We’re fully aware that most people care way more about the results of their treatment than the treatment itself, but for those who want to know exactly what we do to get you out of pain so quickly (our average number of treatment sessions is around four outside of auto accidents or other traumatic situations), keep on reading.
The first and most crucial part of getting you better quickly is getting the correct diagnosis. We hear it all the time from our patients who found us after going “everywhere else” first: nobody has ever told them why their back or neck hurts.
We’re going to figure out why. Once we understand why, ‘how’ becomes much clearer.
We’re convinced that the thorough exam — and even more thorough explanations we provide to our patients — are the primary keys to the fast turnarounds we routinely see. Once we know your diagnosis, it’s time for treatment.
While chiropractic is typically associated with the “cracking” style of joint manipulation, modern chiropractic offices employ a range of treatment methods. Ultimately, the method of treatment depends on the diagnosis of your condition, but Dr. Green utilizes the following methods:
Joint Manipulation/Adjustment
Dr. Green will discuss the various types of manipulation and often employs “non-cracking” methods. If you’re nervous about joint manipulation, and many are, don’t let your fears keep you from seeking help. Dr. Green also uses Flexion/Distraction manipulation, which has been proven effective in decompressing discs.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Specifically, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization utilizes instruments that detect aberrant movement patterns and adhesions in the fascia, the underlying support tissue that runs from head to toe, enabling muscle tissues to glide smoothly over one another. This technique is highly effective in treating conditions such as sprained ankles, tennis elbow, and back and neck pain when the fascia is identified as a pain generator.
End Range Loading
Disc pain can often lead to the “pins and needles” feeling associated with the leg or arm pain that often accompanies it. When these symptoms are present, an end-range loading exam is used to determine which exercises should be performed (or avoided) so that the patient can manage their condition at home. An end-range loading exam involves the patient moving through specific ranges of motion at their own pace to assess the effect of the movement on the patient’s symptoms.
Neuro-Mobilization
Often, scar tissue prevents nerve tissues from moving appropriately, which can lead to pain. Neuro-mobilization can free these tissues and decrease pain. Once the correct method of mobilization is identified during the exam, the patient can continue treatment at home with exercises.
Therapeutic Exercise
The most important part of your treatment will be the things you can do for yourself. This means exercises to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the spine, which will give you a means to manage your symptoms. Dr. Green will instruct you in the office with a personalized program of exercises that have been proven effective in managing back and neck pain. Again, self-advocacy is the most essential part of your treatment, and Dr. Green strives to give his patients a sense of independence in managing their condition.