DISCOVERY CENTER
The discovery center was designed as a tool to help successfully navigate the difficult waters of modern health care. Often times the terminology or concepts that affect our pain and symptoms go unexplained or are misunderstood out side of our office.
This is an opportunity to learn more about health concepts or terms used in conversations between the doctor and patient during adjustments. Through this we hope you have a better understanding of your healing and care plan as well as our science and philosophy.
OVERVIEW:
Health
Defined by the World Health Organization as “complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Meaning the total level of overall function within our body and mind, not just a single diagnosis or disease.
Alternative Health care
Traditional, non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical health care. Looks at the underlying cause of the symptoms, and provides a natural solution.
Chiropractic Adjustment
is defined as a specialized specific directional input that corrects the spinal segments articular malposition from misaligned thus restoring biomechanical motion and local nerve system function. Every adjustment sends a proprioceptive signal to the brain via the nervous system, enhancing the “software” of the nervous system capability to that region. Adjustments can range from the lightest of touch to an “audible” sound, depending on the nervous system dysfunction and person.
Wellness
Is an active process of becoming more aware of your health and making active decisions toward an invested and sustainable lifestyle. This includes all areas of health where one is continually improving on the way and quality they live based on healthy educated choices.
Neurology
Defined as the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of dis-ease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems. Diagnosis can come from neurological examination, nerve scans or advanced imagery such as mri. Chiropractors provide non-surgical, scientifically validated treatment alternatives to these nervous systems dysfunctions and diagnosis.
Chiropractic Pediatrics
defined as the medical branch that specializes in infant/child health care. Many infants are susceptible to potential birth trauma upon delivery as well as children having many minor or occasional traumas that affect the child’s nervous system and structural development. In all cases these conditions pediatric adjustments affect the nerve system and developing musculo-skeletal structures of the child creating a solid foundation for wellness. It is our office philosophy that all infants and children should get their nervous systems checked for potential dysfunction and optimum potential. Dr. Justin has spent many postgraduate hours learning how to adequately provide safe, very gentle care to infants and children and practicing within a pregnancy/home birth office in Bellevue, WA.
Allopathic Health care
Current mainstream health care; focus on symptom diagnosis and pain relief procedure by surgery, rehabilitation or pharmaceutical medicine.
Chiropractic Care
Specialized field in natural health care that focuses on the function of the nervous system, structure of the spine and body. Focus on detecting the underlying causes of neurological and musculoskeletal dysfunction in the body and when applicable providing strategies to solve the dysfunction in all ages, and from acute pain to specialized wellness care.
Pregnancy Chiropractic
The effects of Chiropractic care during pregnancy have been well documented through research. Many pregnant woman experience a feeling of difficulty adjusting to the changes within their body, which can include nervous system dysfunction, low back pain, Sciatic nerve problems, headaches and many other concerns. We have a tremendous amount of experience working woman making their pregnancy easier at evolve and have completed many postgraduate programs in this field.
BODY:
Nervous System
The system within the body the directs and coordinates all voluntary and involuntary actions in the human body. This includes every motion, reaction and organ system function in the body. The nervous system is the in the body “internet” for the master computer, the brain. The brains ability to transmit and receive messages, thus maintaining optimum function is predicated on the nervous systems function. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.
Brain function
The master computer of the body, who communicates with every cell and organ in the body through the Internet of the body, the nervous system. The brain exerts control of all actions, reaction and interactions within the body both physically and chemically. Just like a computer the brain acquires information from the surrounding world, stores and processes that information in ways best suited for adaptability and survival for the body.
The Spine
The segmented skeletal structure that supports the body, protects the inner spinal cord and provides the biomechanics for all movement to occur. It is comprised of 31 individual segments, each with its own supporting disc, spinal nerve and muscles/ligamentous attachments.
Spinal nerves
31 paired nerves that exit the spine at each vertebrae level. As part of the peripheral nervous system these nerves send signals to and from the spinal cord and body.
Spinal curves
Each spinal region has its own curve, designed to absorb stress and provide optimum structure for movement and stability. The associated sort tissue and organs that hang or attach to these curves function best with normal curvature. A Normal curvature of the neck (cervical) region and low back (lumbar) region is called lordosis while the mid back (thoracic) region is called a kyphosis. Loss of spinal curves is a growing problem especially due to the increase of electronic devices that cause us to look down constantly.
Osteoarthritis
Most common form of arthritis, can be found in the spine or on any joint in the body. Often described as “wear and tear” arthritis from chronic injury, poor posture or biomechanical motion.
Scar tissue/Adhesion
common soft tissue injury related to past injury or surgical scar tissue affecting motion or stability support. Very common in extremities along with regions in the spine.
Parasympathetic
one of the two divisions of the autonomous nervous system. The “rest” and “digest” activity when the body is relaxed, especially after eating. This system is part of the nervous system that controls unconscious life control systems such as breathing while sleeping. A feeling of ease and restful thoughts and motions are aspects of this system.
