What does a chiropractor do?
At Gelley Chiropractic, our chiropractors are primary spine care practitioners who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Dr. Gelley is also a sports injury specialist and will manage other musculoskeletal conditions. At Gelley Chiropractic, we utilize natural, hands-on treatment methods along with exercise and lifestyle modification to address an individual’s musculoskeletal pain. Although most spinal and musculoskeletal conditions can be diagnosed by taking a thorough health history and providing a complete physical examination, blood tests, MRIs, CT scans, and X rays may be used when necessary. We work in cooperation with medical physicians and other healthcare practitioners to provide high quality, comprehensive care to each patient.
What types of problems do chiropractors treat?
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Sciatica
- Sports Injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Work-related injuries
- Shoulder, arm and leg pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries
- Muscle tightness, weakness or imbalance
- Numbness and tingling
What techniques are used at Gelley Chiropractic?
Dr. Gelley uses a variety of techniques. The specific techniques used for each patient will vary depending on the diagnosis and structures involved, as well as patient preference and comfort. These techniques include spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization (no quick movement or 'crack'), neural mobilization, muscle stretching, Active Release Technique, rehabilitative exercise, kinesiology taping, and acupuncture/dry needling.
Do I have to have my back 'cracked'?
Not necessarily. Spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment, is a technique used to correct joint dysfunction. Joint dysfunction is a condition in which there is a loss of normal movement of a joint - a common cause of spinal pain. If you have joint dysfunction, there are 'non-cracking' techniques (mobilization) that can be equally effective in decreasing pain and improving movement. There is NO need for spinal manipulation/mobilization if you do not have joint dysfunction.
What is the cracking noise that often occurs with spinal manipulation?
Often when a spinal joint is manipulated, it makes a 'popping' sound. There is fluid inside all joints and within this fluid there are bubbles. When the manipulation is performed, the bubbles pop, producing an audible sound. Although this is not necessary for spinal manipulation to be effective, it is simply the sound of the joint suddenly moving or releasing from its restricted state.
Will spinal manipulation hurt?
Most of the time, spinal manipulation is very comfortable. Research has shown that a slight to moderate discomfort has been reported in a small number of patients. In the majority of cases, any discomfort that may occur is of short duration and subsides within 8-24 hours.
How long does chiropractic care take to work?
This is a very commonly asked question, and unfortunately, there is no one simple answer. The amount of time needed for recovery is variable, not only for each different condition but also for each individual patient. Generally speaking, conditions that have been present for a longer period of time will logically require a somewhat longer recovery time, although there are always exceptions. Dr. Gelley’s treatment methods will reduce pain and the associated disability as quickly as possible. He will also provide strategies to manage and reduce the likelihood of any future episodes. In this way, pain is reduced as quickly as possible to encourage return to normal activities of daily living.
Do you think people need regular lifelong chiropractic care?
NO. Although periodic treatment may be recommended for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, this is not for all patients. Dr. Gelley will teach patients exercises and self-care strategies to successfully manage their musculoskeletal conditions and reduce the number of visits to the chiropractic office.
Why do I have to do exercises?
Dr. Gelley may prescribe exercises designed to keep joints moving properly or to strengthen the muscles to stabilize the back or neck and prevent recurring pain. Many of these exercises will be long term, while others are to be used only temporarily to reduce pain. Certain exercises will help you to heal faster, and others will prevent the pain from returning.
What can I expect during the initial visit?
Dr. Gelley will do a thorough health history and comprehensive physical examination. Blood tests, MRI, CT scan or X rays will be arranged if necessary; however, if these tests have been completed recently the results and reports can be obtained by Dr. Gelley. If chiropractic care is appropriate for an individual’s condition, a treatment may be provided on the first visit after Dr. Gelley discusses his findings and recommendations for treatment.
Can children be treated by a chiropractor?
Like adults, children can also be treated for musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. But, scientific research of the highest quality does NOT support the chiropractic treatment of children for conditions such as infant colic, bedwetting, autism, ADD/ADHD, asthma or other pediatric disorders.