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What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the philosophy, art, and science describing the communication between the brain and the tissues, organs, and systems of the body. The brain controls and coordinates all actions of the body. If the communication between the brain and the body is interrupted or altered by a pinched nerve or vertebral subluxation then we may feel pain, stiffness, burning, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, or numbness just to name a few symptoms. A subluxation describes stuck vertebrae (or backbones) or the altered motion of those vertebrae, which can pinch the delicate nerves of the back causing painful symptoms. Chiropractors adjust these vertebrae (bones) in the back to restore normal motion and decompress the nerves that were pinched. Thus decreasing pain and restoring health.
The Chiropractic Story
The Chiropractic story begins with the roman doctor Hippocrates. In his written works he describes adjusting the neck to relieve symptoms to the neck and hand. In China and the Roman Empire “Bone Setters” were on the battlefield keeping the soldiers alive and fighting. In 1895 in the United States, Dr. Daniel David Palmer was examining the relationship between the spinal anatomy/neurology and a person’s body. In his office, he “adjusted” his first patient; a hearing impaired janitor named Harvey Lillard. Dr. Palmer adjusted vertebrae (bones) in Mr. Lillard’s neck. The result of this adjustment was the restoration of Mr. Lillard’s hearing, the first chiropractic “miracle” of many to come. Thus began the chiropractic profession.
What to Expect on Your First Visit at Espinosa Family Chiropractic
Espinosa Family Chiropractic provides the highest quality care to our patients. At your first visit you might expect:
A thorough history
Complete chiropractic evaluation
Necessary x-rays
Prepare for your visit with these files
- NEW Informed Consent TERMS Oct 2011.pdf
- Intake Form ESPINOSA.pdf
- Notice of Privacy Practice Espinosa HIPPA Form.pdf
Following your evaluation, Dr. Espinosa will answer 5 questions:
- What is wrong and why?
- Can chiropractic help you?
- What is fixable or patchable?
- How long will it take?
- What are the fees?
Please call the front desk to schedule a convenient appointment today!
916-457-8825
More about Espinosa Family Chiropractic:
Testimonials
My back hurt constantly and I would have shooting pains and numbness in both my legs. This was affecting my way of life because I was limited in many areas: I couldn’t work out at a fitness center or play golf regularly. Before I began care at Espinosa Family Chiropractic I used to go get occasional adjustments but it wasn’t until I began care with Dr. Espinosa and followed my plan that I noticed a change within 3 weeks. I noticed that I had less pain, a greater range of motion, and some of the numbness was gone. After two years of treatment I now golf regularly, and work out a lot. I occasionally have back pain and the numbness comes back when I stand in one place. I recommend chiropractic care to anyone who wants to live a full life – I recommend this because I have enjoyed two years of pain free living. Now that I am feeling better I love to hike, golf, and work out. I look forward to many years of healthy fun activities. – Brian B.
When my infant daughter was born we discovered she had some nerve issues. She developed torticollis (head stuck in rotation). Molly could not straighten her neck having to tilt her head to the right. We visited our pediatrician who told us to monitor her. I spoke to Dr. Ray about Molly’s condition and decided to have him start treating her. Molly began straightening her head and started enjoying adjustments, going from painful cries to big smiles and giggles. Now Molly is able to keep her head and neck straight and flexible.There is no other person I would trust more with me or my family’s health than Dr. Espinosa. – Kyle G.
Dr. Espinosa is a D.C. that relates to my personal, sports, anatomical, medical, holistic and even spiritual needs. I sought chiropractic care because I reached a point at which I could not stand or walk for five minutes at a time. During a Hawaiian vacation, I spent half an hour lying supine on the beach…because I could not get up! Dr. Espinosa helped me recover, through adjustments, reminding me to stretch, and exercise my core and hamstrings daily. After the first adjustment, I noticed improvement, along with pain reduction and increased mobility.Recently, I enjoyed an amazing 2 week Alaskan vacation –pain free. I was able to hike and explore without spinal subluxation. I no longer suffer needlessly from chronic pain and back freeze-ups.After completing my entire prescribed treatment plan, I moved into an incredible wellness program. I have recommended Chiropractic and Dr. Espinosa to all of my friends and family because of Dr. Espinosa’s technical expertise, and not to mention his ability to relate personally with people. His staff is tremendous too!Thank you Dr. E and Staff!!! – Dan D
I began care in January 2012. I was referred to Dr. Espinosa by a personal friend and chiropractor, Dr. Wong. I sought chiropractic care because it was my last hope. I was restricted more and more every day in my movement and I relied on taking drugs to kill the pain, which never really worked.I noticed a change within two weeks. I had less pain and more movement. I feel much better because I am now able to do all the things I have to do, pain free.I recommend chiropractic care to anyone like me – and don’t wait as long as I did! The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to get back to 100%. Now I can exercise regularly and go back for tune ups when needed. I believe you are doing an excellent job Dr. Espinosa! – Marvin W
I had experienced a severe back spasm that caused me pain and limited range of motion. I could barely walk or move around without pain, discomfort or tightening in my back. I couldn’t do anything and I immediately thought I needed to call Dr. Ray and possibly start chiropractic care. I noticed a change within five (5) visits! I was in less pain and I was able to move around better. Now I am more aware of my neck, back and how my back feels throughout the day. I recommend chiropractic care to anyone experiencing head, neck or back issues that cause pain or discomfort. I do believe through the chiropractic process that anyone can learn about their body and how to alleviate the frustration of aches and pains. I plan to assess my body for continued maintenance so as not to experience the severe pain that came by ignoring the small signs.– Jennifer T.
Stress
The American Psychology Association observed in a recent study that 54% of Americans are concerned about stress in their everyday lives. With all the pressures of modern life, stress and frustration have been a large commonality among American people. Whether you experience physical or mental stress, chiropractic can help you relax your body and mind.
