Chiropractic Works

Surface Healing vs. Core Healing

2010-03-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

The most common thing that patients come into the office with are symptoms of pain. Their pain may be in the neck or back, down the legs or arms or even in the hands and feet. The great thing is that chiropractic is able to help to relieve these symptoms almost every time. The sad thing is that people believe that this is the most important and only thing that chiropractic can do for them. This is sad because this is the thing that chiropractic can do the least for them. Keep in mind that the goal of the adjustment is to allow the nervous system to function properly again. This enables the body's inborn ability to heal itself to be expressed or enhanced. This is where chiropractic can do the most for people. Unfortunately, most people do not understand this concept and feel as if once their symptoms subside that they are done with chiropractic. Nothing could be further from the truth. This short time spent using chiropractic and then stopping it would be the same as doing 20 push-ups today, then stopping, and thinking that you will be healthy the rest of your life because of those 20 push-ups. Chiropractic, just like eating properly, exercising, managing your stress, sleeping well and having your teeth checked is a lifestyle choice that is a part of your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly regiment. For more information about chiropractic, it's philosophy and how to incorporate it in your life check out

For More Info Visit http://www.chiropracticcenteronline.com/ or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com
Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

2010-03-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic is a natural form of healthcare that attempts to support the body’s inborn ability to heal itself. Chiropractors do this by limiting stress to the body. The stress that chiropractors predominately focus on comes in the form of a condition known as vertebral subluxation complex (VSC). Chiropractors also provide education and empowerment through the proper techniques and benefits of exercise, diet and stress management.

A vertebral subluxation complex has three main components. The first component is a joint that has become misaligned. The second component is that the misaligned joint does not move as well as it normally should. The third component that occurs due to this lack of motion is the reduction of the nervous system function. This process may occur with the creation of symptoms or it may be completely asymptomatic. That is why it is important to be checked for subluxations on a regular basis in a similar fashion as having your teeth checked by a dentist. By incorporating chiropractic care into your lifestyle along with eating healthy foods, getting adequate exercise and managing your stress from home, work and school you give yourself the best opportunity to live a healthy life.

For More Info Visit http://www.chiropracticcenteronline.com/ or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP
Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Sitting and Your Spine

2009-09-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Did you know that sitting to your spine is like sugar for your teeth? If you do enough of it, you end up with decay and degeneration. The sitting posture has been scientifically shown to place more pressure on the low back than almost any other position. In fact, they did an experiment in which they placed probes into the discs of the lower back and had a person take on different postures while measuring the pressure at each position. What they found was that the sitting posture places over two times the amount of pressure at the low back in comparison to laying on your back or standing. What this means to us, is that jobs or school that have people sitting for 8 hours of the day is actually encouraging degeneration and dysfunction in the spine. The only way to improve this situation is to take mini-breaks every hour and to receive chiropractic care in order to maintain the function and alignment of your spine in order to fight the degenerative process.

For More Info Visit http://www.chiropracticcenteronline.com/ or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #6

2009-09-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Signs of Stress

Stress can be a big issue with causing many health problems in the world. Chiropractic is using many resources such as advancing our technology, updating our methods, and using good caring philosophy to increase the well being and health of our patients.

General Pain

When pain occurs it is showing you that somewhere in your body a problem has surfaced. People shrug pain off everyday thinking it will work its way out, but that may not be the case. You might need to seek professional help to correct and maintain the problem.

There are two types of pain:

1. Acute Pain- This pain is new to the body and can be caused by a sprain, cut, broken bone etc. The pain can be mild to severe and will usually dissipate with healing.
2. Chronic Pain- This pain is different and might be accompanied by insomnia, exhaustion, even weight change and can last up to six months or more. Many look to painkillers to alienate the symptoms, this seems like the right thing to do, after all no one wants to live in the discomfort of pain. Quite often painkillers will mask the cause of the problem by reducing the amount of pain. Doesn’t it make more sense to find the true cause of the pain and treat it directly?

Chiropractic can be your answer to a better lifestyle.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #5

2009-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

Stress can be a big issue with causing many health problems in the world. Chiropractic is using many resources such as advancing our technology, updating our methods, and using good caring philosophy to increase the well being and health of our patients.

