Chiropractic Rehabilitation

Scientific literature now substantiates the effectiveness of spinal and postural rehabilitation care for various conditions. The following are just a few:

- Back pain
- Headaches
- Numbness & Tingling
- Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain
- Scoliosis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Seizure Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Allergies
- Ear Infections
- Sciatica
- Leg & Foot Pain
- Joint Pain
- Disc Herniation/Bulges
- Instability, Atrophy, Weakness
- Neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia

Stress if very common in our society. From upset stomachs to back pain and muscle stiffness, the function to the nervous system is crucial. The CBP approach to stress is to help normalize the structure and function of your nervous system by finding abnormal shapes in the spine and nervous system. This can help restore better structure and function, making a profound difference in your response to stress.

Spinal manipulation is the process of taking the body through full range of motion and the result is decreased pain and increased range of motion. Spinal manipulation is a safe and effective tool that has been used for hundreds of years to decrease pain and improve range of motion. A CBP® adjustment differs from manipulation in that the goal is not just decreased pain and improved range of motion but also a change toward normal structure. CBP® certification ensures that the doctors performing the Adjustment are trained in the proper way to change the spine toward normal.

Does an adjustment hurt?
No. In fact, when you allow the vertebrae in your spine to return to their proper position, you will notice much less stress and tension. Thus, CBP® adjustments actually leave you feeling great. We are confident that your visits to our office, including spinal manipulation and CBP® adjustments, will quickly become one of the highlights of your week.

Traction is the only known conservative method used to restore normal curves to the spine. Traction is simply a sustained force applied to the spine in a specific direction for the purpose of restoring normal spine position. These traction forces are necessary to reduce abnormal spinal curvatures, correct abnormal postures, and will provide increased stability to damaged spines. The proper application of spinal traction in our office will ensure safety and effectiveness of care.

Your spine exhibits many different properties. It will move quickly is a traction force is applied, but quickly resume the original abnormal shape similar to a rubber band. If a force is applied to the spine for a certain amount of time, a change will take place but if removed too soon, the spine will again resume its abnormal shape-similar to silly putty. However, if a traction force is applied for more than 10-15 minutes, permanent change is made. That change will become more and more apparent improving posture, structure, and function. Types of traction are specific with your diagnosis. Be patient. It can take time for the abnormal spine to become normal. Traction may cause some soreness but should not cause pain. Keep communication lines open with your CBP® Practitioner if you feel possible modifications concerning weight or time may be needed. Your consistency and effort will pay off in the end with a healthy spine.

Most of the time, it is necessary to perform very specific exercises as prescribed by our CBP® Practitioners. These exercises are designed for your posture and spine, assisting in the goal of maintaining maximum spinal correction and improved function through improved structure. These exercises are different than any other because they are created through careful analysis of your posture, x-rays and ergonomic/postural habits. These exercises are the Mirror Image of your abnormal posture and x-rays. Each exercise is designed to strengthen muscles that have become weak due to poor posture. There are over 128,000 possible abnormal postures. The exercises are designated and specific to you with the goal of attaining that one normal posture.

Some of the exercises prescribed for you may feel unusual at first. Remember, the exercise is the exact opposite of your abnormal posture. With that in mind, your muscles are not used to working in that position and it may take time before you are used the exercises. Be patient. Abnormal posture takes time to develop and also takes time to correct. Some soreness may occur which is a good sign that you are performing the exercises properly. Some soreness is expected, but pain is not. Always remember that water consumption can ease soreness. Water is your friend and a key nutrient to your treatment success!

Normal values exist in all bodily functions. Normal blood pressure, normal temperature, normal blood sugar, and normal hormone levels are just a few examples of a body's normal values. Just as there are normal values in all bodily functions, there are normal curvatures of the spine. The spine has one normal position, which minimizes stress on the nervous system, skeletal system, and muscular system. This normal position is important in reducing abnormal symptoms, such as pain, as well as improving overall bodily function.

When looking at the spine in the frontal view, the spine should be straight. From the side, the ear should be directly over the shoulder, the shoulder directly over the hip, and the hip directly over the ankle. If these normal structures and postures are not present, stress and strain are placed upon the spine. These stresses and strains lead to breakdown in the tissues causing dysfunction and eventually pain, and interfering with the normal processes of the nervous system. The restoration of normal structure, as facilitated by your CBP® doctor, will lead to normalized function in the body.

Spinal care now can prevent a number of spine problems later in life. Through a customized treatment plan and lifestyle changes, you can have the freedom from pain you deserve, now and in the future.

Posture is a window to the shape of the spinal column. Abnormal posture can be related to a number of health problems and increases stress and pressure on the muscles, ligaments, and bones of the spinal column. These abnormal stresses (caused by poor posture) lead to a breakdown of body tissues and eventually cause pain. Benchmark Medical Group uses the Posture-Pro spinal postural analysis system. This digital program is capable of detecting abnormal body positions of the skull, shoulders, ribcage, pelvis, knees and feet.

