Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effect of these disorders on general health. The word “chiropractic” means “to be done by hand.” Chiropractors use very safe, specific, controlled adjustments to remove subluxations to restore proper joint function. Subluxations are minor misalignments in the spine or skull that can put stress on the brain, spinal cord, and spinal nerves. Therefore, chiropractic care is considered a natural method of healing that stimulates the body’s nervous system to work more effectively to initiate, regulate and coordinate the various functions of the systems of the body, even down to the cellular level.
There are many benefits from receiving short-term and regular chiropractic care. They include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Spinal and extremity pain relief
- Headache relief
- Increased mobility and range of motion
- Decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
- Increased performance and energy
- Increased sense of well-being and relaxation
- Decreased tissue inflammation
Conditions We See
- Acute pain (sprains and strains)
- Back pain
- Balance problems
- Chronic pain
- Decreased joint movement and dysfunction
- Extremity numbness and tingling
- Headaches
- Muscle tightness
- Neuromusculoskeletal complaints
- Neck pain
- Pain in the joints of the arms or legs
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Whiplash
Techniques & Therapies We Use
Techniques
- Active release technique
- Adjustments with an ArthroStim manipulator
- Flexion-distraction technique
- Myofascial release
- Soft tissue work
- Trigger point therapy
Therapies
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Electrotherapy
- Hot/cold
- Mechanical cervical traction
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)
- Ultrasound
Advanced-Practice Chiropractic Care
Dr. Pendleton also holds an Advanced Practice Certification from the State of New Mexico. He is able to perform injections of homeopathic medicine and anesthetics. Therapeutic injections are only considered with a patient’s consent and if standard chiropractic care has been ruled out as the appropriate treatment, or if it is needed in combination.
The most common use for injection therapy is for trigger points within the musculoskeletal system. The second most common use is for Prolotherapy. This technique is used for ligaments or tendons that are lax (loose) and won’t hold a joint in its proper position or alignment. When a joint becomes lax, chiropractic manipulations are contraindicated because they can cause more harm. Prolotherapy is a way to strengthen the ligaments and tendons so the affected joint can stay in its normal biomechanical position without causing pain and further wear.