Mood Swings

Most people that have mood swings do not even realize how unpredictable their moods can fluctuate. They can become irritable and unreasonable over the smallest of things and sometimes are quite difficult just to be around. Medical doctors mostly treat these symptoms with medications compiled of chemical solutions that may have negative side effects worst than the symptoms themselves. These moods swings may be the result of a person’s body missing a natural and needed ingredient. Chiropractors take a natural approach to treating these symptoms through diet, supplements and exercise. Many Chiropractic patients have found relief and can live normal, healthy lives again.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #4

2009-09-23T16:48:00.001-07:00

Sinus and Allergies

Your body has its own built in immune system to protect you from outside elements, such as dust, pollen, pollution, etc. If your immune system is not working properly you may suffer from, watery eyes, a running nose, sneezing, or many other threats of sicknesses.

Histamines cause most sinus and allergy problems, and for example most people treat these problems with anti-histamines. These medications will dry the membranes and suppress the symptoms but is not a cure. Stress can often be a factor why your immune system is not working properly and, when ignored, your body cannot correct itself.

The nervous system and immune system, when working properly, can work as a natural healing aid and help to correct your sinus and allergy symptoms.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #3

2009-09-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sings of Stress

Stress can be a big issue with causing many health problems in the world. Chiropractic is using many resources such as advancing our technology, updating our methods, and using good caring philosophy to increase the well being and health of our patients.

Sleep Disturbances

You wake every morning feeling like you were up all night, well maybe you were. Even though you were sleeping all through the night you may be experiencing sleep disturbances. There are over 70 different types of sleep disorders and are all categorized in three areas lack of sleep, disturbed sleep, and excessive sleep. Sleep disturbances occur throughout the night without you even knowing it, this can be caused by many different problems. Keeping your body in shape, dieting correctly, removing caffeine, and developing a good lifestyle can correct these problems. Everyone is different, and your Chiropractor can help.

There are stages in your sleep that your body must go through to achieve a good night sleep, in fact there are 5. This cycles over and over throughout the night.

Stage 1 – Light sleep and relaxation of the muscles. ( can wake up)
Stage 2 – Activity in the brain slows and eye movement stops.
Stage 3 – Brains waves become slow (delta waves) and small quick waves occur.
Stage 4 – Brains waves are all delta wave.
Stage 5 – (REM) Rapid Eye Movement – dreams occur.

This usually takes about an hour and a half to complete 1 cycle.

Sleep is needed for your body to function properly, so take care of yourself and do what it takes to achieve a good night sleep.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #2

2009-09-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Signs of Stress

Headaches

Everyday people suffer from pain that is being directed inside their head, the term we use for this is headaches.

Headaches are a fairly common pain for everyone, and most people just rely on medication like aspirin to deal with it. What these people do not realize is that the pain causing the headache may be coming from some other region in the body and will continue unless treated. Stress, back, and even muscle pain can send pain signals to the nerves, arteries, and veins inside their head to cause these headaches.

Chiropractic care can relieve and correct the problem causing the pain. We want to help you live your life pain free. There are also ways you can help yourself, like keeping active and getting daily exercise.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Signs of Stress #1

2009-09-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

Signs of Stress

Fatigue

Feeling tired, drained, exhausted, and depressed, these are symptoms commonly known as fatigue. Fatigue is a sign that your body is feeling physical or emotional stress. Thinking that it will just go away is a common mistake that everyone does. Causes are determined by the person, the way they’re dieting, what medications they are on, lack of activity, lack of exercising, and just feeling alone. The common person can feel fatigue or knows someone who feels fatigue, helping them and/or yourself can change your life.

The first step to living your life to the fullest is yours to make, so take action and get the energy back in your life.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Chilren and Chiropractic

2009-09-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

It seems children never run out of energy, they go all day long running, jumping, and playing hard. Sometimes all this physical activity puts stress on the spinal nerves; this may lead to lowering a child’s resistance and open the door for many illnesses.

The slightest misalignment can cause a child to suffer from adult type problems, such as headaches, back pain, poor concentration, irritability, etc. and for many, a simple, painless spinal exam will allow your Chiropractor to find, and treat if necessary any misalignments.

