Here’s some background on chiropractic history from our team at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic. We hope it will add to your understanding of how chiropractic has met the increasing demand for effective, natural health care.

The History of Chiropractic Treatment

The origins of chiropractic go back thousands of years, as people tried to relieve pain by manipulating their joints.

But chiropractic’s modern roots date to 1895, with a healer named Daniel David Palmer. He believed in the brain’s vital role in healing the rest of the body.

Palmer’s patient, a partially deaf janitor named Harvey Lillard, had injured his back 17 years earlier, immediately losing much of his hearing. Palmer examined the man’s back and felt an area that was out of alignment. After Palmer performed a spinal adjustment, Lillard reported significant improvement in his hearing.

Palmer then took on more patients who had heard about the successful treatment. He theorized that spinal misalignments could interfere with nerve signals passing through the nervous system.

He named his spinal manipulation treatment chiropractic, a word of Greek origin meaning done by hand.

Two years later, Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. His son, B.J. Palmer, followed in his father’s footsteps. B.J. was an accomplished writer and speaker who advanced the scientific acceptance of chiropractic treatment and promoted the use of newer technologies such as x-rays.

Today, Palmer College of Chiropractic is still a leader among colleges in chiropractic training.

How Chiropractic Has Evolved

Through the years, people have recognized the value of using natural, noninvasive treatments whenever possible. Chiropractic care has jumped in to fill this need, reflected in its fast growth in health care.

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors began to provide other holistic therapies, plus advice on nutrition, exercise, posture, ergonomics, stress management and more.  Modern technology and newer types of adjustments offer more options than ever in customized treatment for each patient.

Now, all 50 U.S. states, plus countries around the world, recognize chiropractic as a healthcare profession.  The more than 70,000 licensed chiropractors in the United States practice solo or as part of a medical team, treating patients in the Medicare, Medicaid, Department of Defense, and Veterans Affairs systems. Many professional sports teams have chiropractors treating their elite athletes.

Becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic requires 4 to 5 years of rigorous study at an accredited chiropractic college. Students spend thousands of hours of classroom, clinical and laboratory work on developing expertise in the body’s musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors must also meet standards required by licensing and board certification.

Benefits of Today’s Chiropractic Care

Visiting the chiropractor today promotes good health for the whole family without the use of drugs, surgery or invasive procedures.

Treatments resolve imbalances throughout your musculoskeletal system, promoting your natural healing process for better mobility and pain relief.

Your chiropractor can help you with conditions such as back pain, headaches, balance issues, injuries, and much more.

Chiropractic has come a long way since those early days of D.D. Palmer–but its core ideas are still helping people live healthier lives today.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation at Our Broken Arrow Office

Call Eastern Oklahoma today at 918-940-4630 to begin your healthier life!

The post Done by Hand: How Chiropractic Care Began first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

Here are answers to some common questions about this important sense.

How Does Proprioception Work?

Proprioception is often called the body’s sixth sense—but unlike your senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch, proprioception works without your awareness.

You don’t have to think consciously about how you walk without looking at your feet, kick a ball, or adapt to the heaviness of a box you’re lifting. Your sense of proprioception handles it for you, helping your body adjust to changes in your environment.

Your body has nerve receptors in places like joints, muscles, inner ear, and skin.  These receptors help your body parts and your senses to coordinate, sending signals to your brain about their activity. Your brain processes that information, along with input from your vision and vestibular system (for balance), enabling you to move in a coordinated way.

Can People Lose Proprioceptive Abilities?

Yes. Aging is one common reason, putting people at higher risk of falls as their balance and body position awareness deteriorate.

Alcohol use, injuries, illness, and brain conditions can also weaken proprioception. Causes include:

• Injuries to the brain or joints
• Stroke
• Herniated discs
• Diseases such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s
• Autism
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Arthritis
• Knee or hip replacement
• Herniated discs

What Are the Symptoms of Proprioception Problems?

