770 386 7707

Garber Chiropractic Care Center

of Cartersville, Ga.

Dr. Steven Garber has prepared informative articles relating to Health, Life Style Planning, Activities and Exercises. DSC 1035cThese documents are to provide, you and your family, with information to better understand how chiropractic treatment can be a Family Friendly Experience. Chiropractic care and treatment can help you live and enjoy a healthier life in addition to relieveing pain. Dr. Garber and his staff will help you achieve your goals of a healthier you with sound advice and comprehensive instruction. Dr. Garber has over thirty years of experience in helping patients relieve pain and enjoy normal active living. Both he and the staff of the Garber Chiropractic Center are a resource to the community, offering information and a free consultations to those in need.

Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, Kingston, White, Emerson, and Euharlee Georgia

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy Appointments Available

Danielle Falconbury, LMT.
(Licensed Massage Therapist)

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Danielle Falconbury, LMT.

In addition to our other services, The Garber Chiropractic Care Center offers therapeutic massage therapy to treat a wide array of musculoskeletal complaints and conditions. In our Cartersville office we now a full-time massage therapist on staff. Massage therapy is the “hands on” application of massage techniques, which are applied to the body’s muscular and soft tissue areas. Therapeutic massage can bring relief from pain and discomfort throughout the body. Stress has been linked as a major contributor of many disorders and therapeutic massage goes a long way in relieving stress and tension in the body. With the proper therapist and regular appointments therapeutic massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Therapeutic massage benefits:

  • Reduction of Tension and Anxiety
  • Improved Circulation and Oxygenation of the Muscles
  • Lymphatic System Stimulation
  • Relief of Muscle Tension (which can lead to cramps, pain and spasms)
  • Pain Management (for conditions like shoulder pain, back and neck pain, sciatica, muscle spasms..etc.)
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Danielle Falconbury, LMT.

Below is a link to the massage patient therapy form. Please call to schedule an appointment. Also, feel free to call our offices if you have any questions with regards to massage therapy. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have in order to help you decide if massage therapy is right for you.

Massage Therapy Form

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.

What are Foot Orthotics?

A Foot Orthotic is an insert that fits inside of your shoes. There are two general types of Foot Orthotics:

  • Pre-Molded
  • Custom Molded

bigstock inserts 155936969 800Foot Orthotics are designed to:

  • Decrease abnormal foot motion
  • Re-align the foot in to a more "neutral" position
  • Reduce or eliminate foot "pronation"
  • Restore foot balance
  • Improve foot function
  • Improve spinal or pelvic alignment
  • Improve sports performance
  • Reduce or eliminate foot, knee, hip or back pain

bigstock Orthopedic insoles isolated on 31031858

Why do we need Foot Orthotics?

The human body in its various sizes, shapes, heights and weights is balanced upon two small structures called the feet. All force coming from above and downward is ultimately absorbed by the feet. The accumulative force placed on the feet from daily duties and activities is enormous. That force is increased if we are overweight, stand on a hard surface or participate regularly in sports activities or working out. There are 26 bones in the human foot that are designed to work in harmony with one another. Any imbalance or misalignment of these bones results in abnormal foot motion and function. This in turn can cause your legs to rotate or twist abnormally leading to ankle, knee, hip or back pain not to mention Foot Pain! Orthotics minimize or correct misalignments and imbalances in the feet promoting proper foot alignment and function. Foot orthotics help all 26 bones of the foot function properly, leading to foot health and well being.

Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics

Although Foot Orthotics in a Chiropractic office will help a wide array of foot problems they are primarily prescribed to balance the spinal structures. As you can see in the diagram above, the circled left foot is dropped or "pronated." The side of the body with the pronated foot drops down, leaving the pelvis or lower back tilted. This leads to spinal imbalance and back pain which can be nicely corrected with Foot Orthotics. 

What is "Pronation?"

Foot "pronation" is a condition where the foot becomes flat due to weak or damaged ligaments. It is basically due to a collapsed arch. It can occur in one or both feet and in varying degrees from mild to severe. With foot pronation, the foot appears to be rolled over as seen in the left foot below. With foot pronation, when walking, the whole foot tends to strike the ground instead of striking with the heel and rolling off the ball of the foot. This eventually causes problems like foot pain, tendonitis, bunions, plantar fasciitis, knee, hip and back problems. Pronation can be reduced or eliminated through the use of foot orthotics. The picture below shows a "pronated" left foot, and a "pronated" right foot being corrected with a foot orthotic. 