Chiropractic Care for children is much more than just spinal exams. Your Chiropractor can also examine and monitor the growth of your child’s body, address important nutritional needs, offer correct exercise programs, and help to prepare your child for a healthy adulthood.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

FAQ: What is Chiropractic?

2009-06-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Along with medicine and osteopathy, chiropractic is one of the western world's three major healing professions. Chiropractors specialize in the biomechanical causes of disease including vertebral subluxations, misalignments, derangements and fixations of the human frame - especially of the spine.
The following are the three fundamental principles of chiropractic.

Importance of the nervous system: Chiropractic doctors recognize the overriding importance of a properly functioning nervous system in the body's maintenance of its own health.
Spinal subluxations (misalignments): Chiropractic doctors recognize that pinched or otherwise irritated spinal nerves due to vertebral subluxations, misalignments or other structural impairments alter normal nerve impulses and thereby cause pain and disease conditions - not only in the back - but elsewhere in the body.
Chiropractic adjustments: Chiropractic doctors recognize that when spinal nerve irritations are cleared by means of chiropractic adjustments and other chiropractic care, the nervous system's normal flow of impulses can resume and direct the bodies own efforts in recuperation from pain and disease and help in the continuing maintenance of the body's health.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt

2009-06-25T16:32:00.001-07:00

Quite the contrary. Many patients feel instant relief immediately after their treatments. In fact, most look forward to their chiropractic treatments. In patients suffering from severe bouts of back or neck pain, some discomfort may be experienced for obvious reasons, however, for most patients this is not the case.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: Spinal Adjustments Are Dangerous

2009-06-25T16:31:00.001-07:00

Chiropractic spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by chiropractors. In fact, chiropractic adjustments are among the safest treatments for most back and neck problems. According to a 1993 Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned study,
"There is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low-back pain. Some medical treatments are equally safe, but others are unsafe and generate iatrogenic (doctor-induced) complications for low-back pain patients. Our reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low-back pain."
Lead investigator of the study, Pran Manga, Ph.D., however, did warn that spinal adjustments performed by health care professionals other than qualified doctors of chiropractic were potentially harmful and less effective:
"Indeed, several existing medical therapies of low-back pain are generally contraindicated on the basis of the existing clinical trials. There is also some evidence in the literature to suggest that spinal manipulations are less safe and less effective when performed by nonchiropractic professionals."
On December 8, 1994, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the US Department of Health and Human Services released clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute low back pain. Their guidelines were developed after extensive study of the diagnostic and treatment methods used for acute low back pain. Their findings included:

The risk of serious complications from lumbar spinal manipulation is rare;
Conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation should be pursued in most cases before considering surgical intervention
Prescription drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications and colchicine are not recommended for acute low back problems.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson
@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center
1401 N. El Camino Real #103
San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: Chiropractic Doctors Lack Education Compared With Medical Doctors

2009-06-25T16:30:00.002-07:00

The training and education endured by chiropractors is extremely thorough and demanding, similar to that of medical doctors with the exception of pharmacology and surgery.
Prior to entering chiropractic college, the aspiring chiropractor requires 2-4 years (depending on the college attended and the state one wishes to practice in) of premed undergraduate studies. Once completed, the student must next complete 4-5 academic years of studies at a chiropractic college. This includes extensive training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, differential diagnosis, chiropractic adjustive techniques, biomechanics , and other health-related studies.
In addition, prior to graduation each student must successfully complete several hundred clinical hours of "real" patient management in a clinical setting under professional supervision. Most chiropractic colleges also require students to partake in clinical externship programs which place them in actual chiropractic offices, further enhancing their clinical practice skills.
Near or soon after graduation, the new doctors of chiropractic must successfully complete rigorous National and State Board examinations prior to obtaining a license to practice chiropractic. Once licensed, most states require that chiropractors receive annual continuing education to ensure that a high level of competency is maintained.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: Chiropractic Is Not Scientific

