Chiropractic

What is Chiropractic??

AN OVERVIEW

In simplest terms, a subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and put pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come from your spinal cord, housed in your spine, and exit between each of the bones in your spine. These nerves travel to and control every cell, every tissue and every organ in your body. This pressure or irritation then causes those nerves to malfunction and can interfere with the signals traveling to your cells, muscles and organs, creating dysfunction and the disease processes we commonly see in life.

How does this affect you?

Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly. It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.

NOW, THE DETAILED EXPLANATION.

Vertebral subluxations, or the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC), involve changes in the spine and body that affect overall health. Chiropractors recognize five main components of the VSC:

  • Osseous (Bone) Component: Misaligned vertebrae, improper movement, or degeneration (kinesiopathology).

  • Nerve Component: Nerve dysfunction caused by pressure on spinal nerves (neuropathology).

  • Muscle Component: Muscle issues from spinal misalignment and nerve control (myopathology).

  • Soft Tissue Component: Changes in tendons, ligaments, and blood flow due to misalignment (histopathology).

  • Chemical Component: Chemical imbalances caused by the combined effects of the other components (biochemical abnormalities).

Chiropractors are specially trained to detect, locate, and correct VSC to help the body function at its highest level of health.

Pregnancy

Many pregnant women seek chiropractic care for pregnancy-related complaints. During pregnancy, several changes occur to create an optimal environment for the developing baby. These changes are both structural and neurological. Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is just one reason to have consistent chiropractic care during pregnancy. If the pelvis is misaligned it will tighten the uterus and reduce the amount of room for the baby to move, grow and potentially get head down. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Through chiropractic care, mothers are given the opportunity for an easier and more comfortable pregnancy and birth.

WEBSTER TECHNIQUE

Dr. Stalmack is certified in the Webster Technique. The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment on the sacrum. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral subluxation and SI joint dysfunction to relax the uterine muscle. In doing so, function in the pelvis is improved and balance is restored.

Prenatal chiropractic adjustments have also been shown to help the body improve many common pregnancy complaints:

Sciatica, acid reflux, sleeping challenges, low back pain, pubic bone pain, round ligament pain, headaches and improve overall comfort.

POSTPARTUM CARE

Chiropractic care after birthing a baby assists in normalizing the body through the healing process. It also helps to overcome and improve the postural issues that come up with caring for a new baby.

Babies & Kids

Our children are the most precious gift. At Renew Chiropractic, we understand that their health is your top priority, which is why we offer a safe and holistic way to correct the cause of many symptoms. In fact, chiropractic is well-researched for detecting and correcting the cause of common ailments that affect our children today. We are here to make sure you and your child feel comfortable throughout their care - from beginning to end!

More parents are seeking chiropractic care for their children because research shows many health challenges seen in adults began as early spinal problems from birth.

One of the most common reasons parents seek care for their child is some form of trauma. Trauma can result from anything as small as learning to walk and crawl, falls on the playground, or even the birth process itself. These traumas create subluxations that can result in immediate pain and visual symptoms or even hidden symptoms that can lead to more significant health challenges down the road. Chiropractic adjustments detect spinal injury from these traumas, and early detection and correction can help avoid many of the health complaints we see children develop in the future. Pediatric adjustments are gentle and safe and can help prevent future health challenges. Proper spinal alignment and nervous system function is vital to maintaining your child's health!

COMMON AILMENTS

Chiropractic adjustments for kids have been shown to correct the underlying cause of multiple symptoms. Colic, breathing challenges, nursing/latching difficulties, ADD/ADHD, ear infections, acid reflux, flattening of the head, asthma and digestive issues can result from misalignments in the spine. That's only naming a few!

THE BIRTHING PROCESS

Many birthing methods can stress an infant’s spine and developing nervous system. During labor, the spine is exposed to trauma as it is forced through the birth canal. Prematurity, breech delivery, surgical birth, and forceful traction during the birth process are known to cause trauma to the spinal cord and brainstem. Even a natural vaginal birth can be stressful on a baby's developing spine. Babies can be adjusted within seconds of birth and early adjustments help set the foundation for a healthy future.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Chiropractic is known as one of the safest drug-free therapies available! The risk associated with chiropractic is very small. Adjustments, when performed by a doctor of chiropractic, is a remarkably safe procedure!


  • Anyone that has a spine! Getting your spine checked is just like going to the dentist or having a check up with your primary care provider. Proper spinal hygiene is an essential part of overall preventative health.


  • Newborns, infants, children, seniors and even back surgery patients can benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Naturally, adjustments are tailored to your size, age, and particular health condition.


  • A chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction that helps normalize spinal function and take pressure off of the nerve exiting the spine at that segment. The adjustment helps return the bone to a more normal position or motion, restoring the body's neurological connection and natural healing process.


  • An adjustment cost can range from $45-$65. We do have student rates and offer care plan options with discounts based on the doctors recommendations.


  • We are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare, but we are happy to give you an itemized receipt to file with your insurance company for direct reimbursement.


  • Everybody reacts differently to adjustments, but very few people find them painful. You can be sore after your first adjustment like you feel when you start working out.


  • We ask that the patient plans approximately thirty minutes to an hour for the initial exam. We individualize each visit, thus the time frame varies from person to person. After the initial exam, a typical adjustment takes approximately ten minutes or less.


  • The noise that can be heard during an adjustment is just air escaping a joint space. When the spine is aligned, there are no gaps or spaces between the joints, but when the spine is misaligned, air gets trapped in the spaces between joints. When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, bringing it back to neutral, that air is released and a cavitation may or may not be heard.


  • Many people associate chiropractic care with headaches or neck and back problems but chiropractic helps with so much more! Our focus on the spine is because it houses the nervous system, which carries vital communication between your brain and body. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural approach to better health. We provide specialized care that benefits our patients. Since the nervous system affects our overall function, chiropractic care can benefit many general health concerns.


  • Everyone's body is unique and responds in different ways. The doctor will give recommendations based on your individual consult, scan and exam for how often and for what length of time you will need to come in to see results and achieve your health goals.


  • Absolutely! Correcting subluxations are important no matter what other type of healthcare you may be receiving. Many medical doctors and chiropractors work together to help patients. In fact, many medical doctors and nurses regularly see a chiropractor themselves!


  • No. Each adjustment is specific to the patient's health care needs and spinal analysis. The doctor will always adjust what is necessary for the patient on that day.


  • Some people can "crack" or make their joints "pop"but this is not an adjustment. An adjustment is specific and takes many years to master.


  • No, Chiropractors earn their doctorate in a 4-year, post-graduate program. Chiropractors are direct-entry doctors.

  • The analysis and adjustment of the subluxation does not require an x-ray, but if your chiropractor finds that an x-ray is clinically warranted, they will refer out.

  • Yes! Children benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and are regularly in germ-filled environments. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual child, and treatment is very gentle when it comes to children.

  • A chiropractic adjustment called the Webster Technique is typically utilized for pregnant women. It is a specific sacral analysis and adjustment to help facilitate the mother's pelvic alignment and nervous system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, reduces torsion to the uterus.

  • A chiropractic adjustment utilizing the Webster Technique is not a breech-turning technique. It is a technique that relaxes the uterine muscles and surrounding ligaments to create more room in-utero. With more room available the baby has a better chance to move into the optimal fetal position.

  • The birth process is beautiful however the journey from the womb to mommy's arms can affect an infants spine. Colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, difficulty latching or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle and specific.