Who needs Foot Orthotics?bigstock Feet 83385563 800

 People with:

  • Foot Pain
  • Flat feet
  • Pronation
  • High arches
  • knock knees
  • Knee pain
  • Back pain

People who:

  • Stand or work all day on their feet
  • Are overweight to reduce stress on the feet
  • Are active in impact sport such a jogging, basketball, soccer, etc. 
  • Are diabetic and have sensitive feet

What conditions can be helped with Foot Orthotics?

  • Heel pain
  • Foot pain and fatigue
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Knee pain
  • Back and hip pain

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The "Plantar Fascia" or "arch tendon" is a band of tissue that begins in the heel and extends along the sole of the foot toward the toes. It is seen in white in the diagram below. "Plantar Fasciitis" is painful inflammation or damage of this band of tissue due to overuse or poor foot function. The diagram below shows an inflamed and damaged "plantar fascia." Foot orthotics can be helpful in treating "plantar fasciitis" by restoring proper foot function and stopping the cycle of pain, inflammation and damage to the affected tissue, giving them a chance to heal.

Do I need Pre-Molded or Custom Foot Orthotics?

Only a foot exam can determine whether you need a specific pair of foot orthotics molded for your feet or if the pre-molded will be adequate. There is considerably less expense to the pre-molded and if finances are an issue this will be a good place to start. Pre-molded foot orthotics are excellent in providing foot balance, support and shock absorption and in many instances is all an individual will need. 

How are Custom Foot Orthotics made?

Each individual foot, as seen below, is properly molded in a "Foam Impression Box." This is sent to a lab where a technician called a "Foot Orthotist" custom makes a pair of Foot Orthotics designed specifically for you.

How long do Foot Orthotics Last?

This is hard to determine because we all vary in size, weight, height and activity levels. Some of us are harder on orthotics than others. In general, a pair of foot orthotics will last one to several years. 

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.

Bedding and Pillows

Mattresses & Pillows

Two common questions I am asked, almost daily are:

WHICH BED DO YOU RECOMMMEND?    WHAT TYPE OF PILLOW DO I NEED?

Mattresses

A MATRESS IS A MAJOR PURCHASE THAT WILL BE WITH YOU FOR A LONG TIME. HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON BALANCING YOUR NEED FOR COMFORT AND SUPPORT WHILE STAYING IN YOUR BUDGET.bigstock Memory Foam Latex Mattress C 115795139 800

1. Research (but don't buy) online: Before you go into a bedding store, research bedding possibilities online to get an idea of price ranges and materials. You may find a good deal online and be tempted to buy, however a bed is something you don't want to purchase without first trying it out. Buyer beware, what looks comfortable may be incompatible with your body. TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! If you buy something online and find that you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you're going to have problems resolving it, even if it is just a matter of shipping it back ....the shipping is on you and can be quite expensive. Make your purchase at a local brick-and-mortar store, not a virtual online store.

2. Understand the three major types of mattresses: Here is a quick overview ....

  • bigstock Open Spring And Foam Latex B 105425909Inner Spring: Traditional beds, better known as inner-spring mattresses, come in firm, plush and pillow-top. The three are all available at various price points. Coil count and the gauge of the steel in the coils is what determines firmness and quality. Generally speaking, mattresses with coils counts below these suggestions are generally of poor quality.  Coil counts vary depending on the size of the bed:

           Full Size Mattress - At least 300 coils

           Queen Size Mattress - At least 400 coils

           King Size Mattress - At least 480 coils

  • The gauge of the steel ranges from 19 (light gauge) to 12.5 (heavy gauge). Look for a mattress with a coil gauge below 14.5, a cheaper coil mattress might work for someone in college who plans to have the mattress for just a few years and then upgrade.
  • bigstock Memory Foam Latex Mattress C 105426179Foam: Foam mattresses contour to the body without creating pressure points. If you have a tender area in your back that is sensitive to pressure, this type of mattress might benefit you. They are a lot warmer than an inner-spring mattress because you don't have the same air circulation as you would with springs. If you are hot natured and perspire a lot, this is probably not the mattress for you. Some people like the way the foam reaches around and holds you in place, however some people don't like this aspect of a foam mattress because it leaves a temporary impression of your body that lingers as you change from one position to the next. The foam is temperature sensitive and if you like a cold bedroom you are going to have a stiffer mattress. There are different densities of foam, from very soft low density, to very hard high density. Make sure you are pleased with the density if this is the type of mattress that fits your needs. One other disadvantage is an odd chemical smell when brand new. This typically dissipates after being aired out for 24 hours or within a few days to weeks, however if you are chemically sensitive the smell might linger and become bothersome.