2009-06-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

Chiropractors have always sought to provide the safest and most effective healing methods for their patients. In order to achieve this, the chiropractic profession has been dedicated to conducting scientific studies to improve their diagnostic methods and treatment techniques. In the last 20 years chiropractic health care has established an impressive array of scientific research that demonstrates the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of chiropractic care. There are many further studies currently underway, and several have been performed by medical doctors and government researchers in both the U.S. and a number of other countries.
In fact, the chiropractic profession has accumulated a greater number of scientific trials on chiropractic than the medical profession has accumulated for many of the treatments rendered by medical doctors. According to David M. Edy, M.D., Ph.D., professor of health policy and management with Duke University, North Carolina, only 15 percent of all medical interventions are supported by solid scientific evidence. Paul G. Shekelle, M.D., M.P.H., of the RAND Corporation made the following statement on ABC's 20/20:
"There are considerably more randomized controlled trials which show benefit of this (chiropractic care) than there are for many, many other things which physicians and neurosurgeons do all the time."

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: Chiropractic Care Is Expensive

2009-06-25T16:29:00.001-07:00

Research clearly disproves this myth. Chiropractic care has been consistently shown to be cost effective in a number of government and workers' compensation board studies.
According to The Manga Report, a 1993 Canadian government commissioned study,
"There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low-back pain was transferred from physicians to chiropractors... Users of chiropractic care have substantially lower health care costs, especially inpatient costs, than those who use medical care only."
According to an economic analysis conducted in Richmond, Virginia,
"By every test of cost and effectiveness, the general weight of evidence shows chiropractic to provide important therapeutic benefits, at economical costs. Additionally, these benefits are achieved with apparently minimal, even negligible, impacts on the costs of health insurance."
When the State of Florida's Workers' Compensation Board conducted research in 1988 on treatment costs associated with injured workers who received care from either chiropractic doctors or medical doctors, they found chiropractic treatment costs were 58.8 percent of the treatments costs rendered by medical doctors ($558 vs. $1,100 per case)

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth: You'll Have To Continue Chiropractic Care For The Rest Of Your Life

2009-06-25T16:28:00.001-07:00

Most doctors of chiropractic promote a preventative type of lifestyle which has been construed by adversaries to mean that chiropractic care requires a lifetime of commitment. Actually, recommending that patients return for periodic spinal care is no different that what dentists recommend to their patients in order to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Just as it would be ludicrous to believe that visiting a dentist once per lifetime would ensure permanently healthy teeth and gums it's equally as silly to think that visiting a chiropractor a few times will ensure a lifelong healthy spine. Our spinal tissues undergo daily bombardment of stresses originating from bad postural habits, suboptimal work environments, psychological stress, and hectic lifestyles just to name a few.
For theses reasons, after the resolution of acute problems patients are given the option to receive periodic spinal checkups which acts to minimize the likelihood of future recurrences or development of new problems. The preventative approach in health care has been gaining much recognition as of late and there has been a large push in the medical community and health insurance industry to incorporate preventative programs into mainstream medicine.
It's really that simple. Periodic care to prevent future problems - safe, natural, convenient care now to avoid nasty and complex problems later.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Myth : Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain

2009-06-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Chiropractors provide effective treatment for all types of soft tissue disorders and not just back and neck ailments. This includes conditions of the joints of the extremities like the ankle, knee and shoulder.
What you may not be aware of is chiropractic's success in treating a number of non-soft tissue conditions like ulcers, migraine headaches, and ear infections in children. While we cannot claim to cure these conditions, we believe that many of these problems can be aggravated and some times caused by disruptions in the nervous system as a result of spinal abnormalities. By correcting these spinal abnormalities like the vertebral subluxation, chiropractic has helped thousands of individuals overcome these conditions and regain control of their lives.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Types of Care

2009-04-03T10:19:00.000-07:00

A brief overview of the different phases of chiropractic care

Types of Care

Relief Care
As a new patient, you obviously have pain or concerns that need to be addressed promptly. At first you may need to visit our office two or three times weekly, this will allow for concentrated treatments to reduce or eliminate the symptoms that are occurring. This phase of chiropractic care is considered the Relief Care Phase.Many people go about their daily lives pain-free and without any symptoms believing they are healthy, the truth is sometimes pain alone is not the indicator that something is wrong. Many health conditions have no symptoms whatsoever but can be very serious conditions, such as, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. Spinal problems are one of the few conditions that will generally be accompanied with pain as a first symptom, and can be reduced or eliminated through chiropractic treatments.

