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I have been going to a Chiropractor for over 40 years. I was told a bone scan showed osteoporosis in my left hip. Is it still safe to continue my adjustments with my Chiropractor?

It depends on: the degree of your osteoprosis; your doctor's adjusting technique; and what body part they are adjusting. If you inform your chiropractor of your condition, they can change their technique to provide a more gentle adjustment. It is rarely a problem as long as your doctor is careful.

3 years ago, It seemes like I just woke up and had severe pain in my upper chest. My upper ribs attaching to my sternum have been giving me problems ever since. Doctors told me I had inflammation in the joint that connects my ribs to my sternum. I can now pop those joints by leaning back and that gives me comfort. Unfortuantly, its only temporary relief. Doctors told me there is nothing I can do permanently. I've seen over 6 different specialists and they all tell me there is nothing I can do. But I'm in constant pain. The pops come from the right side, 2nd rib down from the top. What can I do?? Have you ever heard about this before?

Yes I have heard of that. I had something similar 8 years ago but not nearly as bad or long term. There is an adjustment that often helps but if you can get it to "pop" on its own then my guess is that you need a secure that area with prolo therapy. Finding someone that will inject that area is going to be very difficult though. This will be best handled if you call the office.

I have had two abdominal surgeries that have left me with adhesions. Do you treat abdominal/pelvic adhesions? Thanks!

No, I don't but I can refer you to great PTs in town that do.

What is happening when I get a burning heavy feelings and alot of cramps in my legs? Is it muscle problems, circulation problems or is it a nerve problem...?

There are many things that cause muscle cramps. Nutritional imbalances, excessive exercise, joint pain, and pinched nerves are a few causes muscle cramps. It is likely an electrolyte problem. Start by taking a multivitamin/multimineral and if that doesn't help then you should come in for an examination.

I am training for my first half marathon. About 6 weeks ago my legs stated hurting...painful to walk and to run. I would like to get treatment and want to know if I should come in before the marathon or wait until I am done.

Good Question. It is very important to get treatment before you run. 13 miles of racing can really flare up an injury. Getting treatment early gives you the best possibility of completing the race successfully. I often treat athletes immediately before AND after competitions/races. I get the best results with injuries that have come on recently. Best of luck to you.

I was in a bicycle accident. Doctors said I am fine but my neck is sore and I am still healing from the accident on Oct 28 2007. How long does it take to recover from whiplash with chiropractic care? He showed me neck x-rays. I would never discredit someone, I just like to be sure.

This is a tough question because there are a lot of factors that contribute to healing. Typically, soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc) injuries take longer than normal to heal from moving vehicle accidents because of the high speeds involved. I've seen some people heal in a week and others 6 months. It all depends on the severity of the damage. Any good doctor would encourage you to get multiple opinions.

I have been told I have a medial meniscus tear and lateral tracking of the patella so surgery is be required. I intially just thought I would need some uflexxa but the MRI showed a tear. I do not feel comfortable having sugery, can chiropractic manipulation help?

You may or may not get benefit from a chiropractic adjustment to your knee. If the tear is displaced then an adjustment can help to place it back where it needs to go. This is a short term fix though. Also, there are alternatives to surgery that you may want to explore.

How do you convince a stubborn person that they need a chiropractor when it's evident that they do?

I must admit that I am laughing to myself as I write this. Many people need gentle nudging to get to the doctor even when they are experiencing pain. I attempt to determine their worry or fear and try make them feel as comfortable as possible. My advice: The next time he (or she) complains, remind them there are natural solutions to their problem. Best of luck!

Is stepping on someones back to crack the bones bad or dangerous?

It all depends on the stature of the people involved. Stepping on someone’s back to "crack their bones" can be dangerous if someone has weak bones. Although rare, there is a risk of rib fracture or subluxation. The worst thing I have seen is spasmed back muscles that took a few weeks to calm down. It is generally not good to walk on someone’s back because you will loosen all of the joints instead of just the joints that are tight. There are self treatment exercises that are a great alternative to having someone walk on your back.

Can you help my child that has Sever's disease?

Yes, Sever's disease responds well to conservative non-surgical treatment. It is really an inflammation of the Achilles attachment. So in simple terms, if the stress put on the Achilles is greater than its ability to repair itself then you get Sever's disease.