 

  • Air Mattress: Air mattresses allow you to personally adjust the firmness by decreasing or increasing the amount of air using a convenient remote control. One major advantage to this type of mattress for couples is the ability to have your own custom sleep surface while your partner has their own custom sleep surface. So if you like firm and they like soft ....both of you can get your way. Air mattresses tend to be more expensive but do have a longer life span because there are no springs to wear out. Many manufacturers also offer replacement air bladders should one wear out. Other advantages include being light weight for moving or transport and to tuck in sheets and blankets. There is also limited "motion transfer" so if you have a heavy sleep partner you won't feel them moving around at night. One other potential problem is the middle "trench" where the two separate air bladders come together which can be uncomfortable to lie on.

 3. Consider you and your partner's needs: Factors like height, body weight, and firmness preferences should play a major role in your choice of mattress. If you are big and heavy and your partner is considerably smaller, you might need stronger inner springs to keep your hips from sagging into the bed and to prevent the springs from wearing out prematurely. However this may be too much bed for your smaller partner. You might opt for the adjustable air mattress or get two separate mattresses and connect them .....beware some don't like the space in the middle. If you are both large and heavy, there are some mattress companies that offer mattresses specially designed for heavier consumers.

4. Test mattress for comfort: Spend at least 15 minutes lying on each bed to see how it feels against your body. You are going to be spending many hours a night for the foreseeable future on your new mattress, so take your time and try multiple sleeping positions and make sure you really like what you are about to purchase. Remember that your old mattress is likely old and worn out, so everything in the store is likely to feel like an improvement so take the time to really find the right fit.

5. Ask about delivery costs and warranties: Before your final decision, ask:

  • Is delivery free?
  • How much will it cost to pick up and dispose of your old mattress?
  • What kind of comfort guarantee do they offer?
  • If I hate it, can I exchange it?
  • If it wears out prematurely will you replace it?

6. Make your mattress last: Staining your mattress may void the warranty so start out with a good water proof mattress cover.  Rotate and/or flip your mattress at least twice a year or more frequently if there is a significant weight difference between partners. Don't use your bed a seat for watching TV, it will wear out the corners or edge's. Don't let your children jump on your bed like it is a trampoline, it can damage the springs or the topper.

A mattress is a major purchase that should take considerable time and thought before coming to a final decision. Don't hesitate going back numerous times to try out your prospective mattress again and again. Don't be pressured into buying a mattress by a slippery salesman who just wants to make a sale. One line that I use when being pressured into a sale is "I don't make any major purchases without thinking about it for 24 hours". This should at least get you out of the store so you can think about it and discuss it with your significant other before making the "plunge."

Pillows

A proper pillow is essential for comfort and support of your head and neck. Often times the pillow is the cause of recurring neck pain and headaches. Let's go over some concepts involved in choosing the right pillow for you.

1. Pillow Size: If you are a side sleeper, the height of the pillow should match the distance between the side of your head and the side of your shoulder so that when you lay down, your neck and head remain straight not flopped down or propped up. This height pillow should properly accommodate your head and neck for back sleeping as well. The picture below is a good example of what I am suggesting. The nose is aligned with the center of the body leaving the head and neck properly aligned.

bedding level BW diagram 400x

 The picture below on the left shows a pillow that is too thin or too low for side sleeping. The head is flopped down putting the neck in a "downward bind." 

The center picture shows a pillow that is too high for side sleeping. This pillow has the women's neck propped up, putting the neck in an "upward bind".

Both incorrect positions will result in muscle strain and spinal misalignment resulting in pain. 