Corrective Care
After receiving Relief Care and eliminating or reducing your symptoms, some may believe there is no need for further treatments, actually the Corrective Care phase is a very important step needed to restore, heal, and prevent symptoms from recurring. Your condition will determine the amount of treatments needed to complete the healing process. To help improve and accelerate the healing process you can perform certain exercises at the clinic, or in the comfort of your own home.This phase could take a few months or more depending on the seriousness of your condition. Soreness or flare-ups may occur and are completely normal.

Wellness Care
Now that you are healed and feel better than ever, routine chiropractic care will help to ensure that this feeling will never fade away. A program including regular adjustments, exercise, and a healthy diet will help ensure the health of your musculoskeletal system.The Wellness Care phase will give you the benefit of living life to the fullest.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Why aren't all chiropractors the same?

2008-01-03T10:26:00.000-08:00

This is a question I hear a lot, even if people don't really know they are asking it. Let me explain. Have you ever been to see a chiropractor that you either loved/hated and then for one reason or another had to see some one else (moved away, were on vacation, changed insurance, ect.)? How often did you feel that you got the same feeling walking out of their office? As a former patient myself I can attest to the fact that this can be frustrating as you wish they could all just treat you like the one doctor you had who had you figured out. And while it is still frustrating at times, there is a reason that chiropractic varies from doctor to doctor, and there are ways around it if you know what you are doing.

Chiropractic, unlike some other health professions that function on an algorithm (if A then do B, if B then do C, ect.) there is definite physical skill component that many practitioners liken to an art form. Likewise most chiropractors believe in a sort of three pronged approach to the practice of chiropractic.

There is the science, encompassing an understanding of the workings of your body as well as some of the algorithmic type knowledge mentioned before. This can be varied from doc to doc just like the education of a subject can vary from school to school.
Second there is their is the art. To me this comes into play in the actual application of a therapy, adjustment, treatment (whatever you want to call it) as there is a skill involved that must be trained and honed, and in my opinion can never truly reproduced by a machine. Because in many cases doctors choose to "freelance" or create their own styles (from scratch in many cases) treatments, good and bad can be difficult to reproduce. (Fear not there is a remedy to this, just read on.)
The third prong in this three prong approach is the philosophy of the chiropractor. Don't just write this one off as ethereal or mystic, simply put (in my opinion) the philosophy of a chiropractor comes in how he or she applies the art and science to the patient. How a doctor combines his or her understanding of the science behind a patients problems with the delivery of their art form is their philosophy. Maybe an over simplification to some, but I'm not writing a thesis here, its a blog.

So with this understanding one can see how you would end up with a wide array of differences from doctor to doctor. But as I said before you need not fear. There are ways to find consistency. Like in most other cases, it helps if you do your homework. Find out a little about the doctor you are seeing. What school did they go to? This can often have a significant affect especially on their science and philosophy. It used to have an affect on the art as the techniques taught at different schools varied, but for more recent graduates most schools have migrated towards a core technique system that gives a doctor the skills in what most would call "diversified" technique. While having similar educational backgrounds may be of some help in finding commonality it still leaves a lot to chance. I need only think about the wide variety of styles I see in the members of just my small graduating class to know that going to the same school does not mean getting the same education. You may also wish to find out if they have any postgraduate or other advanced training in a specific field.
At this point you may wonder if there is a way to tell what you are getting. I can assure you that this not only frustrates patients, but has been frustrating doctors for years. There is a simple solution in most cases. You see some doctors who wanted their patients to feel like they could depend their chiropractor to give them a consistently applied treatment developed guidelines and standards to their application. Their artwork didn't become paint by numbers so to say as much as it became reproducible. (As nice as a Jackson Pollack painting may be to look at good luck reproducing one for the next visit.) Out of this desire grew named technique systems. In chiropractic today there are literally hundreds of them. Many are named after their founder, (Gonstead, Petibon, ect.) while others are more a description of their therapy (Active Release Technique, Chiropractic Bio-physics, Sacro-occiptal-technique, ect.) While some chiropractors chafe at the idea of using a "named technique" (hey we like our autonomy) it is probably the most sound way of determining not only similarity from doctor to doctor but from treatment to treatment with the same doctor and the wide variety of techniques means doctors don't have to give up their unique skills but instead find a technique that will best utilize them and help them apply them in a consistent manner.