What is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate joints and massage muscles and ligaments thus freeing restricted motion and relieving pain. Some chiropractors also use exercise prescription, nutritional and lifestyle advice, physical therapy modalities and other treatments to best care for your needs.

What is Manipulation or a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Manipulation and adjustment are interchangeable. Manipulation is treatment using the doctor's hands to deliver a physical thrust to a joint to restore its function. The doctor uses manipulation to improve joint and muscle function, speed recovery, and relieve symptoms. Manipulation is not the same as massage.

What Happens During an Adjustment?

Each movement is explained before being performed. Once a joint restriction is found, a manipulation is performed to restore proper function. Sometimes a manipulation is so gentle that patients are not even aware it happened. In other cases, a "popping" sound can be heard. The sound is simply air being released within the joint similar to someone popping their knuckles. There is no pain associated with this sound.

Is Spinal Manipulation Effective?

Yes! Manipulation is becoming more universally recognized as safe and effective as more research on its benefits and safety is published.

Is Spinal Manipulation Safe?

Yes! When given by a trained doctor who is experienced in the use of spinal manipulation, it is one of the safest drugless, nonsurgical procedures available.

Research shows that complications from manipulation are rare. So rare, that doctors who perform manipulation have the lowest malpractice insurance costs of all practicing doctors. This means that when manipulation is performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic, the potential risk of complications from manipulation is at its lowest.

What if Chiropractic is Not Covered in My Insurance Plan?

Ask your insurance plan administrator to add direct access chiropractic services coverage to your plan for both you and your dependents. And be sure to specify that you want these chiropractic services to be provided by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

How Long Does a Typical Appointment Take?

Your first appointment will take about 30-60 minutes once your paperwork is completed. Follow-up appointments will take anywhere from 15-60 minutes depending on your condition.

What Conditions do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors provide natural, non-surgical treatment for: Back and neck pain, headache, TMJ syndrome, sprains and strains, postural fatigue synderome, torticollis, "slipped disc" or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff strains/tears, shoulder impingement, bicipital tendonitis, AC joint/shoulder instability, calcific tendonitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder labral tears, lateral/medial epicondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervains disease, game keeper's thumb, ganglion cysts, snapping hip, meniscus tears, chondromalacia patellae, iliotibial band syndrome, jumper's/runners knee, osteochondritis dessicans, Osgood schlatter's disease, shin splints, tennis leg, ankle sprains, achilles tendon tendonitis, sever's disease, hallux rigidus/Valgus, hammer/claw toe, metatarsalgia, Morton's foot, plantar fascitis, foot pronation syndrome, various neuropathies esp. piriformis syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, elevated cholesterol, fibromyalgia, gout, hypertension, osteoporosis, otitis media.

What Conditions do we refer to other doctors?

Internal disorders that cannot be treated effectively by lifestyle and nutritional changes such as: heart conditions, liver problems, cancer, bowel and bladder conditions, etc. We don't treat the common cold, the flu, and other infectious diseases. We do not prescribe medicine or do surgery.

How is a Chiropractor Different from a Family Medical Doctor?

Chiropractors are really non-surgical musculoskeletal specialists. Family practice medical doctors have had a more general education than a doctor of chiropractic. Medical doctors receive more pathology, pharmacology, psychology, obstetrics, gynecology, and internal disorder diagnosis than chiropractors. Chiropractors receive a more focused neuromusculo-skeletal education with extensive nutrition and x-ray diagnosis also.

What are the Educational Requirements to Become Chiropractor?

To gain admission to chiropractic school you must complete 3 years of college level study including; the basic sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and other related studies) and social sciences and humanities (English/speech, psychology, etc). The chiropractic school curriculum is a 4 year program consisting of (but is not limited to); gross anatomy, spinal anatomy, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, nutrition, biomechanics, physiology, microbiology and public health, pathology, dermatology, radiography (x-ray), bone pathology, physical diagnosis, neuromusculo-skeletal diagnosis, chiropractic technique, soft tissue therapies and rehabilitation.

Do you have a question for Dr. Ross Bomben? Are you seeking advice from an Austin sports chiropractor? Use the form below to ask a question about your concerns, the problems you might be having, general advice or something about chiropractic care or chiropractic sports medicine. Dr. Bomben will reply to each question personally. Your question and the answer will be published on this page anonymously, unless you request otherwise.

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