Neuroplasticity
refers to changes in the neural pathways and connections in the brain due to changes in behavior, Injury and emotions. The capacity of the nervous system to develop new connections in response to new situations or experiences.
Spinal cord
The most important structure in the body that connects the brain to the body. The information super highway that transmits messages, commands and signals from every cell in the body to the brain.
Cerebral spinal fluid
Clear oscillating fluid found within the spinal cord and surrounding the brain. Its primary purpose is to cushion and “bathe” the spine and brain.
Extremities
Defined as limb of the body, it is important to note that all joints within the body can have Subluxation, and at our office, extremity adjusting is a part of the everyday visit.
Trigger point
“Knot” like sensation of soft tissue that is painful when pressed for a short time before creating a feeling of relief.
Respiratory wave
A “wave” like oscillation within the body that occurs when respiration is connected fully and deeply with all regions of the spine and body. This allows the nourishing cerebral spinal fluid to flow gently within the spinal cord and brain.
Sympathetic
One of the two divisions of the autonomous nervous system. The “fight” or “flight” activity when the body is in a state of stress or danger. A feeling of heightened stress awareness, motion or stimulation over short periods of time. Sympathetic dominance, a common dysfunction is a condition of heightened chronic stress that has created physiological issues on sleep, mood, relationships and work productivity.
Proprioception
the ability to sense within the body regarding position, motion and equilibrium. The body and brains awareness of the position of ones body in time and space. The receptors for this “ 6th sense are located in all the joints of the body including the spine.
Spinal cord
The most important structure in the body that connects the brain to the body. The information super highway that transmits messages, commands and signals from every cell in the body to the brain.
Spinal disc
Shock absorbing “disc” of fibrous cartilage that lies adjacent to each vertebrae, and aids in movement of each spinal region. The site of the common “disc herniation” which is an injury to the disc itself. The degree of injury to this region relates on damage/positioning to the nucleus propulsus, the center of the disc, and symptomology. Common experiences with a disc herniation are “knife like” jabbing pains on movement or coughing/sneezing. Associated nerve pain, numbness or muscle weakness in a specific pattern down the legs or arms.
Paraspinal muscles
A group of muscles that line each side of the spine from the hips to the skull that aid in support of the spine and motion of the body. Often site of acute injury from sports or car accidents.
Subluxation
Meaning “loss of light” in Latin, this medical term is defined as a partial dislocation of a joint, that compromises the normal biomechanical motion of that joint, spinal nerve dysfunction, pain, inflammation and muscle dysfunction along with possible organ dysfunction. Defined as a vertebral complex consisting of 2 vertebral segments, one disc and one pair of spinal nerves.
SCIENCE:
Objective Technology
Is technology that executes and analyzes a set of data or experiment without the bias or personal opinion of the evaluator. The truest measurement of whether any health care modality is working correctly. In this office, we provide 3 measures of objective technology and is the science that quantifies the care provided.
Posture analysis
A 2-dimension analysis of posture, and the symmetry of the body. An indicator not only of postural imbalance, but also a reading on how much stress is actually happening due to improper posture.
Chiropractic Research
The field of objective, scientifically verified experimentation on the benefits of Chiropractic care in many fields. Please refer to the Chiropractic research binder for non-biased research on many chiropractic topics we are involved within the office. This is important, as we are an evidence based office in that the work we do has been researched extensively.
Bio geometric integration
An assessment technique that utilizes 3 geometric planes to unlock the body’s tension patterns that lie within all of us. Focuses on weight bearing geometry and breath motion to restore proper symmetry in the body and skull.
Activator
a light force adjusting instrument designed for gentle, reproducible input into the body. A tool for all age adjusting, but especially children and geriatrics.
Thermography scan
the use of a digital infrared scanner to detect changes in skin temperature along the spine and associated soft tissue structure. It is an objective diagnosis tool for injury, spinal dysfunction or subluxation. Also functions as well as measurement tool for patient progress through care by comparing pre and post scans.
Bilateral scale weight
Objective measurement of the weight carried side to side on the body. Often many pounds are displaced onto one side of the body, which is then measured and monitored for positive changes. This becomes patient progress tool for sustaining the postural and spinal changes that occur through care.
Gonstead Technique
Specific, structural spinal adjusting technique founded by Clarence Gonstead. Focus on specific vertebra misaligned based on objective measurement, and how that specific vertebra influences the nervous system and its function. Emphasis at restoring spinal curves for sustainable improvement.
Network spinal analysis
is a tonal evidence based approach to create new wellness strategies through cues to the nervous system through the spine. Creating greater self-awareness and conscious awakening of the relationships between body, mind and emotion.
Surface EmG
An electromyography measurement of the amount of electrical activity based on muscles tension along the spine and throughout the body. A direct picture of how “tight” or imbalanced muscles are side to side on the spine or through postural imbalance.
