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Brien Chiropractic Clinic

Luling Office Facebook (Top) Kenner Office Facebook (Bottom)

Luling Office Facebook (Top) Kenner Office Facebook (Bottom)

12501 Highway 90

985-331-8007

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  • Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

  • Created in About Chiropractic Care, Vertebral Subluxation
image of a person grabbing their left shoulder

Pathophysiology means the function in an individual or an organ is disturbed due to disease, leading to a structural defect. In chiropractic care, it often presents when unusual bony growths, such as bone spurs, attempt to fuse malfunctioning joints, causing the spine to degrade, joints to become altered, scar tissue to develop and the nervous system to stop functioning properly. Muscle weakness (in the area of the spine) and loss of range of motion can also be experienced.

What Causes Pathophysiology?

While a pathophysiological condition can be brought on by age and genetic factors, it can also result from trauma, such as an automobile accident.

Pathophysiology and Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Pathophysiology is just one of five interrelated parts associated with vertebral subluxation complex (VSC), which is a set of signs and symptoms that affect the spinal column. The other four are:

  • Spinal kinesiopathology. This component sets pathophysiology and the remaining interconnected parts of VSC into motion. This occurs when the bones of the spine lose their natural position and motion, which makes it challenging for the individual to bend and turn.
  • Myopathology. The muscles supporting the spine can weaken, causing them to atrophy or stiffen, and, as a result, go into spasm. All of this flexion of the muscles can cause the development of scar tissue that, over time, changes the muscle tone.
  • Neuropathophysiology. The spine houses and protects the nerves and nerve tissue. When the spine functions improperly, it can cut off, distend or inflame fragile nerve tissue and cause the nervous system to malfunction.
  • Histopathology. If the blood and lymph supplies increase, a person’s body temperature can rise, leading to inflammation and swelling of the tissues and muscles around the spine. With this may come protruding, torn, herniated or deteriorated spinal discs.

Treating Pathophysiology

When treating a pathophysiological condition, such as that described above in the first paragraph, chiropractors can use spinal adjustments and soft tissue work.

There are many types of spinal manipulation, some of which include:

  • Toggle Drop. Here, the chiropractor crosses his hands, and then presses firmly down on the area of the spine that is being treated, before apply a quick thrust that adjusts the spine. This should help the vertebral joints move more easily.
  • Release Work. Because pathophysiology causes bony growths to fuse malfunctioning joints of the spine, release work is a common technique used. During release work, the chiropractor uses his fingertips to apply mild pressure and separate the vertebrae in order to restore mobility.
  • Side Posture (also known as the lumbar roll). The patient lies on his or her side while the chiropractor uses a quick but manipulative thrust to return the vertebrae to their original position.
  • Instrument Adjustments. This may be one of the gentlest methods of adjusting the spine. With the patient facing down on the table, the chiropractor utilizes a spring-loaded activator instrument to implement the adjustment.
  • Table Adjustments. The patient will be asked to lie on a table that has sections that drop down. When the chiropractor gives a quick thrust, a section of the table drops. The table lands and comes to a complete stop, but the patient’s body continues its motion. The thrust, drop and momentum of the patient’s body all work to align the spine.

Active Release Techniques

Treatment may not end with spinal adjustments alone. Because the muscles surrounding the spine can become weakened and scar tissue can develop, soft tissue work may be needed. This may come in the form of massage or what is called active release techniques (ART).

With ART, the chiropractor begins by getting a feel of the tissues, specifically looking at texture, motion and tension. Once he has determined the state of the patient’s tissues, he will perform a number of touch-based techniques to do one or more of the following:

  • Shorten or lengthen the tissue
  • Apply contact tension
  • Make the tissue glide relative to the tissue nearby

By performing these movements, mobility can be reestablished; fibrous adhesions can be broken down; trapped nerves or blood vessels can be freed; pain can be diminished; and oxygen and blood can be successfully transported to the muscles and tissues.

To schedule an appointment to learn more about pathophysiology treatments, contact our office today.

  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Common Conditions Treated
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Condition Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • Health & Wellness
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Life in Motion
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Physical
      • Social
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
  • Therapies & Techniques
    • Techniques
    • Therapies
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
  • Wellness4Kids

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Luling Clinic

Monday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

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Monday:

10:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

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Wednesday:

10:00 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-6:30 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-12:00 pm

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I have found Brien Chiropractic Clinic to be both professional and helpful. I am very satisfied with my treatment as well as the friendly and welcoming staff. I would and have recommended this office to friends and family. My job as an educator is very stressful. I find Dr. Brien’s services help me to deal with this daily stress."
    Laurie Breaux - teacher
  • "Dr. Brien and his staff are wonderful. As a patient for 10+ years, they have treated me for several ailments. Dr. Brien treats me like family and has always had genuine concern for my well being. I have referred and will continue to refer my family and friends."
    Jamie Mayeaux - Fitness Instructor
  • "I have been a patient of Dr. Brien for several years now. I wasn't a firm believer in chiropractic care but after many years of suffering with a recurring back problem and 'traditional methods' of care leaving me with only brief periods of relief, I made the decision to give Dr. Brien a try. I noticed a difference right away. Dr. Brien put my concerns at ease with the first visit. The brief periods of relief I was accustomed to receiving from traditional methods, were now replaced with extended periods of relief without the use of medications. I can't put into words how much I appreciate the efforts of Dr. Brien and his staff."
    John Gros - Operator
  • "Massage therapy has improved the quality of my life tremendously. Riki knows my needs and applies the appropriate therapy to decrease my back pains and headaches. Her personalized care makes me feel like I am her most important patient. If you want individualized care, Brien Chiropractic Clinic can meet your needs."
    Tresa Webre - Assistant Superintendent
  • "Before receiving treatments, I suffered from tension headaches multiple times a month. There would even be times where the headaches were weekly. With a combination of treatment from Dr. Brien and the wonderful staff at the clinic, my "headache horror" is fully under control."
    Jessica Thomas - Teacher

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