As for me I love the Gonstead Technique. For myself and my patients it gives me the best results on the most consistent basis. To learn more about Gonstead and what you can expect when you visit a Gonstead doctor visit my office site at ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or visit this older post on the Gonstead System.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

The Gonstead System

2008-01-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

What to expect when you visit a Gonstead doctor.

The Gonstead System
Gonstead procedures are the result of extensive clinical research by Clarence S.Gonstead, founder of the world famous Gonstead Clinic of Chiropractic in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin and his associates. Doctor Gonstead’s fifty-five years of continuous practice and over four million chiropractic adjustments resulted in the most complete method of biomechanical analysis available for use by today’s doctors of chiropractic. So why don’t all chiropractors use this technique? Because the analysis takes more time and mastering the art of delivering a specific adjustment takes a LOT of practice and dedication.

The “Gonstead Chiropractor”

The Gonstead Chiropractor goes beyond what many chiropractors consider a spinal assessment by conducting a thorough analysis of your spine using five criteria to detect the presence of the vertebral subluxation complex.

Visualization – Visualization is a way to cross reference all the other findings. Your chiropractor is an expert in looking for subtle changes in your posture and movement which could indicate any problems.

Instrumentation – The instrument of choice in the Gonstead System is the Nervoscope. The Nervoscope detects uneven distributions of heat along the spine which can be indicative of inflammation and nerve pressure. This instrument is guided down the length of your back and feels like two fingers gliding down each side of your spine.

Static Palpation – This is simply the process of feeling (or palpating) your spine in a stationary (or static) position. Your chiropractor will feel for the presence of swelling (or edema), tenderness and any abnormal texture or tightness in the muscles and other tissues of your back.
Motion Palpation – This process involves feeling the spine while moving and bending it at various angles. This enables the chiropractor to determine how easily or difficult each segment in your spine moves in different directions.

X-Ray Analysis – x-ray films enable your doctor to visualize the entire structure of your spine. This is helpful in evaluating posture, joint and disc integrity, vertebral misalignments and ruling out any pathologies, or recent fractures that may be present or contributing to the patient’s condition. These full-spine radiographs are taken in the standing, weight-bearing position to fully substantiate the examination findings. (GCSS 07)

For more information on the system, Clarence Gonstead himself or to locate a Gonstead doctor in your area, visit the Gonstead Clinical Studies Society Website @ http://www.gonstead.com/

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Will I Have To Keep Going Once I Start?

2007-12-17T08:34:00.001-08:00

Many people wonder, once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to keep going for the rest of your life.
This statement comes up frequently when the topic of chiropractic is discussed. It is only partially true. You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system.
Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits.
Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that the best time to go to the dentist is before your teeth hurt, that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true of chiropractic care for your spine. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime.
Although you can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care even if you receive care for a short time, the real benefits come into play when you make chiropractic care a part of your wellness lifestyle

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

Are Adjustments Safe?

2007-12-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

Chiropractic treatments are extremely safe for people of all ages. Unfortunately, some critics of chiropractic care have attempted to manipulate the public into thinking chiropractic treatments are dangerous. Nothing could be further from the truth. Chiropractic treatments are among some of the safest treatments used in the health care field.Read what Canadian researchers stated after performing the largest analysis of scientific literature on the most effective and cost effective treatments for low back pain:
"Chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain. Chiropractic management is greatly superior to medical management in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction."

THE MANGA REPORT
The Ontario Ministry of Health commissioned Manga Report represents the largest analysis of scientific literature on the most effective and cost effective treatments for low back pain. After reviewing all of the international evidence on the management of low back pain, lead investigator Pran Manga, Ph.D., found the treatments provided by Doctors of Chiropractic were exceptionally safe - much safer than for standard medical treatments of similar conditions.
"There is no clinical or case-control study that demonstrates or even implies that chiropractic spinal manipulation is unsafe in the treatment of low back pain. Some medical treatments are equally safe, but others are unsafe and generate iatrogenic (doctor-induced) complications for low back pain patients. Our reading of the literature suggests that chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain."
"Indeed, several existing medical therapies of low back pain are generally contraindicated on the basis of the existing clinical trials. There is also some evidence in the literature to suggest that spinal manipulations are less safe and less effective when performed by nonchiropractic professionals"
"Chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain. Chiropractic management is greatly superior to medical management in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction."
The Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of Chiropractic Management of Low-Back Pain (The Manga Report). Pran Manga and Associates (1993) - University of Ottawa, Canada.