Neurologic Exam
Standard examination performed in our office of the bodies nervous system function, identical to a standard Neurologist exam. Focusing on any deficiency noted that follows the dysfunction symptomology.
Sacral-Occipital Technique
Technique that emphasizes adjusting prevalent patterns in the body focusing on the whole body as opposed to separate parts. The most significant pattern is the relationship between the sacrum and occiput.
Drop table Technique
Use of a “segmental drop table, to enhance the motion force to the segment being adjusted. The drop is created by the split second of release of the table which feels light and easy on the patient.
Activator-a light force adjusting instrument designed for gentle, reproducible input into the body. A tool for all age adjusting, but especially children and geriatrics.
PHILOSOPHY:
Innate Intelligence/Life Force
A creative and life giving force within an organism that is responsible for life’s vitality, that is responsible for growth, changes and action on an involuntary and voluntary level. The central premise to the body’s ability to heal and adapt to life.
Phases of healing
3 phases of healing that produce sustainable pain free solutions. Acute, stabilization and wellness phases have specific timelines, objective measurements and patterns to guide the patient through the healing process. We measure patient progress every step of the way and following this protocol ensures maximum sustainability of healing.
Chiropractic Research
The field of objective, scientifically verified experimentation on the benefits of Chiropractic care in many fields. Please refer to the Chiropractic research binder for non-biased research on many chiropractic topics we are involved within the office. This is important, as we are an evidence based office in that the work we do has been researched extensively.
Consciousness
The ability of being aware of something within ones self, the ability to experience having a sense deeper within, wisdom and the master control of the mind.
Re-organizational Healing
a modern view of healing defined by Donald Epstein as an approach to help create a “map” for individuals to self assess and be provided the tools to create sustainable long term change and use the meanings of their pain, stresses or dysfunction as catalysts to taking new and sustained action to not only solve the problem, but create a higher level of function and lifestyle.
Consciousness phase
Refers to moments in your life when you are in the utopic “flow”, seemingly being guided by an expanded connected perspective that creates an ease in your mind and body, and direction for the actions of your life. The top of the mountain experience.
Innate healing
Natural healing of the body through the nervous, immune, lymph and blood systems. The idea that is you cut yourself, the nervous system directs messages from the brain to send clotting factors and healing macrophages to stop and clot the blood. A complete natural cycle of healing we experience yearly.
Oxidative stress
an imbalance between the production of free radicals (harmful molecules) and the body’s ability to detoxify their harmful effects by antioxidant neutralization. Often the amount of oxidative stress outweighs the level of antioxidant balance causing health stress and potential advanced aging.
Gonstead Technique
Specific, structural spinal adjusting technique founded by Clarence Gonstead. Focus on specific vertebra misaligned based on objective measurement, and how that specific vertebra influences the nervous system and its function. Emphasis at restoring spinal curves for sustainable improvement.
Flow/Theta state
Slow brain waves that create a state of deep relaxation for the mind and body. These waves govern the part of our mind that lies between the conscious and unconscious, while retaining memory and feelings. Often this highly creative and inspired state is attained just before dreaming when we sleep, or in deep mediation practices. Recently research has shown that the “flow state” described in extreme and professional athletics is actually a “theta” state where the actions within the activity, such as thinking, breathing, balancing and performing all meld into an almost unconscious state where perfection is attained.
Discover (initial) phase
Refers to periods in your life where you are driven by fear and feel difficulty in your ability to enjoy life because of your circumstances or situation. This phase includes periods of pain, new starts or difficult emotional situations. Can feel like a recurring loop or experience in life. The “valley” at the base of the mountain experience.
Breathwork
Defined as many forms of conscious alteration of breathing designed to optimize the ability to breath while leading the individual towards a feeling of connection and flow. Can be a sustainable practice for at home care outside of the office.
Postural Effects of body over time
Long term postural imbalances at work or during sleep can crate long term physical issues such as muscle spasm, loss of spinal curves, osteoarthritis and numbness in the extremities (arms and feet).
Epigenetics
the study of environmental or external factors that turn genes “on and off” in our dna sequencing regardless of heredity. The scientific hypothesis that our lifestyle, our experiences and our health can alter the way our cells read the dna sequencing with in us. Currently, this is cutting edge science, with many research experiments showing incredible health changes in many diseases through epigenetic changes.
Sacral-Occipital Technique
Technique that emphasizes adjusting prevalent patterns in the body focusing on the whole body as opposed to separate parts. The most significant pattern is the relationship between the sacrum and occiput.
Energy Intelligences
is defined as subtle energies that exist within and around the body with individual properties that categorize different potential levels of consciousness within all living organisms.
Transformation phase
Refers to periods in your life when you are primarily being driven by change, an inner-momentum that turns what previously seemed like difficult times into empowered opportunities and strength to make requisite positive changes to your life. The climbing of the mountain experience.
Kundalini Wave
an energetic wave that emanates from the root chakra (pelvis) at the base of the spine and flows through the spine to the top of the head passing and restoring all the chakras in its wavelength.