< Muscle relaxants are very convenient in decreasing the pain; they might however not address the underlying cause of the back pain, which can be lack of motion between the spinal vertebrae. So, although you might experience less pain, the problem can actually slowly worsen making it more difficult to treat and resolve.

< This is something we hear a lot in our practice. Our bodies are very adaptive and can take on a lot of daily stresses before we start feeling pain. At one stage the spine can not adapt anymore and one small movement like bending over the pick something up can be too much.

< The cause of a lot of different complaints lies within the spine. When a spinal joint doesn’t move properly, it will have an effect on the surrounding tissues attaching to these joints, like muscles and ligaments. These muscles and ligaments tense up and might cause even more pain. By restoring motion of the spine, using gentle and specific adjustments, the motion of the spine is restored. When motion is restored, joints start to ache less, muscles and ligaments relax and blood flow is increased. So by restoring motion, the body starts to heal itself, like it has done for millions of years. Chiropractic does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery

< Although hard to predict, getting relief from the pain and restoring spinal function is for a great part under your own control. In general, the sooner one seeks chiropractic attention the faster one will heal, since spinal function hasn’t been compromised for too long. So problems will resolve quickly, if you don’t wait too long. On the other side, if you have had a problem for many months or even years, improvement can take some time. However, if you stick to the treatment plan and follow up our advice (e.g. postural or work-related), results will come and will be prolonged.

< A chiropractic adjustment involves using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixed, locked up, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this procedure is to improve spinal function, nervous system function, remove muscle tension, and enhance health. A chiropractic adjustment is not painful.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the chiropractors' hands are used to deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust, although specially designed instruments, or tables may also be used. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor at Milton Chiropractic Clinic is highly skilled in delivering a variety of adjusting approaches.

< Recent research on this subject shows that a gas (in this case nitrogen), which is normally dissolved into the surrounding tissues of the spine, rushes in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joint surfaces are slightly separated. Another example of this phenomenon would be the "pop" you hear when you take the cork out of a champagne bottle. The carbon dioxide in the champagne rushes out of the bottle when the cork is removed. This phenomenon is called a cavitation.

It is not always necessary to cause a "crack" or cavitation in order to gain the desired effect of an adjustment. The main aim is to increase movement at the specific segment of the spine to positively influence the surrounding tissues. In fact, some chiropractic adjustment techniques use little force and thus produce no sound.

< Despite common belief, getting older does not mean you have to endure aches and pains! People often disregard treatable joint and muscle problems by saying "I'm just getting old". This is often not the case, and these aches and pains of getting old may be treatable. Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help to improve mobility and function of your body. More and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, and endurance. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

The adjusting technique used by the chiropractors at Milton Chiropractic Clinic will be modified for maximum comfort and results. Even patients with osteoporosis and other ailments can receive treatment with the right modifications.

< In short, NO!

Some people crack their own necks and backs in order to gain some relief or a 'pressure release'. There is no denying that it can give some relief in the short term, but in the long run, it may be detrimental to your spinal health.

If your neck cracks by a simple turn or bend of the head, or your lower back by a twist, it is likely that the joints are actually hypermobile (moving too much). This means that you are self-manipulating and increasing the movement of joints that are already moving too much.

These joints may be moving too much in order to compensate for a lack of movement in other joints. If joints of the spine are restricted, other joints will attempt to make up for the lack of movement. These are the joints that will crack easily, and not the joints that are causing the problems.

Spinal pain is often due to this phenomenon. If a joint has to increase its movement due to a restriction somewhere else, more stress is placed upon the supporting ligaments. With this extra movement, the joint is more prone to sprain and resultant pain. Cracking these joints will give short term relief only. In order for sustained improvement the actual cause must be addressed. This is where a chiropractor comes into play. Chiropractors are trained to locate and treat the cause of your problems.