The picture to the right shows a level head and neck position, which is correct for side sleeping.

bedding low600x bedding high600x bedding level600x

bigstock Neck alignment in back sleepin 112454894 (2)

display b NWSM2. Pillow Density: Pillows should be soft, having the ability to conform to the curve's of the neck while allowing the head to comfortably settle in.  We recommend two substances:

  • Feather - A good feather pillow made form goose down or a feather/down combination makes an excellent pillow that conforms to the curve's of your neck whether you are a back or a side sleeper. The problem that can arise with feather is "flattening." The pillow can compress and become too flat allowing the head to flop down, putting the neck in a "downward" bind. A simple solution to this is to fold up 1-2 plush bath towels into the shape of the pillow and put them under the pillow as a soft foundation. As the pillow flattens out, the towel foundation will continue to keep your head and neck properly aligned.
  • Memory Foam - Soft memory foam also makes an excellent pillow that conforms to the curve's of your neck which will work nicely for either back or side sleeping. The problem of "flattening" can also arise with soft memory foam pillows. The weight of your head will eventually compress the foam allowing the head to flop down, putting the neck in a "downward" bind. A simple solution to this is to fold up 1-2 plush bath towels into the shape of the pillow and put them under the pillow as a soft foundation. As the pillow flattens out, the towel foundation will continue to keep your head and neck properly aligned. When choosing a memory foam pillow, squeeze it to make sure it is very soft. The harder memory foam pillows are simply too hard and don't properly form to the curve's of your neck.

3. Pillow Types or Design -There are basically two pillow types:

  • Standard (below left) - The standard or basic rectangular shaped pillow can accommodate back or side sleeping. This pillow design is preferable for someone who likes a flat even surface as opposed to a contoured surface.
  • Contour (below right) - Contour pillows are designed to do just that ……contour to the shape of your neck and cradle the head. They are preferable for back sleepers where they help properly form the natural curve of the neck. Some side sleepers find that the contour puts a bind on the side of their neck and prefer the “standard” shape pillow. It is an issue of comfort and personal preference.
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bigstock soft latex natural material in 800 68430676

Our BEST recommendation for pillows:
"Pillowise" .... Custom Fit Pillows

  • Plush Dutch memory foam
  • Contour side and standard side
  • Designed by a Physical Therapist
  • Successfully used in Europe for 10 years
  • Relief of stress to the neck and upper back
  • Helps maintain alignment of the neck, head and spine
  • Custom measured and fit for your body size and sleep pattern

THE BIG NO, NO

The big no, no is stomach sleeping. If you are a habitual stomach sleeper, this is a habit that will have to be broken. When on the stomach, the head is turned completely to one side, rotating the neck to its furthest limits like wringing out a wet towel. Combine this with the fact that the weight of your body is pushing the head and neck down into the pillow and you have a recipe for neck disaster. If you have trouble breaking the habit, have a "hard marble" sewn into the front of your pajamas ...it will serve as a reminder to get off your stomach while you are sleeping.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.

Can Prayers Heal?

This article may not be for everybody, but to those of you who rely on their faith in God to walk through this life, I thought you might find the following interesting:

SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL: July 1988 .....Dr. Randolph Byrd, a Cardiologist, shocked the world with the results of a study done on 393 cardiac patients in a San Francisco hospital. The study concluded that there was a significant difference in the quality of recovery in those patients who received prayer. They fared better on average than their fellow patients who did not receive prayer.bigstock Hands Of Praying 103584662

THE NY TIMES: Oct. 10, 2004 ....In 2001, two researchers and a Colombia University fertility expert published a startling finding in a respected medical research journal: Women undergoing fertility treatment who had been prayed for by Christian groups were twice as likely to have a successful pregnancy as those who had not.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES: 2004 ..... A survey done through the National Institutes of Health revealed that:

  1. 55% of Americans have used prayer for health reasons
  2. 31% have asked others to prayer for their health
  3. 23% have prayed for health in a prayer group

The subject of prayer and its effect on healing is controversial. There are also studies that show no significant difference in patients who have prayer and those who did not. The problem is that it is a difficult area to research. It is hard to quantify or qualify the effects of prayer on health and healing in scientific terms. It all comes down to a matter of faith.

So for those of you who have faith in God and are trying to walk out that faith, the following are scriptures form the Bible concerning prayer, hope and healing:

Jeremiah 17:14 .....Heal me Lord, and I will be healed; save me Lord and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

James 5:14,15 .....Is any among you sick? Let them call the elders of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick and the Lord will raise him up.

