What Does Chiropractic Treat? 

Numerous studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, sports injuries and many other types of musculoskeletal problems. It has even been shown to be effective in reducing high blood pressure, decreasing the frequency of childhood ear infections and improving the symptoms of asthma.

The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic, meaning that it addresses your overall health.   It recognizes that many lifestyle factors such as exercise, diet, rest and environment impact your health.  For this reason, chiropractors recommend changes in lifestyle' eating, exercise, and sleeping habits in addition to chiropractic care.

 

What truly differentiates doctors of chiropractic from any other healthcare professionals is the fact that chiropractors are the only professionals who are trained to diagnose and treat what are called spinal subluxations.  The word 'subluxation' comes from the Latin words meaning 'to dislocate' (luxare) and 'somewhat or slightly' (sub).  So the term 'vertebral subluxation' literally means a slight dislocation (misalignment) of the bones in the spine. Although this term was adequate in the 1800s when much was still misunderstood about the human body, today the word 'subluxation' has changed in meaning to capture the complex of neurological, structural and functional changes that occur when a bone is 'out of place.'  For this reason chiropractors usually refer to subluxations of the spine as the "Vertebral Subluxation Complex", or "! ;VSC" for short.

 

Chiropractors have known the dangers of the vertebral subluxation complex ever since the birth of the profession. More and more scientific research is demonstrating the tremendous detrimental impact that subluxation have on the tissue of the body.  In order to be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations.  Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the vertebral subluxation complex through chiropractic care.

 

The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both.  Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas that sounds like a 'crack.'  The sound sometimes shocks people a little bit the first couple times they get adjusted, but the sensation is usually relieving.  Occasionally, minor discomfort is experienced, especially if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic  procedure.  There are times when the audible 'cracking' does not occur.   This is often due to either significant muscle tightness or that the patient may be having a hard time relaxing during their adjustments. 

 

Chiropractic is so much more than simply a means of relieving pain.  Ultimately, the goal of the chiropractic treatment is to restore the body to its natural state of optimal health.  In order to accomplish this, I use a variety of treatment methods, including manual adjustments, massage, trigger point therapy, nutrition, exercise rehabilitation, massage, as well as counseling on lifestyle issues that impact your health.  Since the body has a remarkable ability to heal itself and to maintain its own health, the primary focus is simply to remove those things which interfere with the body's normal healing ability.

 

Dr. Ernst, Chiropractor and Clinic director for Shelton and Hoodsport Chiropractic.  Dr. Ernst enjoys helping the patient reach their potential health and well being through chiropractic.  Dr. Ernst and Shannon have 4 children and one grandchild.

Dr. Morson is our token Canadian chiropractor, contributing to the multicultural feel of the office- not really eh!  He is a 2002 graduate of the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, and has been practicing chiropractic in the South Sound since 2003.  He lives in Shelton with his wife and 4 young children, and  enjoys aviation in his free time.

Shannon Ernst is our Office Manager and the better half of Dr. Ernst!! :) We have been in Shelton since 1998, We enjoy the beauty of this area and the small community. We have a great staff at Shelton Chiropractic and Hoodsport Chiropractic, and we are here to help you!

Carolyn H.; She's back:) Carolyn returns to our office after a brief retirement.  Happy to have her back to help you with any office needs.

Erika, Chiropractic Assistant.  My Husband Curtis and I moved from North Bend to Shelton in 2005. Including Shelton Chiropractic I have nine years experience working with chiropractic. When I'm not at work you will most likely find me knitting on some project. Look forward to seeing you soon at Shelton Chiropractic Center.  

Carolyne W. Chiropractic Assistant started at Shelton Chiropractic July 2007 she is learning the ropes and is eager to help you.

Kristin, massage therapist, joined Shelton Chiropractic in 2000. She specializes in deep tissue and personal injury work. Kristin also works part time as our office manager/massage therapist in our Hoodsport office.

Jennifer, massage therapist, graduated from Massage School in August of 2000 and has worked at Shelton Chiropractic since April of 2005. She lives here in Shelton with her husband and two daughters.

Abbey, massage therapist, licensed in 2001.  Abbey lives in Shelton and loves the small town community.  Over the last three years, Abbey lived in Germany, a great experience, but she is "very happy to be home!"

-JJ Virgin, PhD, CNS/Celebrity Wellness Expert


In my work on the Dr. Phil Show, the entire crew utilizes Chiropractic care.  We have directly seen its positive effects on our own health and well being. But more so, we have keenly observed those guests on the show in our "Biggest Loser" segments that do not use Chiropractic care.  The difference in overall health is markedly different. 

It is my sincerest suggestion to you that the greatest gift you can give yourself, and those of whom you love, as well as those that love you, is the gift of health and well being. Your Chiropractor is an expert in these areas. Please ask for suggestions to make your life and the life of your loved ones the very best it can be.