THE AGENCY ON HEALTH CARE POLICY AND RESEARCH STUDY
On December 8, 1994, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the US Department of Health and Human Services released Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of acute low back pain. Their guidelines were developed after extensive study of diagnostic and treatment methods for acute low back pain.The guidelines were created by the AHCPR panel to provide primary care clinicians with information and recommended strategies for the assessment and treatment of acute low back problems. The AHCPR panel was made up of 23 members consisting of medical doctors, chiropractic doctors, nurses, experts in spinal research, physical therapists, an occupational therapist, a psychologist, and a consumer representative.
Their findings included:
The risk of serious complications from lumbar spinal manipulation is rare;
Conservative treatment such as spinal manipulation should be pursued in most cases before considering surgical intervention;
Prescription drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications and colchicine are not recommended for acute low back problems.
Acute Low Back Problems in Adults. Clinical Practice Guidelines. Bigos S, et al. Agency for Health Care Policy and Research Publication No. 950642 (1994) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

THE NEW ZEALAND COMMISSION REPORT
The government of New Zealand published a 377 page report which assessed the efficacy and safety of chiropractic care. The report was a result of almost 2 years of conducted hearings from recognized health care experts.
Their principal findings included:
"Chiropractors are the only health practitioners who are necessarily equipped by their education and training to carry out spinal manual therapy (spinal adjustments)."
"Chiropractors carry out spinal diagnosis and therapy at a sophisticated and refined level."
"Spinal manual therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is safe."
"The duration and training of a registered chiropractor are sufficient to enable him/her to determine whether there are contraindications to spinal manual therapy in a particular case, and whether that patient should have medical care instead of, or as well as, chiropractic care."
New Zealand Report. Hasselberg PD. Government Printer, Wellington - 19

For more information or to contact Dr. Johnson visit him on the web @
http://www.chiropracticcenteronline.com/

Are Chiropractors Really Doctors?

2007-12-10T11:14:00.001-08:00

A chiropractic college grants a D.C. or Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. Chiropractors are licensed as health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. The chiropractic and medical school curricula are extremely rigorous and virtually identical. In fact, chiropractors have more hours of classroom education than their medical counterparts. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a residency working with real patients in a clinical setting, supervised by licensed doctors of chiropractic. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states where they want to practice.
Just like medical doctors, chiropractors are professionals that are subject to the same type of testing procedures, licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and state programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Workers' Compensations programs cover chiropractic care, and all federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractors are also commissioned as officers in the military.
The biggest difference between chiropractors and medical doctors lies not in their level of education, but in their preferred method of caring for people. Medical doctors are trained in the use of medicines (chemicals that affect your internal biochemistry) and surgery. Consequently, if you have a chemical problem, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or an infection, medical doctors can be very helpful. However, if your problem is that your spine is mis-aligned or you have soft tissue damage causing pain, there is no chemical in existence that can fix it. You need a physical solution to correct a physical problem. That is where chiropractic really shines. Chiropractors provide physical solutions -- adjustments, exercises, stretches, muscle therapy -- to help the body heal from conditions that are physical in origin, such as back pain, muscle spasms, headaches, and poor posture. Another distinction is the fact that it is completely appropriate to receive chiropractic care even if you do not have symptoms. Unlike standard medical doctors, whom you visit when you have a symptom to be treated, chiropractors offer adjustments to improve spinal alignment and overall well-being before symptoms develop.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

What is Chiropractic?

2007-12-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

For the many people out there who still aren't sure what a chiropractor is, or what it is they really do. Here is a simple concise statement by a chiropractor who I respect a great deal, and who frankly just said it better than I could.

Chiropractic is the nation's third largest primary health care profession, surpassed in numbers only by practitioners of medicine and dentistry. It is the largest natural healing art in the world.