Exodus 15:26 .....If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God, and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all of His statues, I will put none of these diseases on you which I brought on the Egyptians. FOR I AM THE LORD WHO HEALS YOU.

2Chronicles 7:14 .....If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Jeremiah 29:11 .....For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Proverbs 3:5,6 ....Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.

Psalm 30:2 ..... O Lord my God, I cried out to you and you healed me.

Psalm 6:2 .....Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak, O Lord heal me, for my bones are in agony.

Psalm 103:1-3 .....Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits. Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases.

Isaiah 53:5 .....He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and by His stripes we are healed.

Malachi 4:2 .....But to you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings....

Romans 5:13 .....May the God of hope, fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matt 9:35 .....The Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness.

Luke 8:48 .....Then he said to her "Daughter, your faith has healed you, go in peace."

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.

Chiropractic Adjustment

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

The First Chiropractic Adjustment

Davenport, Iowa 1895

If you've never been to a Chiropractor before you're probably wondering... "what is a chiropractic adjustment?" Chances are you also have a few other questions about our procedures, such as:

  • What does a Chiropractic Adjustment do?
  • Does it hurt to get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
  • How often do I need a Chiropractic Adjustment?
  • How old does someone need to be to get a Chiropractic adjustment?
  • What are the benefits of a Chiropractic Adjustment?
  • Are there different methods of giving a Chiropractic Adjustment?
  • Once adjusted, do I need to continue to be adjusted?

These are all good questions, so let's spend a little time answering them and give you the power of an educated patient.

WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - A Chiropractic adjustment, also known as a "Manipulation" is the application of specific forces to a vertebrae in your spine for the purpose of mobilization and/or alignment. To put that in simpler terms, and adjustment serves to loosen up a stiff or locked up vertebrae in the spine giving it the ability to settle into a more appropriate position.

WHAT DOES A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT DO? - A Chiropractic adjustment restores mobility and alignment to misaligned or "fixated" vertebral segments of the spine. In other words, the individual segments of your spine, known as vertebrae, can become stuck in place or fixated. When they do they can appear to be out of alignment. In Chiropractic we call these areas "SUBLUXATIONS." A Chiropractic adjustment reduces or removes subluxations. Subluxations are bad because they create a whole complex of negative effects on the local nerves and other tissues which in turn has a negative impact on our health and well being.

DOES IS HURT TO GET A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - If you have never been adjusted adj-mid-back-600xyou might be wondering if the procedure hurts. The answer is no, but let's go a little further. Most of our new patients come to us for one reason, they are in PAIN! When you have back or neck pain, any movement hurts. So during this acute stage of your condition there might be a little pain involved with the adjustment however rest assured that a Chiropractor is specifically trained to apply just enough force to get the job done while keeping the patient comfortable. When the acute stage is over and you are feeling better, an adjustment is a very pleasant experience and feels quite good.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - You're probably wondering ..."how often do I need to get adjusted to fix my problem?" The frequency of your adjustments will depend on your body, the intensity of your pain and how long you have had the problem. Obviously if you are in severe pain or have had your problem for a long time you will need to be adjusted frequently in the beginning. However as the condition improves the frequency of your visits will be dramatically reduced. We see all of our patients on a "reduced frequency basis" which means that as the condition improves the frequency of their visits are reduced. I make you a promise, that I will only recommend that number of visits needed to fix the problem....no more, no less.

HOW OLD DOES SOMEONE NEED TO BE TO GET A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - There are no age limitations to getting a Chiropractic adjustment. You can be 2 days old or 92 years old. If you have a misaligned or subluxated segment in your spine it needs to be adjusted ....plain and simple. Regardless of age, the longer the spinal segment stays misaligned, the longer the patient is going to suffer the ill effects. Due to the potential stressful events surrounding the delivery of a child, the very vulnerable neck may sustain a misalignment or subluxation necessitating an adjustment as soon as is possible. A young toddler may have a fall off a bicycle or a back yard trampoline, misaligning a spinal segment, necessitating a Chiropractic adjustment as soon as is possible. A 92 year old grandmother may struggle to get out of bed or out of a car and sustain a misalignment or subluxation necessitating an adjustment as soon as is possible. Age is never a factor that determines whether or not someone needs an adjustment, the important factor is do they have a subluxation/misalignment? ....if they do they need an adjustment!

