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Whether it is your first time here or you are already part of our family, this site will provide you with a wealth of information about your health and how the Chiropractic Lifestyle will benefit you.
Doctor Christopher Bruno - Doctor of Chiropractic in Reston Virginia
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What is Chiropractic
Chiropractic helps you with problem's like...
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Whiplash
Migraines
Headaches
Subluxation
Scoliosis

and much more!
Learn more about Chiropractic treatments

How it works

The brain controls all the body's functions. It communicates with other parts of the body by nerve impulses. Most of these impulses are relayed to the other body parts via the spinal cord. The spinal cord is protected by the spinal column, which consists of individual vertebrae separated by cushioning discs. From the spinal column, nerves network out between the vertebra to most of the organs and muscles in the body. Upon exceptional stress to your spinal

column, such as an accident, years of poor posture, or long-term tension, the vertebrae can slip out of position and "pinch a nerve." The term for this condition is SUBLUXATION. A vertebral subluxation is a misaligned vertebra causing interference with nerve messages between the brain and the body. This can cause symptoms of backache, tingling in the arms and legs, head-aches, fatigue, improper digestion and other system dysfunction. Chiropractic locates subluxations and through gentle adjustments can restore the body's normal functions. With nerve passages open and regulatory impulses free to pass, the body's wonderful nervous system heals itself. Chiropractic goes directly to the root of the problem by treating the cause and not just the symptom. It does not mask symptoms as painkillers and frequently addictive prescription drugs often do.

Are you popping pills?
We are exposed to thousands of drug commercials all saying the same thing: it's good to take medicines because 'relief is just a swallow away'. Is relief important? Of course it is. When you are in pain, all you can think of is how to get rid of it. No one question the fact that medical drugs are necessary in the case of a accident victim, a burn victim, the terminally ill and other similar cases. But is it okay for a housewife to swallow painkillers everyday for her headaches or for grandma who takes a dozen aspirins a day for her arthritis? Or worse yet, is it alright for a friend or colleague to take valiums and alcohol to handle daily stress. No it is not, especially when there are healthier natural alternatives available such as chiropractic care. These drugs may spell temporary relief but the underlying cause of the ailment remains intact ready to occur again. Due to constant use people develop a psychological and physical dependence on drugs and end up worse than they actually were. Drugs take attention away from correcting the real problem: getting rid of the cause of illness. The symptoms that the drugs cover up are warnings from the body telling us that there is something wrong. By constantly covering up these symptoms we actually ignore what our body is telling us. Chiropractic teaches us that true health comes from within. Health is the expression of a body functioning properly.

This ideology is summed up in the Chiropractor's Creed:

The Chiropractor's Creed
The human body is entirely capable of healing itself. All body functions are controlled and monitored by the nervous system. Subluxations are like nervous system roadblocks, and, left untreated, can irrevocably diminish overall well-being. Chiropractic adjustments can correct subluxations and reawaken the nervous system.

Each Day, Millions Of Delighted Patients Choose Chiropractic Over Drugs Or Surgery, As a Common Sense Approach To Better Health.

The Doctor's Education
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is very well educated in the art of Healing. After completing the same type of undergraduate study that other types of doctors do, Chiropractic Doctors get an additional four years of post graduate college education. Before earning the privilege of practicing, they have to pass a rigorous National Board Examination and have to meet stringent licensing requirements. In addition to that, Chiropractic Doctors attend seminars, scientific symposia and maintain knowledge and education of newer developments.

A Through Examination
After taking a complete case history to review important aspects of your health, a through examination will be conducted. The doctor will ask you to turn and bend, your posture will be checked, your reflexes and muscle strength will be tested, and other orthopedic and neurological tests may be performed. These tests are designed to point out any areas of your spine causing problems.

Diagnostic Imaging
Based on the examination findings, X-rays and other types of diagnostic imaging may be necessary. These images help reveal pathologies, document the history of your spinal health and guide your doctor in creating a care program based on your unique spinal condition.

A Teamwork Approach
When you consult with a chiropractic, you enter a unique partnership. Your health today is the result of your habits, your thoughts, your actions and all the circumstances of your life. Little can be done about the past, but we can certainly help you with the future. Chiropractic is a teamwork approach.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic Can Help You --- The Natural Way
If areas of abnormal spinal function are identified, your doctor will recommend a chiropractic care program of spinal adjustments. your plan of care is based upon your age, condition, lifestyle, and unique spinal problems.

Specific Adjustments
The primary course of care will be specific Chiropractic adjustments. A Chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction that helps normalize spinal function. This will help return individual spinal bones to their proper motion and position. There are hundreds of ways of using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore better position and motion to "stuck" or fixated spinal joints. This may require a quick thrust, or in other instances a slow, constant pressure. Sometimes, only one area of the spine is adjusted, and other times the entire spine will receive attention. After years of training, each doctor has a selected a variety of methods and has become skilled in their delivery. Regardless of the technique used, each Chiropractic treatment is tailored to the patients age, size, and unique spinal problem. Chiropractic adjustments are so safe, even newborns and children receive adjustments to repair the damage caused by the birth process, learning to walk, or other childhood trauma. Adjustments help normalize spinal function and avoid bone and soft tissue degeneration. When nervous system function improves in this way, the body can begin the natural healing process.

Other Procedures
Your doctor may recommend additional procedures or suggest other ways to help reduce inflammation, provide relief, or enhance the healing process. These may include ice, heat, muscle and soft tissue rehabilitation, nutritional advice, exercises or other procedures.

Chiropractic is Safe
Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact millions of Chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients everyday.

Regardless of The Technique
Millions of patients have been delighted with the results of their chiropractic care. Chiropractic results vary. Some patients get results quickly while others response takes a little longer. Children often respond quickly, while adults with long standing spinal problems heal more slowly. The healing process takes time.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

Obvious symptoms Reporting some relief Feeling better Symptoms gone Feeling great Pre-complaint status Enjoying good health Maintenance & prevention
Joint instability & system dysfunction Inflammation Reducing Increasing rangeof motion Improving function Soft tissue reconstruction Muscle/ ligament strengthening Spinal stabilization Optimum function

There are three stages of Chiropractic care.

Initial Intensive Care: This is where most patients begin their Chiropractic care. Visits can be frequent, depending upon the severity of your condition. The primary focus at this stage is to reduce or eliminate your most obvious symptoms.


Rehabilitative Care: With your ache or pain diminished, the objective is to stabilize spinal function and promote a more complete healing. Muscles and soft tissues of the spine are strengthened during this stage of care, helping to avoid a relapse.


Maintenance Care: With the maximum restoration of spinal function, many patients enjoy regular Chiropractic checkup's. This type of preventative, wellness care can save time and money by helping little prevent little problems from becoming serious.

Periodic progressive examinations help determine the course of your care. Once you understand true health, you may want some type of ongoing Chiropractic care. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic care is up to you.

Personal Care Tips
Here are some ways you can get faster relief and better results from your Chiropractic care:
Get Involved: Your health is your most important possession. Get involved in your care program.

Keep your appointments:
To achieve results it is important to keep your appointments.

Strengthen your spine:
Follow the exercises that your doctor recommends.

Lift with your legs:
Improper lifting can invite a relapse. Keep your back straight and the load close to your body

Avoid extreme bending:
Use caution when bending or working overhead. Avoid sudden twists and turns.

Get adequate rest:
Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process. Use a mattress with firm support and avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Watch your diet:
During the healing process proper nutrition is more important than ever.

Ask questions:
Proper spinal hygiene is new for most people. The better you understand your condition, the faster your recovery.

Refer others:
Share your chiropractic experience with others.

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