Forget about a clean slate. It's time for a clean eating plate in 2010.

A brand new year shouldn't bring mindless resolutions that you will leave by the wayside in a month. Don't just vow to eat better and then plan the particulars sometime later on like March or April. I have some great foods that you can add to your diet right now to make your bites healthier ones while you watch the scale head downwards. Now that's a resolution that makes sense.

 

PUT THESE ON YOUR PLATE:

Radicchio.

Serve It Up Because: This leafy red wonder has a wonderful spicy taste and the health benefits are numerous. You can enjoy the high potassium content of this food, which has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. Try It: Grilled in olive oil or raw in salads.  Brussel Spouts. Serve It Up Because: These are a rich source of sulfur which helps you detoxify. Try It: Roast them as a delicious side dish.  Red Peppers.

Serve It Up Because: They are a vitamin C powerhouse. Try It: Raw in salads or grilled outdoors on skewers to eat as a side dish and then in a wrap the next day.

 Garlic.

Serve It Up Because: It's one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Its blood cleaning properties will even help clear up acne in some people while those who eat garlic (such as those who enjoy Mediterranean or Far Eastern Food on a regular basis) have a much lower incidence of cardiovascular disease. Garlic contains properties that are thought to prevent LDLs from being oxidized. Scientists even think it helps to prevent the common cold and can possibly prevent cancer. Try It: Crushed over protein like fish or chicken. But don't microwave it because it destroys the active ingredients in the garlic.

 

Red Grapes.

Serve It Up Because: You will get a load of resveratrol which help to keep your skin looking young and supple. Studies show that they're also heart healthy. Try It: Just wash them and eat them as dessert or freeze them for an extra nice treat on a hot day. Pop 10 and consider it tasty and a skin treatment at the same time.  Balsamic Vinegar.

Serve It Up Because: It's a great insulin sensitizer. Try It: Over salads or even as a marinade for chicken or fish.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that causes stiffness and pain. It is called an idiopathic disease because the cause of it is unknown. Scoliosis is more common in females and begins in childhood. However, merely 2 percent of the population is afflicted. If it is detected early, scoliosis treatment will prevent it from worsening over time.

Scoliosis is derived from the Greek term meaning curvature. People with scoliosis have a sideways curve in their spine that makes an "S" or "C" shape. The vertebrae can rotate at the thoracic level of the spine causing this curve and resulting in a hump near the rib cage. If the curve is more than 60 degrees it is considered serious. Usually this curve makes the waist or shoulders uneven. And unlike the normal curvature of the spine, adjusting your posture will not correct the problem.

In some instances, the degenerative diseases of the spine can cause scoliosis. Osteoporosis is when the bones soften and usually occurs in older people. This softening can cause the vertebrae to bend and shape the curve causing scoliosis or kyphosis (round back). If not treated properly, severe back pain, deformity, and difficulty breathing can be some symptoms that will arise.

Chiropractic care can help improve this condition. We look at your overall health examining your spine as well as other factors of your lifestyle. To help identify the problem's cause, we will discuss symptoms and previous injuries, your family's health history, and recreational and work-related activities.

Most exams for scoliosis include the Adam's Forward Bending Test and have been adopted by many schools, whereas they test for this in physical education classes. It requires the person to bend at the waist as someone views the spinal alignment. If there is an abnormal prominence or hump we can help you. We will measure the length of the legs to determine unevenness. We also perform a range of motion test that measures the degree to which the patient has mobility at the waist. If needed, we will refer you to a specialist for further scoliosis treatment.

An orthopedic brace can be used to prevent the curve from worsening and does not limit physical activity. Moist heat will help alleviate some pain. In extreme cases surgery may be required but only after the continuous observation has shown that a brace is not helping. Spinal fusion and instrumentation is a surgery specialized for people with scoliosis whereas rods and hooks are inserted to help align your spine and prevent further curving.

Regular visits to observe the progression of scoliosis, are an integral part of living a full and happy life. Scoliosis can be treated in various ways to help alleviate pain and restore normal functionality. Regardless of the treatment used, physical therapy may be added to scoliosis treatment to increase muscle strength and mobility. If you have any questions about your physical limitations, please contact us.

Health Pass Month

February is Health Pass Month in our office.  

If you have a friend or loved one that you feel could benefit from drugless Chiropractic Care, simply call our off at the above number and mention the Heath Pass Program which enables family members, friends, and loved ones, receive a consultation, examination, and X rays if needed, For $25. (Up to a $260 Value)

****THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM EXPIRES FEBRUARY 28st, 2010****

Just call the office at the above number or respond to this newsletter before February 31st and mention the Health Pass Program to make your/their appointment.  The greatest gift we can give to someone else is the gift of drugless health.

 

Please call our office for your appointment today!