Chiropractor Laurel, MD

Experienced And Professional Chiropractic Care

If you have been looking for an experienced Laurel, MD chiropractor, then look no further than our team at AmeriWell Clinics. There is a good chance that you are experiencing some kind of physical pain and are in need of relief. Perhaps you have tried other treatments, albeit unsuccessfully, or were prescribed strong painkillers, but you are seeking a better solution. On the other hand, you might prefer a natural form of pain relief. Regardless of your reasons, AmeriWell Clinics are glad you have made it this far.

For years, we have been treating patients who are suffering from back pain, stiff neck, car accident injuries, and other musculoskeletal problems. We understand how debilitating these injuries can be and would like to assist you in finding the relief you are looking for. Guided by years of experience, research-backed techniques, and a dedication to both our patients and profession, we are ready to help you.

For a consultation with a chiropractor, please reach out to us today. Our doctors are currently accepting new patients.

Table of Contents

• Experienced And Professional Chiropractic Care
• What Your Chiropractor Is Looking For
• Seven Don’ts After A Chiropractic Adjustment
• Laurel Chiropractor Infographic
• Chiropractor Statistics
• Questions To Ask Your Chiropractor
• AmeriWell Clinics, Laurel Chiropractor
• Contact Our Office Today

Chiropractic Adjustments, Tools, And Techniques

Chiropractic treatment techniques are hands-on. When you see a chiropractor, they will use their hands in a specific way to adjust and massage various parts of your body. A special force will be utilized to adjust your spine; thereby, your nervous system as a whole. In addition to the adjustment, a chiropractor may recommend or implement:

• Corrective exercises
• Diversified manipulation
• Postural screenings
• Receptor tonus technique
• Drop table technique
• Ultrasound
• Spinal decompression
• Physical therapy
• Cold laser therapy or heat therapy
• Lifestyle advice
• + More

It should be noted that the aforementioned techniques are not always utilized and will only be recommended when your back pain doctor believes they will benefit you.

Benefits Of Chiropractic Adjustments

Consider the upsides of receiving chiropractic treatments. Chiropractors can ease many types of pain, especially those experienced in the neck and back. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can be reduced. For some, the frequency and intensity of headaches are improved. Seeing a chiropractor is more affordable than surgery and perfect for scoliosis sufferers as well as athletes looking for an edge. Patients dependent upon opioids to treat their discomfort may be able to reduce their reliance on harmful medications.

Pregnant individuals can benefit greatly from chiropractic care as a safe, drug-free treatment option to address common pregnancy-related discomforts such as back pain, pelvic misalignment, and sciatica. By focusing on spinal alignment and overall nervous system health, chiropractic care supports a more comfortable pregnancy while promoting optimal positioning for the baby.

Chiropractic care can also support individuals managing obesity by addressing musculoskeletal issues that may arise from excess weight, such as joint pain, back pain, and limited mobility. By improving spinal alignment and reducing physical discomfort, chiropractic adjustments can enhance mobility and encourage regular physical activity.

By any reasonable measure, receiving chiropractic treatments comes without serious danger. The many upsides far outweigh the risks. If you could benefit from having your back or spine professionally manipulated, know that therapeutic sessions are virtually risk-free.

What Your Chiropractor Is Looking For

During your visit with our Laurel chiropractor, there are certain things they will be looking out for. The initial clinical exam usually includes patient history and symptoms, the exam itself, and diagnostic testing. These four steps will provide your chiropractor with the information we need to diagnose you and create your personalized care plan.

Patient History And Symptoms

You will be asked to fill out forms which provide medical background information and details about your symptoms. Examples of questions we may inquire about include when the pain began, where the pain is felt, the intensity of the pain (sharp, throbbing, dull, burning, etc.), if an injury caused the pain, what you have tried to alleviate the pain, and what activities make your symptoms worse.

The Examination

A chiropractor that is thorough in your examination will perform general tests, assess blood pressure, check your pulse, and analyze your reflexes. Neurological and orthopedic tests may be utilized to check range of motion, muscle strength, muscle tone, and neurological integrity. Your chiropractor will examine the spine, joints, and muscles related to your symptoms in order to figure out what treatments could provide you with the relief you are hoping for.

Diagnostics and Testing

Depending on your history and the exam, diagnostic tests may be useful in identifying abnormalities in the body structure. An x-ray is the most commonly used diagnostic tool during the first chiropractic examination, and can help diagnose trauma, spondylarthritis, and spinal deformities (such as scoliosis).

An x-ray will only be recommended if your chiropractor strongly feels like there is good reason to get one. There are risks of radiation exposure during the x-ray, so your chiropractor will limit it to cases where they are medically necessary. An x-ray will help show the structure and health of the bones, but not so much more muscles and soft tissues. So if damage to soft tissues is suspected (like a nerve compression, torn muscle, or disc problem, an MRI scan may be advised.

Diagnosis And Treatment

The findings from the above steps will be used to determine a diagnosis. After this is established, your chiropractor can decide if your condition would respond well to chiropractic treatment. Some conditions, like tumors, infections, or fractures, may not benefit from the chiropractic approach, and may require a visit to a physician.

Making An Accurate Diagnosis

Like any other medical problem, the first step towards effective chiropractic treatment is getting an accurate diagnosis. When you visit a chiropractor at AmeriWell Clinics, we will utilize a broad range of diagnosing methods to determine what is causing your pain. These may include orthopedic testing, an assessment of your posture, neurological tests, MRIs, X-rays, and more.

