Two Types of Chiropractors

Not all chiropractors are alike. Although they go by the same name, chiropractors today differ greatly in technique and philosophy.

The traditional philosophy that chiropractic was based on has never changed, but for social acceptance, some chiropractors have.

As a result, when patients go to different chiropractors they get different opinions, treatments and results, not to mention costs. This can be both confusing and frustrating to the patient.

If expectations aren’t met, patients stop chiropractic care, and never get to experience the great results chiropractic care can give them

There are basically two types of chiropractors Limited Scope chiropractors who work on symptoms and relief and the Full Spectrum (Traditional) chiropractors who work on subluxations and structural correction. Let’s look at the two types of chiropractors so you can choose the one that best suits your needs

THE SYMPTOM RELIEF CHIROPRACTOR

Like the typical Physician, this type of chiropractor primarily focuses on relief of symptoms (for example, back pain neck pain, and headaches). Manipulations are done to the spine to decompress the joints, free fixations and reduce pain. In addition, electro therapies such as diathermy, electro stimulation, tens units and laser acupuncture are often used. In the United States, these chiropractors are even trying to expand their scope of practice to prescribe drugs.

Length of treatment and frequency of adjustments are usually dictated by the patient’s symptoms, or insurance coverage. Monitoring patient’s progress by symptoms and insurance coverage usually means shorter overall treatment time but still leaves the patient far short of correcting the cause of their problem.

The patient may feel better temporarily, but since the spine remains structurally misaligned, it degenerates silently and results in damage and malfunction at whatever part of the body the nerve supplies.

Many experts see little value and even harm in simply treating symptoms.

The bottoms line is that treating only symptoms still leaves the cause uncorrected.

THE TRADITIONAL CHIROPRACTOR

This type of chiropractor practices the traditional philosophy of chiropractic which is subluxations and structural correction of the spine. A vertebral subluxation interferes with nerve impulses. A nerve impulse is the electrical message from the brain thatregulates all functions of the body and keeps us alive.

Although the traditional or Full Spectrum chiropractor wants his patients to feel better, his primary focus is removing the nerve interference(subluxation) and restructuring the spine to it’s most stable biomechanical position.

This is done through a program of specific adjustments and exercise to be used to stabilize and strengthen.

The length of correction and frequency of adjustments is determined by the severity of the patient’s subluxations, structural alignment, X-ray information, SEMG and Thermography results, etc., not symptoms!

Symptoms may be gone long before the spine is at its maximum correction so adjustment schedules may be kept intense to allow structural correction in the shortest amount of time. The patient is then closely monitored by postural patterns and X-rays until the subluxation patterns are corrected and the spine is in its proper alignment and function.

By reviewing these before and after studies with the doctor the patient actually sees the results.

Since subluxations are silent, and research shows they can begin at birth resulting in dysfunction and dis-ease, the traditional chiropractor recommends families to be checked, especially children.

Because of this, the traditional chiropractor will work out fair and equitable payment plans so families can afford care, regardless of insurance coverage.
So remember, when choosing a chiropractor, choose based on your health goals – either temporary relief or maximum correction and Wellness! The choice is YOURS!

I hope you enjoyed this brief look into chiropractic philosophy. I am proud to state that I am a Traditional Chiropractor. I respect your pain, and will do my best to eliminate it, however, I want you and your family to be healthy. I want you to be the best you can be! I urge you to visit my website www.easternoklahomachiropractic.com
My mission is to help as many people in my lifetime as I can - especially children.

All the best,

Dr. Travis

Chiropractic Health- Allergies and Asthma

Asthma is a condition involving hypersensitivity of the immune system and of the airways (the tubes through which air passes between the nose and mouth to the lungs). During an asthma attack, the airways become obstructed due to muscle contraction, inflammation, and excess mucus production, resulting in wheezing and/or coughing symptoms.

The job of the immune system is to identify foreign substances such as viruses and bacteria and remove them. Normally, this response protects us from dangerous diseases. In a person with allergies or asthma, the immune system reacts to harmless substances such as plant pollen or animal dander and creates allergy (stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc.) or asthma (wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath) symptoms.

