Chiropractic's Latest Technology
As a modern Chiropractic office, Bloomington Family Chiropractic is committed to using the highest quality research and clinical grade instrumentation available. This instrumentation is an integral tool in determining whether or not Chiropractic care is right for you, and for tracking your progress while under Chiropractic care. This is done using Radiography, Infrared Thermography and Surface Electromyography. These tests are painless and take less than 10 minutes to perform, yielding an abundance of information.
Radiography
Radiographs (X-rays) are an integral part of your Chiropractic examination and of your care at Bloomington Family Chiropractic. We generally take x-rays for three reasons:
- To evaluate for any unusual findings. If unusual findings were discovered it may alter our recommendations for care or possibly require a follow up by another health care professional.
- To determine biostructural or biomechanical changes, and for Subluxation.
- To highlight any precautions necessary for you to receive Chiropractic care.
The typical “unusual finding” uncovered with radiographs is known as Vertebral Subluxation decay (or degeneration). When decay is present it reveals an abundance of information. Decay gives us a window into the time frame of how long your spine and nervous system have been adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxation. Understanding the type and amount decay helps us customize your recommended course of care at Bloomington Family Chiropractic.
Below are descriptions of the stages of Subluxation decay:
Near Normal
This is a side x-ray view of the neck. As with all the radiographs on this page, the patient is facing to the right, so you are viewing the right side of their neck. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. Notice how each of the disc spaces (the black spaces between the white vertebrae) are thick and even. The healthy discs and proper curve help absorb shock, protecting the vital nervous system. Notice how the front portions of each of the vertebrae are fairly square with clear and well defined borders indicating little wear and tear.
Research has indicated that these findings in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines are essential for a proper functioning nervous system.
Phase One – Subluxation Decay
This phase is normally seen when Vertebral Subluxations have been present between 1 and 15 years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. On this example you can see that the normal forward curve is lost and has
even formed a reverse curve. The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape. A positive aspect in phase one is that the bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibits clean, clear borders.
Individual segmental motion may be abnormal, though overall range of motion probably is not affected. Often, no pain is associated with this phase, yet the effects of vertebral Subluxation are clearly evident.
Chiropractic care helps balance nervous system function, helping the body restore the spine to near normal structure and function.
Phase Two – Subluxation Decay
This phase is normally seen when vertebral Subluxations have been present between 15 and 40 years. In addition to the above mentioned characteristics of phase one, spines in this phase show calcium buildup. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. These changes are sometimes diagnosed as spurs and/or arthritis.
Although some people in this phase may not exhibit any symptoms, many start to feel stiff or achy as range of motion is affected. This phase of degeneration greatly affects the nervous system and its ability to harmonize the functions of the body.
Chiropractic care has been shown to stabilize the degenerative process at this stage, but unfortunately a return to near normal is now a remote possibility.
Phase Three – Subluxation Decay
This phase is normally seen when Vertebral Subluxations have been present between 25 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of phases one and two, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal; the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. The vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape as calcium deposits are abundant. As these spurs enlarge, they start to affect the spinal nerves and spinal cord.
Normally, people in this phase have a greatly restricted range of motion and probably several health concerns.
Along with harmonizing nervous system function, Chiropractic care is focused on stabilizing the degenerative process and enhancing quality of life issues.
Phase Four – Subluxation Decay
This phase is normally seen when vertebral Subluxations have been present throughout a lifetime. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the individuals longevity and quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of vertebral Subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person’s health status.
This phase reveals serious structural changes to the spine. The vertebrae exhibit massive calcium deposits, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. Severe restriction of range of motion is present, in addition to probably a number of other health issues.
Persons in this phase have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope.
Chiropractic care is provided to maximize what nervous system function is present and with lifestyle coaching, patients often report improvements in their quality of life.
Surface Electromyography
Computerized Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is used to evaluate the relative levels of electrical activity associated with Vertebral Subluxation. Subluxations interfere with the communication of the nervous system between the brain and the rest of the body. A Subluxation causes improper electrical impulses to travel across the spinal nerve, which leads to diminished health. This altered or abnormal state can be detected by measuring the muscle activity on either side of the spine utilizing sEMG technology, often BEFORE any symptoms are present. These measurements are recorded and displayed on a computer screen.
SEMG provides qualitative and quantitative data to assist in determining which areas of the nervous system are being adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxations. More importantly, this objective test is utilized to monitor the effectiveness of your care at Bloomington Family Chiropractic.
Infrared Thermography
Thermography is used to evaluate the autonomic nervous system and its relationship to Vertebral Subluxation.
Subluxations interfere with the communication of the nervous system between the brain and the rest of the body. This creates a localized alteration in the flow of blood immediately surrounding the spine. This altered or abnormal state can be visualized by measuring the temperature on either side of the spine, often BEFORE symptoms are present.
These measurements are recorded by a Titron Thermographic instrument and displayed on a computer screen. Thermography provides qualitative and quantitative data to assist us in determining which areas of the nervous system are being adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxations. More importantly, this objective test is utilized to monitor and track the effectiveness of your care at Bloomington Family Chiropractic.