The common misconception many chiropractors say they face is the notion that they are simply "back crackers." Instead, the focus of today's chiropractic care is on whole-body wellness. Whether an individual is recovering from an injury or simply suffering from general stressors on the body--like lack of movement, often caused by sitting at a computer all day--the restoration of good spinal health can have a positive impact on the nervous system, which can cause the body to heal and perform more effectively.
"Looking at it with the broadest brush stroke, the body has an innate ability to heal itself as long as it is not being impeded in some way," says Timothy Fargo, D.C., of Chiropractic Health and Wellness Center, PA in Edina.
"While there are many methods chiropractors use to treat patients, the ultimate goal is health. "We want to educate people about wellness," Fargo says, "whether that's nutrition, flexibility, exercise and fitness or simply a positive mental outlook. We want people to move well, eat well, and think well."
According to Fargo, chiropractic care is the "largest non-drug and non-surgical profession on the planet." Interest has grown in recent years, he says, as rising rates of disease such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes continue to attract attention, leaving people to want to "treat their bodies correctly on the front end," rather than eventually dealing with the consequences of a serious illness.
Stress, which has increased as a result of the country's current economic state, also can overwhelm the body and result in sleep problems, digestive issues, hormonal difficulties and high blood pressure.
"let's think about the body as being able to manage stress as if ti were a five-gallon bucket. It can only handle so much and if you can't drain it fast enough it will overflow and affect your body in many ways," Fargo says. "And no, while we don't 'crack backs,' we do use the spine as a tool to free the nervous system from interference, which can reduce stress on the body and help it to be better functioning."
There are many chiropractic care centers in Edina and all locations treat patients for a wide variety of conditions. Here are a few local clinics--and their specialties--that'll help get you started.
Family Care
50th & France Chiropractic & Wellness
This Edina clinic, in business since 1903, has the unique distinction of being the oldest chiropractic clinic in the United States. The 50th & France Chiropractic & Wellness offers general chiropractic care to patients of all ages, primarily using low-force techniques on those under the age of 6. Carrie Clark, D.C., specializes in treating pregnant women and children. The location also offers other services such as acupuncture and massage therapy.
Edina native Jennifer Naas, D.C. says the focus at her clinic is on providing affordable chiropractic care for the whole family. "Everybody needs chiropractic care. We all need to take a proactive approach to caring for the spine and nervous system throughout our lives," Naas says.
Some patients truly start early. "We love to see babies as soon as possible after birth so we can evaluate their spines and identify any problems that may have arisen in utero," she says. The clinic also treats many pregnant women and as is the case with newborns, Naas uses a much gentler approach in treatment. "The techniques are extremely low force or no force," she says. Chiropractic care has been found to be beneficial for young children suffering from colic or recurring ear infections, Naas adds.
Auto Injuries
Discover Chiropractic Center, PC
Auto accident injuries such as whiplash can occur while traveling at speeds as slow as 5 miles per hour, but the effects can be long lasting. Symptoms may include neck pain, headache, low back pain, TMJ or jaw pain, and dizziness. In addition to offering general chiropractic care, William Hake, D.C., of Discover Chiropractic Center, PC has been practicing for six years and frequently treats patients coping with the effects of auto injuries. The center also is going to be a part of a nationwide research study on fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition.
Okeson/Burke Chiropractic Group
Known as the Wilson Chiropractic Clinic for more than 40 years until Adam Burke, D.C., took over the practice in 2006, this clinic--which recently was joined by Erik Okeson, D.C.--is looking toward the future with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and high-tech tools such as a decompression machine, which can treat patients suffering from herniated disks.
"We want our clinic to be the first place people come after they have been in an auto accident," Burke says. "Sometimes it can be misleading for people if they aren't in pain immediately following a collision, but that doesn't mean they haven't suffered an injury." Burke wants the clinic to be known for it's expertise in diagnosing and treating soft tissue problems, which can often occur after a crash.
Sports Injuries and Rehabilitation
Chiropractic Healing Art Center
Sports medicine and rehabilitation is a primary focus of Thuy Katzenberger, D.C., who also is fully licensed in acupuncture. Many of her patients are high-performance athletes in training for marathons, triathlons, or cycling races. Typical injuries for these athletes include torn muscles, back injuries, or tendonitis. After an initial consultation and exam, treatment protocols for rehabilitation are put into place, offering an extensive healing plan.
In addition to his work as a chiropractor Anderson is a certified acupuncturist and treats many patients experiencing disc problems. Another specialty is kinesiology which focuses on total body movement and the functioning of the body--sometimes relating to fitness. He has been practicing in Edina for nearly 26 years and is a former intern of Jack L. Dunn. a long-time Edina chiropractor who is now retired.
Unique Features
The mission of chiropractor Edwin Fissinger's clinic is to be "drugless, knifeless, and holistic, to relieve pain, restore health, and prolong life." Offering seven chiropractic adjusting techniques, the clinic also provides myotherapy, electric muscle stimulation and traction for patients. Casey Moore, D.C.--from Moore Chiropractic discussed earlier---and Travis Mauzy, D.C., also practice at the Fissinger Chiropractic Clinic. Mauzy writes a blog on his website called "Doc Talk," in which he addresses a variety of chiropractic topics.
This clinic opened in January and in addtion to its regular office hours, also specializes in offering lunchtime appointments for busy professionals working in the area. Scot Pearson, D.C., provides a full range of chiropractic care to everyone from infants to senior citizens. The clinic also carries Foot Levelers, custom orthotics for sandals to work boots. A 3-D computerized scan is taken of the foot and e-mailed to the company where a proper fitting for the shoe is created.
Nutrition
In addition to general chiropractic care, Casey Moore, D.C., is a firm believer in the importance of good nutrition for overall health. So much so, that he frequently accompanies small groups of his patients to the grocery store. "I had a nutrition teacher in college who walked us through the grocery store, adn I decided this was something I could incorporate into the services we offer at the clinic," Moore says.
Since many of his patients are children and teens, Moore says a good nutrition message is especially important. "That's the time when you start to build your bad habits, and you will keep eating that way until someone tells you differently," he says.
Health Works Chiropractic Care and Rehab Center, PA
Chiropractors James Snyder and Angela Snyder--no relation--emphasize whole-body wellness at their clinic. As part of this goal, in addition to general chiropractic services, they offer counseling for everyone on subjects such as nutrition and food allergies. Angela Snyder works with many patients on rehabilitation exercises, coaching them on ways they can work out at home whether or not they have regular access to a gym.