One simple way to check your proprioception is called the Romberg test. Stand with feet together and eyes closed for 30 seconds.  Losing your balance during that time can indicate a proprioception issue.

Other symptoms include:

• Difficulty walking in a straight line
• Poor balance and frequent falls
• Using too much or too little force when doing activities such as writing or grasping an object
• Poor posture
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination

If you suspect you have a condition affecting your proprioception, get evaluated and learn about your treatment options.

Can I Improve My Proprioception?

Yes–you can certainly boost your proprioceptive capability, reducing your chance of injuries and improving sports performance, coordination, and overall quality of life.

Whatever your goals, here are some activities that improve proprioceptive abilities:

• Exercises can strengthen your core and improve balance, movement and spatial awareness.
• Tai chi and yoga improve strength and balance.
• Practicing a sport regularly increases coordination.
• Chiropractic maintenance promotes good musculoskeletal alignment and nervous system performance.

What Are Some Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Proprioception?

Chiropractic treatments can help in several ways, such as:

Optimizing your nervous system’s performance by repairing spinal misalignments so your proprioceptive receptors have a clear pathway to your brain.

Improving range of motion. A good range of motion gives your brain effective input about your body’s positions and movements.

Every family member, from young kids to seniors, can benefit from boosting their proprioception.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation at Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic

Call our Broken Arrow office today at 918-940-4630 to begin maximizing your health potential!

The post A Q&A on Proprioception: Your Body’s Sixth Sense first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.

What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Session

Chiropractors are specialists in the musculoskeletal system, providing holistic care that promotes wellness throughout the body. They perform adjustments that align the spine, relieving pain and improving mobility, nervous system performance and healing.

Your first visit is a consultation where you’ll share your feelings and undergo tests to diagnose what’s causing your symptoms. You work together with your chiropractor to assemble the pieces of the diagnostic puzzle.

You’ll receive a complete exam with physical, orthopedic and neurological components, including an evaluation of your range of motion, spinal alignment, and other musculoskeletal functions.

You’ll answer questions about your pain and other symptoms, such as:

• Type of pain (dull, sharp, burning)
• Location of symptoms
• If the discomfort was caused by an injury
• How long you’ve had the pain; if it’s acute or chronic
• Whether certain body positions relieve symptoms or worsen them

Using all of the valuable information from your initial appointment, your chiropractor will put together a report of findings and a customized treatment plan for you.

At this first session, you may also receive an initial treatment to help relieve symptoms and get the healing process started.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Chiropractic Appointment

When you’re in a new medical situation, anxiety may make it difficult to remember your questions or retain information you’ve received from your provider.

Here are some ways to enhance your experience:

Download new patient forms and fill them out at home, before your appointment. This allows you to think about your symptoms, medical history and other useful things, without feeling rushed.

Take with you a small notepad listing important facts and questions about your health, symptoms and treatment. Use it during your appointment to make notes.

Dress in comfortable, stretchy clothing that allows free movement, such as yoga pants or relaxed-fit slacks and a loose-fitting shirt.

Bring items that will assist your chiropractor’s evaluation, such as:

• Records of other chiropractic and medical treatments you’ve had
• A list of medications or supplements you’re using
• Relevant medical reports
• X-rays and other types of scans you’ve had for your condition
• Any corrective devices you use, such as orthotics

Asking Questions of Your Chiropractor

Throughout your first and later appointments, feel free to ask questions at any point in the session and to ask what comes next. Here are some questions you may want on your list:

• What tools do you use to diagnose my problem?
• What kind of experience do you have with my condition?
• What treatments do you provide?
• How many visits will I need?
• What can I do at home to prevent and treat problems?
• Do you offer nutritional and other wellness counseling?

Great communication at your first appointment will set the stage for your treatment plan and build your pathway to feeling better!

Call Our Broken Arrow Office for Your Complimentary Consultation

We welcome all your questions; contact Eastern Oklahoma Chiropractic at 918-940-4630.

The post Preparing for Your First Chiropractic Appointment first appeared on Chiropractor Broken Arrow.