Chiropractic Care and You

What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiro means hand, and the concept of chiropractic care is to use the healing hands of a chiropractor to work with your body to correct subluxations and allow your body to reach its maximum potential.
 
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation occurs when a vertebrae gets out of place, causing it to pinch the spinal nerve roots.
 
How does a subluxation happen?
A number of things can cause a subluxation. It could be from a fall, an auto accident, improperly moving heavy objects, or even the trauma of birth.
 
How will I know that I have a subluxation?
Pain only occurs AFTER an injury takes place; therefore it’s your body’s last cry for help. You may have a subluxation and not even know it yet! Even if pain presents, it may be differed along the nerves connected to the spinal cord. A chiropractor can perform a spinal exam and take x-rays if necessary to determine the shape of your spine.
 
Why the spine?
Every nerve in your body is connected to the spinal cord, which runs through the spine. The spine is made up of 33 individual vertebrae, each with semi-mobile joints. By correcting vertebral position, you can relieve undo pressure on the nerves
 
So how does Chiropractic care work?
Chiropractors use either their hands or a small instrument called an activator to gently coax vertebrae into their proper positions. This is called an “adjustment”. Treatment for a misaligned or subluxated spine will take place over several visits, depending on how severely the spine is misaligned. Patients should continue to follow up with their chiropractor to maintain proper spine alignment, instead of waiting until another injury occurs. Remember, pain is a reaction to a problem that has already occurred.
 
What is a misalignment?
A misalignment simply means that your vertebrae are not all in their proper place. It may present as scoliosis (a spine which curves to the side), kyphosis (a hunched back), or lordosis (a spine which leans backwards).
 
And Chiropractors can fix this, too?
Of course! Chiropractors specialize in the spine. They have studied the spine extensively (often going through specialized schooling for seven or eight years!) and look at spines every day. With a chiropractor, you’re in good hands.
 
Who can be adjusted?
Chiropractic care is gentle, effective, and safe. Even newborn infants and pregnant woman can be adjusted!

Meet Dr Ruiz

My name is Dr. Matthew Ruiz. My goal as a chiropractor in Austin is to help Austinites live longer, happier, healthier, and more productive lives using the power of the chiropractic adjustment. Your posture is the window to your spine. Your spine is the window to the nervous system. Your nervous system controls and coordinates every function of your body. I chose to be a chiropractor instead of an MD for this reason. I am an expert at helping auto accident victims to restore post-trauma stance, to reduce pain and inflammation.I specialize in posture restoration and maintenance. This allows the body’s innate healing power to flow without restriction, letting you heal yourself without the need for drugs or surgery.