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - Of course the initial benefits of a Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation,stim-mid-back600x is relief of your pain. The long term benefits are an increase in mobility and range of movement of your back and neck, making it easier to do simple things like turning your head around to back you car out of a parking spot. You will also find it is easier to assume a more up-right posture, in other words you will not be as "slumped over." The joints of your spine will not wear out as fast when aligned, just like the tires on your car will not wear out as fast when they are aligned. The nerve signals coming from the spine and going out to all the regions of your body will function better giving your body vitality or what us Chiropractors call ...."turning on the lights!" All in all you just function better, move better and feel better.

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lloyd table
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ARE THERE DIFFERENT METHODS OF GIVING A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT? - There is a wide array of different adjusting techniques and numerous ways to deliver an adjustment. Also, every Chiropractor is different in height and weight, so getting an adjustment form one Chiropractor can be different than getting and adjustment form another Chiropractor. A well trained Chiropractor will determine which adjusting method is best for your body and your condition. Adjustments can be given by hand, known as a manual adjustment or manipulation or they can be given by various adjusting tools and adjusting tables. In general terms there are three levels of Chiropractic adjustments:

  • Light Force - Given with an adjusting instrument (e.g. Activator, Arthrostim)
  • Low Force - Given by hand or with the use of a specific table (Drop or Thompson Table)
  • Standard Force - Given by hand only

The adjustment methods used for your particular case may vary, in other words multiple adjusting methods may be used on any given visit. As your Chiropractor, I may find that your particular body responds better to a certain adjusting method, such as instrument adjusting, so this will become the method primarily used on you.

ONCE ADJUSTED, DO I NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE ADJUSTED? - This is a common question asked in our office and the answer is simply NO. Once you are out of pain and feel like the full benefits of Chiropractic care in your case have been reached, you will be dismissed. If you have a chronic or degenerative spine, or a history of spinal damage, injury or arthritic wear and tear, then you may need some ongoing care to keep you feeling good. However the decision is yours. Just like your car has a "maintenance schedule", we can design one for your spine. You can get adjusted on a "maintenance schedule", or  just come on an "as needed basis."...The decision is totally yours!

Getting adjusted is a wonderful experience. It is a fantastic form of prevention for spinal related problems and a way to be proactive in your quest for good health. Personally I have been getting regular adjustments since I was 15 years old. My wife and five children get adjusted on a regular basis keeping them strong and healthy. A Chiropractic adjustment should never be something that you fear or have apprehension about for either you or any family member. I look forward to the opportunity of giving you a Chiropractic adjustment so you too can experience the healing benefits of this wonderful health giving procedure.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.

Children and Chiropractic Care

Questions Parents Frequently Ask About Children and Chiropractic Care:

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Why Should I Bring My Child to a Chiropractor?

dsc 1071-1 800xChildren are very susceptible to trauma in their spines from various activities and events. When learning to walk, children fall a lot ....and directly on their rear ends, creating trauma to the lower spine. Children play rough and tumble around like a rag doll. Children bounce down the stairs on their bottoms like a bouncing ball. Children fall off their bicycles and skate boards. I could go on and on. These small and large traumas can misalign or subluxate the vertebrae of the spine, placing pressure on the spinal nerves and therefore decreasing the bodies’ ability to function at 100% of its normal capacity. Although symptoms, such as pain and malfunction may not show up for years, injury to the skeletal structures and the vital nervous system can have a lifetime of damaging effects.

When Should I Bring my Child to a Chiropractor?

dsc 1087 800xChildren should be checked as soon as is practical after birth because of the potential damaging effects of the birth process. Even the most natural births are somewhat traumatic to the infant and may have “hidden damage.” In 30 years of adjusting children I find that many children who experience symptoms of colic, ear infections and asthma have spinal subluxations (misalignments), especially in their neck, impairing their nervous system function. Early detection and correction can prevent damage from occurring in the child's vital nervous system and help the child's body to function at 100% of it potential. Accumulated damage will have lifelong consequences ...which we see in our adult patients who were never checked as children.

Does it Hurt to Have My Child Adjusted by a Chiropractor?