Chiropractic recognizes that the human body has a natural capacity to be healthy. Chiropractic is a natural, preventive and non-invasive form of health care that attempts to return the body to its optimal state of function which allows the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery.

The body is a self healing organism with the nervous system as the master control. All body functions depend on the electrical transmission of the nerves to coordinate all organs and systems in our bodies. Since an individual's health is either directly or indirectly controlled by the nervous system, interference within this system impairs normal function and lowers resistance to disease.

Spinal mobility is vital to protect nerve function and restricted mobility can alter nerve function by placing pressure on the electrical transmission of the nerves. Chiropractic treatment is based upon restoring the proper electrical function of the nervous system.
Through chiropractic adjustments, nervous system interference due to abnormalities in the musculoskeletal relationships of the vertebrae (called subluxations) can be corrected. This allows the nervous system to function properly, enabling the body to self-regulate and self-heal through its own natural recuperative powers.

Chiropractors are highly skilled in the art of adjusting all the articulations of the body, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects of chronic or acute trauma and biomechanical instability. The adjustment is a gentle and specific maneuver which can be applied effectively and safely to people no matter their age. (Dr. Richard Gohl)

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672

What's with the cracking sound?

2007-12-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not this is one of the most common questions Chiropractors get asked. It seems everyone, patient or bi-stander, wants to know why adjustments are accompanied with an audible pop.
For most the question is simple curiosity, a desire to learn and understand their body. However for some there is a real fear associated with this phenomenon. Undoubtedly these are the people who have seen the classic action movie move where the muscle bound hero or villain wrenches their adversary's neck to one side instantly killing them. Add a little Hollywood magic and their death is met with a nice audible pop.
Or maybe you are in the Chiropractors office after an injury that also included feeling and or hearing a pop.
With these fears in tow it is understandable why there is some hesitation when sitting as the doctor prepares to administer the adjustment. Fortunately these fears are unfounded and you can relax knowing that a skilled application of force is nothing to worry about.

So what is making it pop/crack? Is something breaking? The phenomenon known as "cavitation" is, to put it simply, a release of gas. You see, the many of the joints throughout your body are enclosed by a structure called a synovial capsule. This capsule is filled with a fluid called synovial fluid....(not rocket science here, right.) This fluid is the substance that brings nutrition to the joint surfaces as they do not have a direct blood supply. The fluid and capsule for all intents and purposes make a closed system. (Hold on it gets scientific here....I will explain after) In a closed system fluids and gases act according to a law called the ideal gas law. This law states that the pressure will respond proportionately to changes in temperature or volume. When an adjustment is administered the doctor is imparting motion to a joint that is out of alignment. This motion puts a stretch on the closed capsule system, thus altering the volume of the system. When this occurs the result is a drop in pressure. This drop in pressure means the forces that were "pushing" the gases dissolved in the synovial fluid decrease and a gas bubble (mainly CO2 or Carbon Dioxide-the substance we breath out) is formed. Because this all happens in a rapid manner (a necessity for a good adjustment as the thrust should be faster than the muscles have time to reflexively contract to ensure a proper set) the resulting gas bubble as is comes together releases the audible pop we hear.
Simply put, the sound is not a bone breaking or crunching. It is not the sound of your spinal cord tearing like in the movies. It is plain and simple gas escaping, and it is nothing to fear. And while it is not the goal of an adjustment (the re-alignment of the misaligned joint is) it is an indicator that the proper degree of movement has taken place in the specific area the doctor had targeted. And chances are you have experienced the same phenomenon with your own knuckles.

Still a little fearful about getting your neck adjusted? Pictures of Arnold Schwarzenegger twisting his enemies necks and spelling their doom. Take comfort in the fact that a Doctor of Chiropractic is a highly trained and skilled professional who knows that a good neck adjustment means keeping the spine in a neutral or near neutral position, and this is the biggest difference between an adjustment meant to replace that which is out of place or injured, and a friend or associate who offers to "crack your neck."

Click here to learn more about how truly safe Chiropractic care is.

For More Info Visit www.ChiropracticCenterOnline.com or Email Dr. Johnson

@ DrJohnson@ChiropracticCenterOnline.com

Dr. Tyler Johnson, D.C., CCSP

Chiropractic Center

1401 N. El Camino Real #103

San Clemente, CA 92672