Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
A chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during' the Doctor of Chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. Dr. Ruggiero typically uses his hands--or an instrument--to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation, decrease muscular tightness, and reduces the patient's pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Dr. Ruggiero adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness, or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor several times. To be treated by Dr. Ruggiero a patient needs to physically be in our office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e., taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). The major factors influencing the timetable for care include: the severity and complexity of the condition; how long the pain has been present; the patient’s nutritional, rest, and exercise habits; the overall physical condition of the patient; and if the patient is following through with the recommended treatment schedule. Dr. Ruggiero will discuss with you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
Yes, Ruggiero Family Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center, LLC participates in numerous health insurance panels and takes Letters Of Protection if you are involved in an automobile accident or slip and fall. Should you find that your health insurance plan is not honored in our office, there are many ways that can make chiropractic care affordable to help relieve your pain and improve your health.
Many factors determine how well patients will respond to chiropractic treatment. Many people respond very well, noting relief of pain and an improved quality of life. The patients that have neglected and/or delayed treatment will typically respond at a slower rate. Many patients note that after properly healing from an injury, periodic chiropractic treatments and continued performance of stretches and exercises as instructed at home help to avoid triggering an exacerbation in the future.
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