About Chiropractic Care

Why Chiropractic?
People have been turning to chiropractic health care for over a century. They have sought treatment for a wide variety of ailments, from migraines to heel pain. The following is a brief summary of circumstances where chiropractic is an appropriate health-care choice.
 

You have been in an accident Trauma can cause spinal misalignments in the body which can in turn distort your structure and irritate your nerves, bones, ligaments and discs. Any accident, no matter how minor, can create nerve-damaging misalignments. We can give you a spinal check-up to ensure that your spine is free from these health-compromising changes and to prevent any long-term damage.
You have a sports - or work-related injury When a subluxation has been caused by repetitive stress or overuse at work or play, spinal nerves may be impeded. This may in turn negatively affect one's range of motion, strength, reflexes, endurance, and, ultimately, performance. Chiropractic can help your body restore normal nerve function and help you get back to your peak in both play and work.
You are simply in pain Interruption of proper nerve flow, for whatever reason, can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. You don't need to live with it- we can help you get to the root of the problem, set your body up to heal, and restore your health.
You are pregnant The additional weight and stress on the framework of the body during pregnancy can cause pain in almost any part of the body. Because pregnant women are often reluctant to take any over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, they often turn to chiropractic care to help alleviate pains associated with pregnancy. In addition, we can also offer lifestyle (especially nutrition and exercise) advice specific to the expectant mother.
You have a "little one" Babies and children grow quickly, and their muscles, ligaments, and bones develop rapidly. A jump, tumble, or fall can jar the body, affect the spine (and possibly the nervous system), and then go undetected for years. Even simple factors, such as a heavy backpack or an ill-fitting car seat, can have negative effects on a child's health.
With these things in mind, it's evident that babies and children have much to gain from chiropractic care. Regular spinal exams can provide corrective and preventive care for "little ones," as well as peace of mind for the parent. Parents of small children also have much to gain. We can offer advice regarding how to pick up and carry a child and, for post-partum mothers, an assessment of any structural changes that may have occurred during pregnancy, labor, and/or delivery.
You have a "big one" (i.e., a teenager) Teenagers' bodies are also growing at a rapid rate. This, combined with the fact that teenagers often think they are invincible, sets them up for a wide range of Physio problems. Imagine your teenager hearing from someone other than you the benefits of proper diet, exercise, posture, and other good lifestyle habits! With regular visits to your doctor of chiropractic, your "big one" will have a body that is structurally and functionally sound, and head start on a life of good health.
You are in your "Golden Years" There are numerous Physio problems associated with aging, and drugs and surgery are often prescribed to treat these problems. There is little, if any, attention paid to actually fixing these problems- and little or no emphasis on preventing them. But you need not succumb. Chiropractors understand the effects of aging and have been helping folks deal with the aches and pains associated with aging for decades.   As with other patients, we diagnose the ailment, determine what's causing it, and then choose from a variety of gentle therapeutic techniques to alleviate it. We can also guide you through simple changes in your lifestyle (e.g., diet, exercise, stress management) that can greatly improve the quality of your life. Old habits are hard to break, but it's never too late to start healthy habits.
You feel fine Even if you feel as though you're operating at 110% or better, chiropractic can help you maintain your desired level of health and fitness. You may currently have spinal irregularities that exhibit no symptoms whatsoever. However, problems may arise in the future. Just as regular maintenance visits are recommended for your car, and regular dental cleanings and check-ups are recommended for your teeth, regular chiropractic check-ups can help detect and prevent spinal stress or joint disorders.
In short, chiropractic health care is a smart choice for most everyone, at any time-you'll stay healthier longer, and the time and energy (and money!) saved due to your preventive efforts can be spent on things that are fun to do. A better quality of life awaits you.
Dr. Washington's Approach
You know your body is different from anyone else's - and so do we. We take the time to find out what is unique about you and your problems, and provide treatments and lifestyle recommendations that are specific to you and your needs. We respect all forms of health care (medical, naturopathic, homeopathic, Physio therapy, acupuncture, massage, and nutrition), and our highest concern is your wellbeing. We are always willing to refer to other offices, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate with your other health care providers to create a holistic plan for your good health.
For additional health information read the DC Spinal Column