Bear in mind that we will do our best to diagnose you without asking you to have a scan or X-ray. Whether or not you will need this test will depend on your own set of circumstances. Depending on what we discover will depend on whether we will be able to treat you. For instance, sometimes patients will be better suited to another form of care, or we might also recommend certain therapies that compliment your chiropractic treatment. This strategy enables us to provide you with a well-rounded form of medical care that is balanced and whole.

Seven Don’ts After A Chiropractic Adjustment

You may have heard all the things you should do after an adjustment from your chiropractor — Hydrate. Rest for 24-48 hours. Slowly resume normal activities. On the other hand, do you know what you shouldn’t do? Here are seven don’ts after a chiropractic adjustment.

• Don’t Use Heat On New Injuries

After your adjustment, you may be tempted to use heat on your sore muscles. Don’t; it would increase the inflammation and cause swelling. Use ice instead, 15 minutes at a time, three to four times a day.

• Don’t Carry Things Incorrectly

After your chiropractor has adjusted your spine, you don’t want to undo all her hard work by carrying things the wrong way. Whatever you’re carrying, hold it close to your body with both hands. Don’t stretch your arms out to carry it — that can cause strain on your back.

• Don’t Participate In High-Impact Exercise

You should definitely exercise after an adjustment, but high-impact exercise like running or Crossfit could throw your spine out of whack. Enjoy bicycling, walking, using the elliptical machine or swimming after your adjustment.

• Don’t Bend Over

If you need to get something off the floor, squat with your back straight. Your chiropractor can demonstrate the proper technique and make sure you know what it feels like. If you bend over to pick something up, you’re putting strain on your lower back.

• Don’t Lift Heavy Things

Use the buddy system to lift heavy things or things that are awkward to carry. This isn’t the time to be self-sufficient. You could seriously injure yourself if you tried to carry something heavy by yourself.

• Don’t Spend Too Much Time Sitting

If your job involves a lot of sitting down, consider getting a standing desk or a kneeling chair. A standing desk is ideal because the human body is designed to move, and when you’re standing, you’re in motion shifting your balance, shuffling your feet and flexing and relaxing your leg muscles. A kneeling chair takes a lot of pressure off your spine, transferring it to your shins instead. Your Ameriwell chiropractor may have recommendations based on your particular case.

• Don’t Sleep Face-Down

Sleeping face-down can cause undue strain on your neck and upper back. You’re better off sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your knees. Both positions allow your back to relax and recover.

Laurel Chiropractor Infographic

Chiropractor Statistics

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA):

• Approximately 35 million people in this country seek treatment from chiropractors, resulting in more than a million chiropractic adjustments performed every day.
• Approximately 80 percent of patients described the chiropractic care they received as “very effective.”

If you are having chronic pain issues, consider a consultation with one of our experienced chiropractors to find out what treatment options may be available for you.

Questions To Ask Your Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatments are generally quite safe. However, if you have never before had a therapeutic session from our Laurel chiropractor, you may be unsure about some things. Do not enter into treatment wondering about points you have a right to understand. Here are four questions to ask a chiropractor before you choose to undergo treatment.

What Is Your Treatment Approach Or Philosophy?

The overarching philosophy of chiropractic is a vision that total organism health cannot be separated from spinal well-being. There are two specific points within the chiropractic philosophy:

• Proper function depends upon proper structure.
• The body inherently seeks balance between all systems.

The idea is that the spine is the foundation of a healthy musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor seeks to bring your body’s various systems into alignment by positioning the spine correctly. In addition, chiropractors also seek to relieve localized pain and discomfort. Our skilled chiropractic team will develop a plan for treatment based on opinion derived from the current field of knowledge.

Do You Utilize X-Rays?

These diagnostic tools are effective at revealing small fractures, bone deformities, or other underlying conditions that are contributing to your pain. Chiropractic professionals who use X-rays are demonstrating a high level of care for patients. Using X-rays shows they want to find the best method of treatment for each individual rather than follow a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

Do You Provide At-Home, Preventative Suggestions?

Look for a chiropractor whose therapeutic plan for you goes beyond manipulation and other in-office treatments. An effective chiropractor will focus on a holistic approach, meaning that therapies you can do at home are part of the treatment approach. Furthermore, seek out a chiropractor who explains to you not only what is causing your pain but also why you are feeling discomfort.

What Techniques Do You Use?

Each chiropractic professional has a specific technique and favors certain treatments. Not all are effective for every cause of pain. The general techniques include:

• Flexion Distraction – Treats lower back and lumbar pain. Involves manual manipulation.
• Activator Method – Treats pain in extremities, neck, and back. Uses an instrument for treatment.
• Gonstead Technique – Adjusts pelvis and lower back. Manual.
• Graston Technique – Seeks to loosen muscle knots with stainless steel tools.
• Spinal Manipulation – Manual.
• Extremity Manipulation – Manipulation of areas such as knees and shoulders.
• Thompson/Drop Technique – Table lowers and vibrates as chiropractor treats spine.

The right techniques from our chiropractors in Laurel, Maryland, can often bring you relief. Our knowledgeable chiropractor will be happy to answer your questions and explain what you can expect from treatment.

AmeriWell Clinics, Laurel Chiropractor

13627 Baltimore Ave, Laurel, MD 20707

Contact Our Office Today

There are a lot of people who worry about chiropractic adjustments. This is often because they do not understand what the adjustments entail. For more information about adjustments, contact AmeriWell Clinics to schedule an appointment with our Laurel chiropractor today.

Client Review

“5 stars across the board. The staff is amazing. Especially Cynthia, who has helped me from the beginning of my recovery and sought through to the end. Thank you so much!”
Jose Benitez