Skokie chiropractor, chiropractor in Skokie, IL

Naprapathic FAQ

How does naprapathic care work?

Naprapathy helps to remove postural imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Our spines change and develop problems just like our teeth, eyes and heart. Left unchecked, these changes may lead to pain, stiffness or other more serious problems.

The nervous system is a key part of your body. It is the communication system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and tissues. For your body to remain healthy, your nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function well, it must be free of interference. The spine is the most common site of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and organs.

Each of us is born with the ability to heal and recover from illness. Our bruises heal, cuts mend and common colds are overcome. Your nervous system regulates this inborn healing ability.

Think of your brain as a central command post sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your nerves), which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A short circuit in a wire cuts off communication just like misalignments in your spine can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure interferes with your nervous system, affects your ability to self-heal and may prolong injury or illness.

The customized care you receive from your Naprapath can help to improve your posture, muscle balance and mobility. It can also restore the integrity of your nervous system and get rid of pain quickly, so you can get back to feeling good today!

Is naprapathy effective?
Yes. Naprapathic care is safe and effective. One of the biggest reasons people choose Naprapathy over physical therapy or chiropractic, is because they find it a safer and more effective method. Because naprapths focus on stretching the tissues connecting the spine, that are often pulling the spine out of alignment, they prepare the spine well for movement. Spinal adjustments by a naprapath are gentle and not forced and therefore much safer than sudden forceful thrusts delivered by a chiropractor. Because the tissues of the spine have been well prepared and stretched before the spinal adjustments are made, they often last longer and require less frequent treatments.

The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed. The longer in existance and the greater the severity of the problem, the longer therapy may be necessary in order to see the benefits.

Why should I see a Naprapath?
From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, infants to seniors, naprapathic care has been the answer to not only pain reduction but also optimum health. Many people see a naprapath for back, neck or other joint problems. Still others find that regular visits to their naprapath keep them in peak condition. When patients experience real relief and improved general well being, they often see the value of making regular visits a part of their healthy lifestyle choice.

Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body - for granted. Call your family's naprapath today because regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.

What is Subluxation?
A subluxation - short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) - is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion.

Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer or standing at a workstation for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car accidents, improper lifting or work injuries are other common causes of VSC.

Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.

To detect the possible onset of a VSC, your naprapath will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopaedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if he or she deems these to be necessary to fully assess your condition.

Your naprapath is uniquely qualified to recognize and diagnose connective tissue disorders and spine related injuries.

What is a naprapathic adjustment? Is it safe?
An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your naprapa. It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of training at a Naprapathic College and in clinical practice.

Every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Naprapathic adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And they work!

What can I expect from my visit to a Naprapath?
As a licensed practitioner, it is the duty of your naprapath to do the following:

-- A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.
--You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.
--A diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a chiropractic problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.

--In certain situations, an X-ray or other special tests may be recommended to help make a diagnosis, confirm the history and examination findings, and to investigate for the presence of any underlying bone conditions or pathological developments.

--A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
--Your response to treatment is monitored by your naprapth, who looks for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health. Two of the basic components of naprapathic care are wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve your overall well-being and promote active, patient-centered care.

What results can I expect from treatment?
That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Your Doctor of Naprapathy should be able to give you an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive from the recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of the main reasons people choose naprapathicc is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment.

How long do Doctors of Naprapathy go to school?
Today's graduating Doctors of Naprapathy have studied and trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least six years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a naprapathic college.

Becoming a na is a demanding and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science and internship training. During the course of their training, he/she will have studied the following three areas:

-- Basic sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology (the study of diseases), biochemistry, clinical sciences, and nutrition
-- Training in the philosophy and practice of naprapathy.
-- Clinical internship with emphasis on hands-on practice.