Things work until they don't. That is a general rule most of us live by. It's true for your car, your plumbing, your leaf blower, and even your body. It is even true for investing as well. With regard to our bodies, things are supposed to work. We are supposed to see, taste, smell, walk, and even open doors with the movement of our arms or wrists. Our bodies often adapt to things and often recover without your even knowing something was wrong. In the case of the musculoskeletal system, I often hear patients use the term the problem "worked itself out" As healthcare practitioners, Our phones ring when things don't work of a minor malfunction becomes acutely painful. This is also true of your electrician, plumber, and most other professionals. With regard to your body and its systems, our systems of movement are highly evolved over many years so we can walk, swim, and drive a car these systems are interconnected and complex, all directed from the brain which quickly processes our thoughts into actions, movement, and conversations. We never think of the complexity of any of this until we develop a limp, have a heart attack, or have a symptom that just will not self-resolve which is when we reach out to the healthcare professional who hopefully understands why we hurt, or why we can't talk or hear all of a sudden. [caption id="attachment_14221" align="alignleft" width="294"] How does your doctor look at you?[/caption] The medical conundrum; pain. In the case of the motor system of the body, the medical system has broken us up into different parts and we are shuffled from specialist to specialist. The body on the other hand is a number of integrated systems that require we look at it through a holistic lens. Unfortunately, our current medical model fails to see it that way. When their first attempt at medicating a mechanical problem fails, they send you to have somebody exercise the painful part. When that fails, you are sent for a test that can green-light other medical procedures, some invasive which may or may not cure your or can even make your problem worsen. When their attempts fail, they send you to pain management and offer other procedures to inject or burn nerves. There is a better way and more doctors are beginning to refer and even visit chiropractors to improve their quality of life and resolve painful problems quickly and safely. Even medical doctors are now visiting chiropractors. Chiropractors are trained in the holistic evaluation and treatment of the musculoskeletal system. We are primary care for this, having been taught to holistically evaluate and treat our patients. Most common painful conditions are part of other past and future conditions which are related to movement. Chiropractic treatments improve how you move and function, resulting in improved movement, less pain, better athletic performance, and a better quality of life. Chiropractors understand that a problem in the shoulder may result in a leg or foot or neck problem. The same goes for a problem in the ankle can result in sciatica or back pain and over time, result in disc degeneration. This is why a chiropractic history is thorough as well as the exam which not only includes typical orthopedic tests but evaluates how you move and function. This saves time, and money and reduces risk. Still skeptical? See what Optum Health, a division of United Healthcare says about chiropractic safety and effectiveness. They see these results for back pain, sciatic pain, neck pain, shoulder problems, knee, and even hip and foot problems. Is it any wonder more people are visiting chiropractors first even if their insurance coverage fails to adequately pay for the care? Massage therapists are often paid out of pocket for their care, and for those who need it, chiropractic care is much more affordable and can help you avoid unnecessary tests, harmful drugs, and risky procedures of limited value. What should you expect on your first chiropractic visit? Many patients find their chiropractor through an insurance company directory a friend or a family member. Like any professional, choosing the right chiropractor will offer you years of benefits to your overall health. During your first visit, you should expect: A thorough history of current and past conditions. A functional and orthopedic and neurological examination. An x-ray if appropriate and needed. Foot orthotics if needed to balance the pelvis and improve how you move. Your first treatment which can include Myofascial release treatment to loosen tight tissue restricting your movement. A spinal or extremity manipulation or both. Basic exercises if appropriate Instructions on how to care for yourself after your first visit and what you may expect. A follow-up appointment for you and the doctor to see how you did during the first visit and for a recommendation of the care you need to help you feel and function better. These visits can include: Active evaluation and treatment using manipulation and myofascial release treatment. Corrective exercises to improve and change function. Lifestyle advice personalized to your unique needs. As one patient recently explained to me who had sudden elbow pain the other day; "All my co-workers said I should make an appointment with an orthopedist to look at my elbow but I decided based on my previous experiences to come here instead. " She left our office glad she made this decision since her problems began in the lower part of her body and the elbow pain was the symptom rather than the cause. She left the office with better grip strength and a lot less pain in only one visit. Got pain? Need help now? Book online here.