Asthma and allergies are closely associated because of the common systems involved — the immune system and the respiratory system. Often, an asthma attack can result from an allergic reaction. Asthma sufferers are also more susceptible to having colds develop into bronchitis, which can trigger an asthma attack.

How Cervical Care Relates to Allergies and Asthma

Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are due to hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. This means that the immune and respiratory systems initiate an exaggerated response (allergy attack, asthma attack, coughing attack, skin rash) to something in the environment such as dust, pollen, grass, foods, etc. Since the immune and respiratory systems depend upon normal communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions, alterations in neurological function can contribute to malfunctions in these systems.

Specifically, an imbalance in autonomic nervous system function, caused by input from upper cervical spinal joint irritation (neck misalignment), can produce or exaggerate asthmatic and allergic symptoms via control over airway dilation and immune responses. While many asthma and allergy sufferers recall specific traumas such as head injuries, auto accidents or falls, which could have injured their upper cervical spines, some do not. In certain pediatric cases, the injury can occur from the normal birthing process. A cervical examination is necessary in each individual’s case to assess whether a cervical injury is present and whether benefit from cervical care can be achieved.


Thank you for your time,
Dr. Travis

We would love to hear from you with any questions or concerns. I urge you to check out our website at www.easternoklahomachiropractic.com or give us a call 918-935-3432

God Made Dirt.... Dirt Don't Hurt

You are wondering why such a zany title. After all you hate dirt. As a matter of fact, so does our family, friends, and the vast majority of North Americans. We are obsessed with dirt and uncleanliness. We are fastidious, fussy and clean obsessed. Let me show you. How many of you take off your shoes when entering the house? Look at a glass before drinking? Wash your hands compulsively? Wash your clothes after wearing them only a few hours? The list goes on.

So why do we do this?

Well…we have been taught that germs are bad. That one can get germs from anything and everything. That germs should be eradicated, wiped out, killed. That no mercy should be shown. Take no prisoners our parents told us. So we do what we have been taught. This sterile obsession we then pass onto our children and the myth is propagated.

Our obsession with cleanliness is causing our own demise. I am not referring to personal hygiene; rather, I am referring to our “everything-spotless” mentality. More and more authorities are convinced that everyday dust and dirt is actually good for you. Our search and reach for sterility is actually harming us and our children. I realize this may sound a bit alarming for many of you, but read on!

Our health is based on a properly functioning nervous system, immune system and endocrine system. The new science connecting these components is called, pyschoneuroimmunology. Many feel that the immune, endocrine and nervous systems are one and the same. This new science investigates the relationships between these systems and how they integrate and interact together for the health and well being of the individual.

What has this to do with dirt you ask?

Bart Classen MD, of Classen Immunotherapies in Maryland, a vaccine researcher, told me in a personal communication, that the immune system of today’s child is in serious trouble. He feels that because of our search for cleanliness and sterility, our immune system is no longer being exercised as it has been in the past. These thoughts are echoed by Steve Marini D.C., a chiropractor and immunologist, Philip Incao MD, and countless others. More and more scientists are realizing that most of the childhood diseases are innocuous and are there in order to exercise a young immature immune system of a child. You probably think that a child having measles, chickenpox, etc., is a terrible thought. Not so. These diseases actually teach the immune system how to deal with the myriad of viruses and bacteria of the world. This is a good thing.

I tell my patients that even the common cold and flu has a place; they teach the immune system how to fight! This is good. Just because you feel sick when you have the flu doesn’t mean you are. It simply means your body is doing exactly what has been programmed to do. This is not sickness. This is an expression of health! I am not saying you have to like it, but it is ultimately for your benefit. To circumvent this system is not in your best interests.

Let some dirt in your life. You’ll be a healthier person for it.


I look forward to hearing from you to set up your complimentary consultation. I can be reached at 918-935-3432, or you are more than welcome to visit my website.

Thank you for reading,

Dr. Travis

www.easternoklahomachiropractic.com