Stress releases a hormone called the adrenocorticotropic hormone. These stress hormones can cause a series of physiological changes in the body that can increase your blood pressure, increase your blood pressure, or even shut down your digestive system, resulting in an alteration of your immune system. The body does not return to normal until the perceived threat is gone. When stressful moments pile up and become chronic, the functionality of the immune system can be greatly dampened, making he body more susceptible to infections or other sickness.
Stress also commonly causes:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Back pain
- Constipation
- Stiff neck
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Depression
- Weight gain or loss
Many people manage their stress through various activities, such as:
- Relaxed breathing
- Progressive muscle relaxation
- Listening to soothing sounds
- Exercise
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a medical condition in which a person’s spine is curved from side to side. It can be caused by vertebral anomalies present at birth, caused by vertebral anomalies present at birth, various other syndromes, or the cause can sometimes simply be unknown. According to recent studies, the most common form of scolioses, late-onset idiopathic scoliosis, is physiologically harmless even without treatment, though rare forms pose risks and complications.
Scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature of more than 10 degrees to the right or left as the examiner faces the patient. Patients who initially present with scoliosis are examined to determine whether the deformity has an underlying cause. During a physical examination, the following are assessed to exclude the possibility of underlying condition more serious than simple scoliosis.
An orthopedic brace can be used to prevent the spine from curving into a rose position. Pain can also be alleviated with moist heat. Surgery may be required in severe cases.
Regular visits to a chiropractor and observation of the progression of scolioses are important to be sure proper treatment is being given and to insure a long and happy life.
Pregnancy
A woman’s center of gravity is shifted to the front of her pelvis during pregnancy. This causes stress on pelvic joints and the lower back. As the baby grows inside, this added weight causes curvature to the lower back and places stress on fragile facet joints. This also brings out or worsens any pain that could attributed to any preexisting problems in the woman’s spine. All of this lead to pain and difficulty in the performance of everyday activities.
According to studies, around half of all expectant mothers experience low back pain during their pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Receiving chiropractic care throughout pregnancy prevents much pain and discomfort as well as allows for a much safer delivery. many women have been able avoid the use of any pain medications during their pregnancy when receiving regular chiropractic care.
Sleeping in the side with a pillow between the legs is a good way for pregnant women to take pressure off their lower back. It is also recommended to eat many small meals throughout the day as opposed to normal three large meals. Taking prenatal vitamins with anywhere from 400-800 micrograms of folic acid a day has been shown to greatly reduce the risk of the development of neural tube defects in the developing fetus. Be sure to check with your doctor to make sure any vitamin or supplement you take with be safe for your baby and yourself.
PMS
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) occurs in women during the days before their monthly period. it is characterized by mood swings, food cravings, irritability, headaches, swollen abdomen, and/or depression. The severity of the symptoms can range greatly and last anywhere from a couple days to a few weeks.
An estimated three out of every four menstruating women experience some form of PMS. it is most likely to trouble women in their late 20s through early 40s. Between 10-20% of women suffering these symptoms have a sever or disabling experience from the PMS.
The menstrual cycle causes hormonal cycles which many believe to be the cause of PMS, which is worsened with stress.
Chiropractic cannot fix PMS, but it can decrease many of the symptoms and help regulate nerve tissues in the lower abdomen, alleviating pressure or irritation.
Ear infections
Ear infections can become a chronic problem for many children. They are commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections after an illness such as a cold. Repeated chronic ear infections can lead to hearing damage and well as problems with speech and development.
Ear infections commonly occur when the lymph system in the neck experiences improper drainage or when the muscles that keep bacteria and viruses from entering the tubes in the back of the throat that lead to the inner ear aren’t functioning correctly.
These problems are more likely to occur in children than adults. Adults have larger tubes that allow for better drainage as well spend more of their time upright, encouraging better drainage.
Most doctors prescribe antibiotics to help kill the infection. Many of these antibiotics are proven to be no more effective than the body’s own nervous system. On top f this, use of these antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistant bacteria. Another common practice to treat ear infections is the use of tubes in the ears to increase drainage. Neither of these treatments treat the underlying causes of the infection.
It is important that a parent talk to a chiropractor if their child suffers from recurrent ear infections. Doctors of chiropractic can diagnose the problem and provide treatment that restores function to tissues in the neck which significantly reduces , of not completely eliminates, ear infections without medicinal or surgical help.
Bedwetting
Not all of the causes of bedwetting are fully understood. It is most common in children under four years old.
Some children have underdeveloped bladders for their age and have trouble recognizing that tier bladder is full. If a child hasn’t wet the bed for a long period of time then suddenly starts wetting again, this could be a sign of stress in the child’s life. Often this occurs in baby’s in a new home, moving to a new neighborhood, or divorce. Other causes include sexual abuse or could be caused by some sort of disease process. It mat be important for the child to see a doctor is they resume wetting the bed after having not in the past.
Irritated nerves that control bladder function could be a source of the problem. These nerves exit an area of the spine called the Sacrum. In adults, this is one large fused bone, but in children is consists of five individual segments. If these segments become misaligned, that can compromise the nerves responsible for normal bladder function. While chiropractic is not normally an avenue for bedwetting prevention, it has helped many children with the problem.
Asthma
Asthma is often caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. which both depend on normal communication between the brain and spinal chord.
With this information, it becomes apparent that if thence is misaligned it could be causing an imbalance in the function of the nervous system. Misalignment could occur through various traumas such as falls, head injuries, or auto accidents. This misalignment can exaggerate the symptoms of asthma. Chiropractors can perform an upper cervical examination on asthma patients to determine whether or not they can help reduce asthmatic symptoms and reactions.