Chiropractic care involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders and related conditions. Chiropractors are licensed, extensively trained healthcare professionals offering natural, drug-free, non-invasive alternative treatments for a wide range of conditions.
Not all chiropractors are the same, however. They have different levels of training and use different methods and techniques. Here is some information that will help you choose the right chiropractor in the Los Angeles area.
The Importance of a Properly Aligned Spine
The musculoskeletal system plays a bigger role in one’s overall health and well-being than many people realize. When there is a misalignment of the spine, the posture shifts to accommodate it and ends up putting undue stress on the rest of the muscles, joints, and ligaments. This results in inflammation, swelling, tense or overstretched muscles, joint pain, or mobility problems.
The spinal cord and brain make up the Central Nervous System (CNS). Nerves run from the brain, through the spinal cord, and throughout the rest of the body. Signals run along the nerves, allowing the brain to communicate with all parts of the body and control all of the body’s major systems.
When vertebrae are misaligned, it may cause nerves to become pinched or compressed. This can disrupt nerve signals and result in various health problems.
What Chiropractors Do
Chiropractors examine the musculoskeletal system and make adjustments to restore proper alignment. Once the body is properly aligned, it alleviates pain and opens the way for the body’s natural healing processes to take over. Proper alignment reduces inflammation and swelling, relieves pain, and helps restore mobility and flexibility.
When the spine is properly aligned, it alleviates any compression or pinching of nerves. This allows nerve signals to flow again, allowing the body’s systems to function more optimally.
What to Look For in a Chiropractor
When searching for a chiropractor, you should always do some online research. Look for a licensed chiropractor who has experience with an established practice. Websites like Healthgrades.com and state health websites can usually tell you what medical school the doctor attended, what kind of training and certifications he or she has, and if there are any complaints or malpractice claims against the doctor.
Read reviews to see what previous patients experienced. Don’t just take the word of testimonials on the doctor’s private website, go to public sites like Google or Yelp to read reviews. If possible, get referrals from your healthcare provider or recommendations from people you trust.
Consider an Upper Cervical Specialist
The most vulnerable part of the spine is the upper cervical area. This area consists of the top seven vertebrae that run from the base of the skull into the upper back, and this is where the root of many musculoskeletal problems are found. The neck is prone to injury from jolts, falls, accidents, or poor posture.
Once the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are misaligned, it sets off a domino effect through the rest of the body. Likewise, when the upper cervical spine’s proper alignment is restored, the rest of the musculoskeletal system tends to follow suit.
How We Can Help
Dr. Alex Bello of Los Angeles Upper Cervical is an upper cervical specialist and a trained practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique.
Blair practitioners are among the elite of chiropractors, using state-of-the-art 3D diagnostic imaging tools in place of old-fashioned 2D black-and-white X-rays. This technology enables Dr. Bello to get a more accurate picture of your unique anatomy so that he can better calculate any misalignments. This allows him to make corrections with more precision, using a lighter, swifter touch than traditional chiropractors.
If you have a health problem and are looking for relief, or if you’re thinking about adding a chiropractor to your healthcare routine as a preventative measure, contact Dr. Bello for a consultation. He offers upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.