Posture is one of the most simple, but difficult aspects of our everyday lifestyles. Whether it is at work or play, keeping good posture is of utmost importance. The nervous system controls all functions in the body and posture controls how well the nervous system functions. Losing posture affects not just how you look but how you feel and how well all processes in the body work. Being aware of your posture while sitting, standing, walking, or lying down can make a significant difference in the success of your treatment plan.

X-rays determine where the spine is in relationship to the normal spinal models. Without an x-ray, proper treatment cannot be determined. Properly taken x-rays are like a blueprint of your spine. With x-rays, we can see how an individual spine deviates from normal alignment and it allows us to decide on the appropriate treatment. The proper, individualized, course of treatment can only be developed once your CBP® Chiropractor has reviewed your x-rays. Your CBP® doctor will review your x-rays with you and explain the differences between normal and abnormal alignment. At Benchmark Medical Group, we are not afraid to show you your x-rays, and we tell you if we can make a change back toward normal!

Another important finding that properly taken x-rays can show us is arthritis. Arthritis is not a normal process of aging and shows how abnormal stress on bones and discs from poor posture can cause degeneration. Some people may not even know this degeneration is taking place and can be a painful "time bomb" if not addressed properly.

Where do I get my x-rays?
At Benchmark Medical Group, you have the added convenience of having your x-rays taken on the premises, during your first appointment.

Children are our most prized possession in the world. Their health is often more important to us than our own. Protecting them from dangers in the unpredictable world is a high priority. We feel the same way. We are on the lookout to safeguard one of the most vital, necessary parts of a child's body, the nervous system. How do we do that? By delicately taking care of the protector of the nervous system...the spine.

Did you know that one the first parts of an embryo to form is the nervous system? From this nervous system, direction is given for the proper formation of vital organs, muscles, and skeleton. Without the proper signal from the growing nervous system, nothing would form properly, and normal growth would not occur.

CBP doctors are trained to detect spinal abnormalities even in the youngest spines. Our CBP doctors can see abnormal posture, feel muscle spasms, and if needed, verify spinal abnormalities with x-rays. These spinal abnormalities can then be corrected, not allowing them to lead to pain and dysfunction later in life. Benchmark Medical Group offers kids the treatment and knowledge to make this prevention last.

We treat patients for as little as a few weeks to as long as two years, depending on their current health conditions. The extent to which you choose to benefit from your rehabilitation is ultimately up to you. Each and every one of us is solely responsible for the quality of our health and wellbeing. Once a patient's treatment plan is complete and our goals are achieved, we do strongly urge all patients to continue what we refer to as maintenance care. This is where the long-term, lasting benefits of care are enjoyed. Regular exercise and healthy eating habits are lifestyle decisions and so is lifetime, wellness care.

Many of the patients seen in our office have spinal degeneration (decay) which has taken years and in some cases a lifetime to develop. The trauma of the birth process, slips, falls, accidents and countless other stresses over the course of your lifetime adversely affect the health of your spine. The longer you wait to have your spine checked by the doctors at Benchmark Medical Group, the longer it will take to correct postural and structural abnormalities. However, how you choose to use rehabilitation is ultimately up to you. It has been our experience that those who stop care prior to the conclusion of their treatment plan because they are "feeling fine" return with the same health challenge(s) which brought them to our office in the first place...only it's typically worse. On the other hand, those patients who commit to rehabilitation to correct their health conditions find their health challenge(s) rarely return and they enjoy a higher quality of life and health.

Because spinal care is currently a major health problem in the U.S., CBP® treatment is covered by most insurance plans. We also accept most PPO insurance plans, auto insurance policies that include medical payments (med-pay), and Medicare. Since there are many plans and coverage varies widely, please call us to find out if your plan covers care in our office. Our staff will verify and explain your benefits to you before treatment.

Are there other payment options?
For patients with little or no insurance coverage, we offer an affordable payment program. Most patients pay directly for care, as they discover rehab to be extremely cost-effective and affordable. . We also offer Care Credit, used by many health care providers such as dentists, orthodontists, veterinarians, and we are always willing to work with you to best suite your needs.

Education is a primary component to CBP® success. It's not just about the knowledge of the CBP® Practitioners although that is at the top of the list. It's about the partnership between the doctors' professional integrity, and the daily perseverance of the patient. These two key points pasted together with positive attitude can create lasting changes towards a healthier and happier life. Spinal health is a way of life, and a freedom pointing towards a healthier way of living. Benchmark Medical Group offers a complimentary Regaining Youth and Vitality class weekly. You need only call our office to reserve a seat. Complimentary food and beverages are provided.

On your first visit to our facility, you will understand that this is a truly unique place. The relaxed, spa-like ambiance is just as important as the paperwork needed to begin your initial exam. Making sure we know you: Your name, history, ailments and fears are as crucial to your initial exam as the x-rays themselves.

Getting Started

If you become our patient, there are four important steps we ask you to follow:

- History of Injury and Examination
- Computerized Postural Analysis
- Spinal X-rays
- Report of Findings
- Your History of Injury will determine whether your condition is within the realm of our care.

Our results will determine if you are a candidate for our care or if there is as need for referral to the appropriate specialist. A through spinal and Musculo-skeletal/orthopedic examination will be performed to identify which structures in your body may be damaged and most likely causing your problems.