Chiropractic Myths Explained

There are several myths or misunderstandings about Chiropractic that are floating around. There is one myth that I feel is actually worth explaining. The others I will let stand; it kind of adds to the air of mystery surrounding Chiropractors, and I think I would miss that if it was totally gone.
The #1 misunderstanding that I hear is: Once you go to a Chiropractor, you have to keep going forever. There are several reasons for this misunderstanding, with not the least being the confusion between "have to keep going", and "want to keep going." For the most part, Chiropractors see patients for one of three main reasons. One, to help someone heal from an injury or acute episode of pain; two, to help someone feel better and manage a chronic or uncorrectable problem; and three, to help someone maintain a healthy spine in order to be healthier, prevent injury, and function better. Most patients are introduced to Chiropractic care for one of the first two reasons, but often maintain a relationship with a Chiropractor for the third reason.
In order to help someone maintain a healthier spine, it takes periodic visits; much like it takes periodic visits to a dentist to maintain healthy teeth. Unfortunately, unlike dental check-ups which can occur every 6 months or so, Chiropractic check-ups need to happen much more frequently. Our bodies, and specifically our spines, undergo an amazing amount of stress on a daily basis, which can result in stiff joints, tight muscles, and improper joint movement patterns. If left alone, this can lead to major episodes of pain and chronic problems. When corrected on a regular basis, these types of problems can be better avoided. A good rule of thumb for most people who have generally healthy spines is a check-up about every 2 weeks. Even though regular visits will keep you feeling better and reduce your risk of developing more complicated spinal problems, don't let anyone tell you that if you don't go often, you are guaranteed to have problems, or end of having surgery, or other such dire consequences. It is simply not true.
For the individuals that have chronic, uncorrectable problems, Chiropractic adjustments will usually help them feel better for a while, but they will start hurting again eventually. The idea behind regular adjustments in this case, is to keep them feeling as good as they possibly can and to keep the spine as healthy as it can be. Once again, this is a choice that individuals are allowed to make; to feel better or not.
It is always a matter of choice. Come in as long as you need to in order to feel better, or keep coming on a regular basis in order to stay feeling better, stay healthier, and try your best to prevent bigger problems from occurring.
If you have other questions that you would like answered or other "things" you have heard and want to know about, contact Dr. Calvin Shanks at 270-450-0848, calvinshanks@gmail.com, www.thefixchiro.com, or come by the office at 4645 Village Square Drive in Paducah (Behind The Home Depot).

Sugar, Sugar

The following links expose the detrimental health effects of sugar.

http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32543288/

http://rheumatic.org/sugar.htm

Another Testimonial From Sarah

I woke up this morning at 5am to run 5 miles. Now don't get me wrong, I am no stellar runner; it took me 58 minutes to run those 5 miles. I felt good about completing the run, buy my body told me that I was overdue for an adjustment. I felt tight, compact, and stiff in my back and neck and I could tell that it caused me to run less fluid than usual. Something had to be done.
At lunchtime I went to my favorite chiropractor for an adjustment. I know I am bias, since my chiropractor is my husband, but he is the only one I have ever been to and I am partial to his adjustments. Plus, I always know I am going to get the best adjustment. As I hop onto the adjustment table I am still feeling tight and stiff and I know I am not quite 100%. After his adjustment routine I stand up and immediately notice that I am breathing easier. I am standing taller (which is great when you are only 5'3"), I feel looser and more fluid in my movements, and my steps feel lighter. Yep, Just what I needed to get back to 100%
Now I am ready for that 5K run on Saturday.
Sarah Shanks
7/14/10

My wife, Sarah, just gave me this awesome testimonial.

Being a wife of a chiropractor, adjustments are a part of my life. Just like sleeping, breathing, and eating, regular adjustments play a huge role in my overall health, happiness, and activity level. I notice when I slip up and do not get adjusted on a regular basis; it is just like if I don't sleep well for a few nights in a row, or if I don't eat right and over-indulge in sweets. It starts to take a toll.
Since I have a chiropractor right at my fingertips, it seems rather strange for me to say, "I sometimes miss getting my regular adjustment", but it is true; I occasionally miss them. I have to schedule them in my calendar just like I do for exercising, household chores, and my son's activities. Otherwise I tend to fall behind.
When I go too long without an adjustment I start finding myself "pinched" in little places in my back or neck that I don't usually feel. I may also start to notice that while running or exercising, my breathing is a little more shallow than normal. When I notice these things, I know that I have waited too long and I am overdue for an adjustment. Unfortunately, when I wait too long, it sometimes takes 2 or 3 adjustments in a row before I get back to normal. I am quickly reminded again to write it on my planner and get adjusted on a regular basis, because it sure is better to always be feeling 100%.
Sarah Shanks

New Article Discusses How to Avoid Back Pain and Neck Pain

This new article discusses the common contributing factors in people who experience back and neck pain. It does a good job of addressing issues such as nutrition, diet, and exercise, and gives some very helpful tips on what you can do to keep yourself healthy. Go to www.thefixchiro.com and click on the "Articles" tab to read the full text.