. Visit frequency is reduced but home exercises and other self-care procedures will be implemented into the patient's daily routine. With the aches and pain gone, real healing can now occur. Stopping care now may put the patient at risk for a relapse. Remember, Pain is always the last symptom to appear and the first symptom to disappear. That doesn't mean everything is fixed/healed properly.
III ) Wellness Care - This type of care is probably the most important, as it keeps the patient healthy and prevents relapses of the previous problem/condition. After maximum improvement is reached, periodic regular "spinal check-ups" are strongly recommended. These visits are preventitive and will help detect and correct any new problems before they become serious. Health conscious adults choose this type of care for themselves and their families. Wellness Care can help athletes stay in peak condition, control stress levels, help maintain a positive outlook and mood, and just make you feel like you're at 100% of your potential!
Along with other preventative health measures, Wellness Care can save the patient time and money by helping them STAY Well.
Your Doctor of Chiropractic will prescribe a treatment plan that is right for you and your spinal condition.
*Foot Levelers 3D BodyView Foot Scan - Every New Patient will receive a FREE 3D BodyView foot scan on their initial visit. By using this brand new, state-of-the-art technology, we are providing our patients with a more thorough whole body wellness exam. Problems in your feet can lead to back, hip and knee pain because your body is out of alignment. 3D BodyView will produce 3D volumetric images of your feet that will show Arch Height mapping, a Transferred Shock Index, and a Foot Pronation/Stability Index. All of which will allow us to see a more in-depth view and become aware of potential problem areas. After the scan, the proper Foot Levelers Orthotics custom-made for you will be discussed, all to help you maintain a more healthy, pain-free lifestyle.
*X-Rays - If the Doctor believes you may be hurt badly or it is necessary to help with your diagnosis, X-Rays may be recommended after the exam is completed. Remember, if it is not absolutely necessary, X-Rays will NOT be prescribed. Some people may not be allowed to have X-Rays taken, such as women who are pregnant.
*Treatment/Adjustment - If it is your first visit and the consult & examination/x-rays have been completed, it's time for your first treatment/adjustment. If it is not your first visit then after you are shown to your room, your treatment/adjustment will begin soon after. Treatments/Adjustments vary for each patient depending on that patient's diagnosis and treatment plan.
A treatment may consist of modalities:
- Hot Moist Packs (HMP)
- Cryotherapy (Ice Packs)
* LASER Therapy (Class IV) for fast healing & pain relief that is safe & effective (Aspen Lasers)
*RED LIGHT Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
for safe Body Sculpting, Pain & inflammation Reduction & Enhance Wellness
- Ultrasound deep heating tissue therapy
- Electric Stimulation for pain relief
- Massage
- Cervical Traction
- Flexion-Distraction lumbar spine traction
- Inversion Table spinal traction
- Spinolator full-spine intersegmental traction massage roller table
- Active Release Technique (ART) for muscles
- Stretching
- Foam Rolling
and of course,
the ADJUSTMENT!
All of these different tools are useful in the treatment of many spinal/skeletal/nervous sytem problems.
The Adjustment or Chiropractic Manipulation is a part of every treatment and is the most important aspect of the treatment. This is a high-velocity low-amplitude controlled-force induced into the spinal column to correct subluxations in order to remove nervous system interference so that the body may heal itself and function optimally. Chiropractic IS the Adjustment and the Adjustment IS Chiropractic!!!
Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
In addition to eating healthy foods daily, take a whole-food Multi-Vitamin, an Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement and a Turmeric supplement daily. Ask Dr. Schroeter what other vitamins & supplements are right for you.
Stretch your Neck, Upper back, Low back, Hips, Legs, Chest and Shoulders at least 3 times daily.
At least 30-minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily. Ask Dr. Schroeter what exercises are right for you.
Get at least 7 - 8 hours of sleep every night. Never sleep on your stomach!
Pick up a hobby or exercise/stretch daily to relieve stress. Stress affects your Spine more than you know!
Supportive and comfortable footwear is essential for a healthy spine, feet and joints. *Orthotics are a great way to further enhance your spinal health! Ask Dr. Schroeter what Orthotics are right for you.
More Patient information about chiropractic can be found at the Association of New Jersey Chiropractors website.
"For years, I suffered from chronic knee pain as a result of long-distance running. At the urging of a sports massage therapist, I began chiropractic care with Dr. Kevin Schroeter. Almost immediately, the lingering pain in my knee began to dissipate, and I became a much more confident runner. I went from having little to no confidence in my knee, hoping to simply make it through each of my training runs, to very confident in the joint. Dr. Schroeter was an integral part of my training for the 2008 New York City Marathon and, without him, I doubt I would have made it to the starting line, much less the finish line. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Schroeter for your chiropractic needs."
"I suffered from migraines for 30 years until I decided to give Dr. Schroeter a try after NOTHING else gave me relief. I can now honestly boast that for 2 years of seeing Dr. Kevin once a month, my migraines are TOTALLY GONE! Do I believe in the healing power of an adjustment? You bet I do!!!"
"When I first came to the office in the Fall I was in so much pain I could barely get through day to day functions without crying. But after a few visits I not only started to feel better, but I was slowly able to get back to my true passion - Running - and on May 1st I was able to run my 3rd Half-Marathon! Thank you for your compassion, excellent treatment and always welcoming my infant son who came along to my appointments."
"Dr. Schroeter is an excellent Chiropractor. He cares about my health in its entirety. He concerns himself with all aspects of my overall wellness which is key to my feeling better since becoming a patient. My neck feels tremendously better and my troubled left shoulder pain has greatly improved to almost zero pain in a short period of time. The therapy in addition to chiropractic adjustments is such a bonus. I am thrilled to find him and recommend him highly. He treats the entire person - not just certain parts - making a big impact on how I feel overall. He is also very knowledgeable about vitamins and supplements, which is so very helpful."