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Chiropractors like myself, experienced in adjusting children use very specific, gentle techniques to care for children. On the very young, the adjustment by hand can be as light as a finger touch. In most cases I prefer to use a specific adjusting tool called an "Activator" or another called an "Arthrostim". Both are very gentle and do not involve and popping or cracking to the child's spine.

If children have fear or apprehension about seeing a Chiropractor it is typically because they associate their visit with that of previous visits to their MD where they may have been given shots or experienced other traumatic procedures like an ear exam during an ear infection ...OUCH!.

Once they realize that being adjusted by a Chiropractor is a painless and fun procedure they very willingly get on the adjusting table in anticipation of a good experience.

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What Childhood Conditions do Chiropractors Treat?

It is important to understand that the Doctor of Chiropractic does not treat conditions or diseases. The expertise of the chiropractor is in checking the child’s spine for misalignments that impair nervous system function therefore affecting overall body function. The bones of the spine, the vertebrae, house and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is an extension of the brain and carries information from the brain to the body parts and back to the brain again. Subluxations (misalignments) interfere with the nerves’ ability to transmit this vital information. The nerve system controls and coordinates the function of all the systems in the body: circulatory, respiratory, digestive, hormonal, eliminative and immune system. Any aspect of health may be impaired by nerve interference. The chiropractic adjustment restores nerve system function allowing the body the ability to express a greater state of health and well-being.

Chiropractic Care Helps the Immune System

Case Studies

Chiropractic Care of Five Children with Headaches

Anderson-Peacock, ED, Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, Vol.1, No.1, Jan. 1996.

In this case series, five children presented with varying types of head-aches to a family-based chiropractic practice. In each case, spinal subluxations were present. Following reduction of those subluxations through chiropractic adjustments the child's chief complaint remised. Adjunctive therapy (education on diet, posture and exercise) was not given until the headaches remised. Thus, it was felt that the headache reduction may have been due to the restoration of nervous system function through the chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic management of headaches should be further researched in children.

The Effect of Chiropractic Adjustments on the Behavior of Autistic Children: A Case Review

Sandeful, R, Adams E. ACA Journal of Chiropractic, Dec 21:5, 1987.

The authors reported that 50% of all subjects under chiropractic care experienced reliable behavioral improvements, as recorded by independent observers. It is reported by those working with autistic children than any change in behavior in an autistic child is considered to be significant. Behavioral improvements were observed in such diverse areas as picking up toys, use of sign language, reduction of self-abuse and appropriate use of language.

The Effect of Chiropractic Care on an Infant with Problems of Constipation: A Case Study

Marko, S. Chiropractic Pediatrics Vol. 1 No. 3 Dec. 1994.

Infant began having constipation at age 6 months when solid foods were introduced. In order for her to have a bowel movement she had to be in a warm bath with her legs up and her abdomen massaged. At one point, the baby actually became impacted and emergency care was needed. Was not uncommon for her to go a week to ten days between bowel movements. After the second chiropractic, adjustment patient had a bowel movement all by herself. Within two weeks began having regular bowel movements by herself every two or three days. At 23 months, the patient began to walk and she has at least one totally normal bowel movement every day.

The Role of the Chiropractic Adjustment in the Care and Treatment of 332 Children with Otitis Media (Ear Infections)

Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics. 1997; Volume 2, No. 2:167-183.

A promising study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics indicates that there is a strong correlation between chiropractic adjustments and the resolution of ear infections. 332 children with chronic ear infections participated in the study. Each child, ranging in age from 27 days to 5 years, was given a series of chiropractic adjustments. The results show that close to 80% of the children did not experience another ear infection within the six-month period following their initial visits. The six-month period included maintenance treatments every four to six weeks. Joan M. Fallon, D.C., the author of the study and the chiropractor who treated the children in the study, states that this pilot study can serve as a starting point from which the chiropractic profession can begin to examine its role in the treatment of children with chronic ear infections. She asserts that large-scale clinical trials need to be undertaken in the field.

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing pain contact our office to schedule a free NO obligation consultation with the doctor or email Dr. Garber with a question concerning your case for a quick response. Garber Chiropractic Care Center 770-386-7707
Chiropractic Care and Pain Relief for Cartersville, Acworth, Taylorsville, White and Euharlee GA.