Dan Gerhardt, DC

GERHARDT CHIROPRATIC FAMILY PRACTICE

Treating Others As We Would Want To Be Treated
770-914-0184

Towncrest Village Shopping Center

2101 Jonesboro Road, McDonough, Georgia

"The key to quick results with chiropractic is in finding the right chirporactor, one whose style and technique best matches the specific needs of the individual patient"
 

THE HUMAN NERVOUS SYSTEM

In a developing human being, the nervous system is the most important system. It is so important that it is the first system of the body to develop in the growing fetus. The nervous system controls almost every action within the body, whether it is swinging your arm to make a golf club move, controlling your heartbeat, or controlling the cells required for growth, maintenance and healing of an injury. The brain is the central command center, sending electrical signals or nerve impulses down the spinal cord  to all regions of the body. The spinal cord and related nerves are a crucial communication link between the brain and the body and without them, normal function of the body would cease to exist. The nervous system is so important to human life and development that it is the first system to form in a developing fetus, allowing for normal growth and organization of tissues to form a complete human being.

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord which function almost like a command center, sending nervous impulses of information down to different levels of the spine. Here the spinal cord branches off into 31 pairs of spinal nerves on each side of the spine. These nerves combine with others and then branch out to the far reaches of the body.

There are 3 types of nerves: pain nerves, autonomic nerves and motor nerves.  The most important and most common are the autonomic nerves and motor nerves.  Autonomics nerves sense when you are cold and will increase your body temperature, control your heart rate, your blood pressure and digest your food, to name just a few functions.  They are under direct control of the brain and cannot be affected by us. Motor nerves control muscle function. Interference of either of these nerves at the site where they exit the spine is a common site for vertebral subluxations.  Left unchecked, subluxations will interrupt your self-healing and self-regulating abilities, leading to poor health.  Doctors of chiropractic believe that health and disease are life processes related to the function of the human nervous system and that interference of the nervous system by stress, either physical, chemical or emotional, is the cause of disease. Since all functions of the body rely on the nervous system, a reduction or blockage in nerve impulses will affect the end organ or region for which the impulse was intended.

 
 

Does Chiropractic Help?

More than one in four people who see chiropractors are seeking relief from neck pain, whether it stems from an injury or from daily misuse and bad posture — say, sitting for hours in front of a computer screen or using the neck to cradle the telephone. Low back pain and migraine or tension headache is also a big reason why people seek chiropractic care. Find out why chiropractic helps...

History of Chiropractic

Civilizations have performed spinal manipulation for thousands of years. The Egyptians are the first recorded. Then the Greeks. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, found spinal manipulation to be quite helpful with many ailments. During the middle ages, "bone setters" would do their work across Europe, but the healing art somehow became forgotten in the new world. That is, until it was rediscovered as modern day Chiropractic.



Discovery of Chiropractic

In the late 1800's there lived a well-rounded and successful business man in the United States who was particularly interested in natural forms of healing. He had befriended a deaf and simple man by the name of Harvey Lillard who worked as a janitor in one of his buildings. One day, this man inquired into the reason for the loss of hearing that impaired his friend the janitor. He found out that Mr. Lillard used to be able to hear just fine up until the time that he fell down a flight of stairs several years back. After the accidental fall, Mr. Lillard immediately lost his hearing. Upon this knowledge, this man decided to examine Mr. Lillard's spine and discovered a raised bump on his upper back. After considering a potential connection between the man's sudden loss of hearing and the apparent kink in his back, this man positioned Mr. Lillard on his stomach, placed his hands on his back, and pushed. What followed was an audible cracking noise from Mr. Lillard's spine and an immediate return of his hearing. This man' s name was Daniel David Palmer and he knew that he was on to something. He had discovered Chiropractic. The year was 1895 and the place was Davenport, Iowa.



Chiropractic Education

Today' s chiropractors receive 8 years of higher education. They must complete 4 years of undergraduate studies in the basic college curriculum plus chemistry, physics, biology and other typical typical pre-med courses. Upon acceptance into chiropractic college, which is considered a professional school, the student must pass rigorous courses in anatomy, physiology, human dissection, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, endocrinology, diagnosis, radiology, and so on.

The major difference between medical school and chiropractic college is that med school teaches pharmacology, whereas, chiropractic school teaches spinal manipulation and nutrition. Medicine also tends to focus more on disease and the treatment of it's symptoms, while chiropractic leans more towards health and the alleviation of symptoms by removing their cause. This is done through the natural removal of obstructions that block the maximum expression of health.

 

 

 

 

  

An Introduction to Chiropractic Care

The human spine is an extraordinarily complex structure composed of 33 individual bony units, or vertebrae, stacked upon one another like a column of lined-up napkin rings. Disks of shock-absorbing cartilage and a lubricating joint fluid separate the vertebrae from each other. Encased within this hollow stack of vertebrae are hundreds of nerve fibers that transmit information between the brain and various organs and limbs. There are many different things that can go wrong with all of these moving parts: the muscles and tendons supporting the spine can become strained; the ligaments that bind bone to bone can get stretched or torn; the joints of the vertebrae can wear down; the list goes on and on...

Given the sheer magnitude of things that can - and do - go wrong with the spine, it is no wonder that millions of people turn to chiropractors for help.

Chiropractic has an ageless place in health care. Hippocrates, the "father of modern medicine" utilized spinal manipulation techniques among his treatment regimens. The early Chinese are also said to have included spinal manipulation thousands of years ago. Chiropractic has been practiced in America for over 100 years.

