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| Laura J. Miller, DC, FASA, has a seemingly ever-expanding chiropractic practice in downtown Omaha called Downtown Chiropractic Health Center. Dr. Miller serves as a primary care specialist for many patients and their families. “Currently, my patient age range is newborn to age 100,” she says. “I love treating a patient from childbirth onward. It is exhilarating to see the progress as patients grow and benefit from proactive wellness care. It is so rewarding to see a patient thrive after chiropractic treatment.” The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words “cheir” (hand) and “praxis” (action). Literally translated, it means “done by hand.” Traditionally, chiropractors have been known as nervous system specialists. They evaluate and treat the spine, which houses the central nervous system. This then allows the nervous system to function at 100 percent. Instead of prescribing drugs or performing surgeries, chiropractors use manual treatments of the spine and joints; exercise therapy; massage therapy; trigger point therapy; and acupuncture. They teach their patients about healthy lifestyle changes that will allow the body’s natural state of health to fully express itself. Like conventional medicine, chiropractic treatment is based upon scientific principles of diagnosis via testing and empirical observations. Treatment is based upon the practitioner’s rigorous training and clinical experience, as well as the patient’s level of need. Unlike conventional medicine, which focuses on treating a disease once it occurs, chiropractic care is proactive and wellness-oriented. The goal is to improve the health of the individual in an effort to avoid illness in the first place. If given a choice, most people would rather be healthy and avoid illness. This is one of the main reasons for the big upsurge in the popularity and success of today’s chiropractic care and treatment. People are now recognizing the benefit of seeking an alternative to traditional medicine—one that will help them achieve and maintain optimal health and wellness, Dr. Miller comments. Dr. Miller states that she treats the whole person. This means looking for the underlying causes of illness, disease, discomfort, and pain. Generally, these issues arise from imbalances in the spinal column. Proper treatment of health issues from a chiropractic vantage point focus on corrective spinal care and diagnosis, which ultimately result in relief and wellness, she says. Spinal manipulation is usually the mainstay of most initial treatments. However, Dr. Miller also implements acupuncture, which she says can alleviate many issues. Acupuncture dates back 2000 years. It is a Chinese holistic methodology that has been used to diagnose, treat, and cure a myriad of ailments such as acute sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, and even the common cold. Migraines, headaches, facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy, and other neurologic disorders are also treated by acupuncture. Other issues that benefit from acupuncture that parents might want to know about are colic, hiccups, diarrhea, and even bedwetting and teething pain. Infertility is a fairly common issue that is helped with chiropractics, Dr. Miller says. She sees many couples that are having difficulty conceiving. Conversely, treating pregnant women is also a specialty of Dr. Miller’s. “Pregnancy is a time to be especially conscious of a healthy well-being,” she says. Establishing pelvic balance and alignment is another reason to obtain chiropractic care during pregnancy. When the pelvis is misaligned, it may reduce the amount of room available for the developing baby. A misaligned pelvis may also make it difficult for the baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Breech and posterior positions can interfere with the natural ease of labor and lead to interventions such as a c-section. Those of us who thought that chiropractors only treat back pain, arthritis, shoulder pain, and sciatica may want to think again! Because Dr. Miller treats the individual person and the whole body, she offers nutritional counseling and recommends healthy food choices and supplements that will help patients attain a structured, yet enjoyable and nutritional food plan. This will enhance a truly healthy lifestyle, she says. “I am so appreciative of the advice and direction that Dr. Miller has given me,” says Linda, a patient, with a smile. “I had no idea that the choices that I was making were actually making me sick at times. I now feel energized and happy.” Lifestyle advice is also a mainstay of Dr. Miller’s protocol with her patients. She coaches patients on activities to help keep them active, and she also redirects them when they are doing things that will aggravate their particular health challenges. “Our goal is to help each and every patient achieve a healthy and happy lifestyle. We teach our patients how to use exercise to help strengthen and correct their own unique problems. We want everyone to stay in balance and in good health,” says Dr. Miller. “That is why we treat the whole body.” Another aspect of the Downtown Chiropractic Health Center is massage therapy. Massage therapy offers a natural, healthy, and gentle approach to healing and wellness. Specific massage techniques are tailored to each individual’s needs to relieve musculoskeletal pain and tightness. The art of massage therapy has numerous benefits, including increased blood circulation, reduced swelling, relaxed muscles, and muscle pain and spasm relief. It also aids in range of motion issues, Dr. Miller says. Additionally, massage helps assist in the healing process and promotes relaxation and well-being. It can even help lower blood pressure and decrease stress and tension from the mind and body. When Dr. Miller is asked why she decided to become a chiropractor, she says, “It’s in my genes!” Her father, Ritch Miller, practices with her, while her sister, Marie Wareham, is also a chiropractor. “We grew up watching our father conduct his practice,” Dr. Miller says. “We received regular adjustments and were always healthy because of his guidance. I even worked as a file clerk in the office as a teenager and really enjoyed getting to know all of the patients. So becoming a chiropractor was just second nature for me.” We are in an age when medication is readily prescribed for pain and other conditions. Dr. Miller points out that chiropractic can help alleviate pain and discomfort. You might want to consider embracing and incorporating a more holistic and methodical approach to care for your body. The Downtown Chiropractic Health Center is located at 2111 Douglas Street. Call 402-345-7500 or send an e-mail to downtownchiro1@aol.com for more information. |
Downtown Chiropractic |
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