A number of studies over the past few years, including the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR), the Manga Report, funded by the Ontario Administry of Health, and the Rand Study on Low Back Pain, all expound on the effectiveness of spinal manipulation as performed by chiropractors.

Chiropractic diagnosis and treatment are focused on reducing pain and improving function of the neuromusculoskeletal systems of the body. Dr. Dan is concerned with improving and maintaining the integrity of the biomechanical and neurological systems of the body.

Typically, Dr. Dan will provide a complete physical examination with subsequent examinations as needed. When and if necessary, he will prescribe procedures such as radiological X-rays and clinical laboratory services as part of the diagnostic process.

The primary treatment that Dr. Dan utilizes is spinal manipulation, to mobilize and adjust the joints and tissues of the spine and extremities. He also uses adjunctive therapeutic procedures or modalities, including ultrasound, hot packs, electrical muscle stimulation, and nutritional therapy. SEE: Services & Products

If you are considering seeing a chiropractor, here are some things you should do:

  • You may want to start with a referral from a friend or family member who has been satisfied with a specific chiropractor.
  • Be sure that the chiropractor is licensed to practice in your state.
  • Find out if he/she has attended an accredited chiropractic college.
  • Ask the chiropractor or his/her office staff to describe their chiropractic techniques and philososphy. Make sure the chiropractor would be willing to make a referral to other medical providers when appropriate.
  • Seek a chiropractor whose treatment is dependent on your particular diagnosis.
  • Seek a chiropractor who uses x-rays as indicated by the case history and physical examination.
  • Seek a chiropractor who may or may not choose to treat, and who emphasizes patient empowerment by teaching you how to take better care of yourself.

What You Can Expect From Gerhardt Chiropractic?

Dr. Dan will take a complete health history and discuss specific problems as well as overall lifestyle. Common questions will concern family history, dietary habits, prior treatment received, job duties and others to determine other important health information.

If necessary, a general physical examination will be performed to determine the overall condition of your health and any specific problems. Also, a careful spinal examination will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities that might be affectimg your particular health status. Dr. Dan may find a significant connection between the state of your spine and your present health problem.

Only after Dr. Dan has determined that your condition could be helped with chiropractic will he initiate care. Specific procedures are determined by careful evaluation of X-rays, laboratory tests, and physical findings.

Care often involves corrective spinal adjustments.. SEE: Chiropractic Techniques

In some cases, Dr. Dan may also choose to use physical modalities such as ice, heat, electrical muscle stimulation, infrared therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, or microcurrent. SEE: Physiological Therapeutics

Questions to ask Dr. Dan or other chiropractors

Q: How long will I need to be under chiropractic care?
The typical chiropractic approach to health problems is to outline a course of treatment over a one-month period. Most patients respond to treatment within days or weeks, depending on the severity and duration of their problem. Dr. Dan will discuss this with you, as all chiropractors should, and will also change his treatment, or make the appropriate referal to another specialist, if the desired results are not achieved in a timely manner.

Q: Do you have contact with other health care providers to whom you refer for consultation?
In the event that you need non-chiropractic treatment, you should expect a referral to another medical specialist. Dr. Dan works well with other professionals in the health care field.

Q: What specific procedures will you use to treat my condition?
Dr. Dan, as most chiropractors do, will recommend a series of adjustment/manipulative treatments, which are used to restore normal joint function, decrease pain, swelling and muscle spasms, as well as to improve range of motion. SEE: Chiropractic Techniques

In some cases, Dr. Dan may also choose to use physical modalities such as ice, heat, electrical muscle stimulation, infrared therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, or microcurrent. SEE: Services & Products

Nutritional supplementation, topical products, and other methods may be suggested. Consultation regarding lifestyle changes, such as diet modification and stress reduction may be recommended. Whichever treatment Dr. Dan or another chiropractor recommends, you should be informed of the benefits and risks in language that you understand. SEE: Nutrition

Q: Will the chiropractor suggest exercise or lifestyle changes to help improve and strengthen the area of complaint?
It is important in any recovery that you are actively involved in your treatment and rehabilitation. As mentioned above, you should expect to be given instruction and education on the proper exercises needed to improve your problem. Additionally, it may be recommended that you use ice, heat, or other home-based treatments as well as recommendations for diet modifictaion and other pertinent lifestyle changes that could aid in recovery and improve overall health. SEE: Sports Injuries

Q: Will you require me to have an x-ray taken?
An x-ray is a tool a doctor may use to confirm your diagnosis. An x-ray is not always required to start treatment. Dr. Dan, and other chiropractors, may want to take an x-ray after completing a thorough history and examination to rule out bone disease, fracture or dislocation. For your convenience, Gerhardt Chiropractic provides x-ray service at its office. SEE: X-Rays

In closing, you should expect the doctor's office staff to treat you with courtesy. When you call, do they assist you in a prompt and professional manner in answering your questions and making an appointment? Assess the personality of the office staff. Will you be comfortable working with them?

After asking these questions and meeting the chiropractor and office staff, assess their answers and determine for yourself if the chiropractor's personality and approach seem reasonable. You should feel comfortable that you have made an informed choice.

"The key to quick results with chiropractic is in finding the right chirporactor, one whose style and technique best matches the specific needs of the individual patient"

SEE: TESTIMONIALS

GERHARDT CHIROPRATIC FAMILY PRACTICE

Treating Others As We Would Want To Be Treated
770-914-0184
Our office is located in the Grand Harbor Shopping Center across from Home Depot at 2101 Jonesboro Road, McDonough