October 2008

Correction of vertebral subluxations

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

I thought I'd address a subject that has many doctors stymied and perplexed, an issue everyone struggles with and that most patients want to know about: "How long does it usually take to correct these vertebral subluxations and why shouldn't I miss or cancel my appointments?"

Doctor-patient dialogue

 I'd like to approach this excellent subject from the perspective of you speaking directly to the patient in front of you. I suggest you copy this and use it just the way it is...

Okay, if you've been listening to me, attending our classes, reading the info posted all over the office, and reading our newsletter, you probably would have figured out that vertebral subluxations are bad. How could you not have? I have info on subluxations dripping from every crack in the plaster!

With that in mind, let's tackle the issue of getting rid of these subluxations in your spine and why it's so important for you to maintain your schedule of care.

One thing you need to understand is that once a vertebral subluxation has formed, it can be compared to a dental cavity. It really doesn't clear up all by itself and it usually progresses and gets worse.

Is it painful? Most often not. And that's the problem. Most of the time, subluxations in your spine aren't painful unless they've been caused by some sort of trauma -- falling, improper strain, accident, etc. The fact that most subluxations are not painful makes them difficult to detect by the average normal earthling. Only a chiropractor can tell you if you have one, just as a dentist can tell you if you have a cavity starting.

So, what are the most common causes of these things? Well, the most common causes are usually long-term stresses and habits your body's been forced to deal with.

Habits? Yes, habits. And they usually start in childhood.

A vertebral subluxation most often becomes a habit -- and a bad one -- that your body is unable to get rid of. So, it slowly begins to adapt to having it. And slowly, your nervous system begins to be affected. It has difficulty controlling your body and, as a result, your body functions slowly begin to deteriorate. Not a good thing!

So, what I'm saying is you've learned a really bad habit. Knowing this, let me ask you: "Have you ever had a habit you tried to get rid of? Do you feel it's easy to get rid of a deeply learned habit?"

No? You're absolutely correct!

As with any habit or deeply learned pattern, in order to get rid of one, we need to substitute it with another, a good one this time. And that's the very reason, I, as your chiropractor, will place patients on a schedule of care that may last weeks to sometimes even years or so. The goal is to change the habit your body has learned. To correct this subluxation pattern. To wipe it out. To annihilate it. To show no mercy. To take no prisoners! And to restore normal function to your nervous system so that it can, once again, control your body as it was meant to. That's my goal.

Definitely not for the faint of heart! And it's for this very reason it's so important for you to maintain the schedule of care I designed for you. We're building a foundation. Think of this. If you were to start removing the bricks from the foundation of your castle, what do you think would be the result? A weak building? You bet!

You see, in my heart, I can't allow you to weaken your foundation. It's the basis of your health. That's the reason I'm on your case, and always will be, when you miss or even reschedule your timed appointments with me.

So, please don't ever be annoyed that we call you when you're off-schedule. We're simply reminding you of your commitment.

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That says it all. Have fun with it!

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x-ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the "fastest-growing coaching program on the planet." Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com and take the Practice Health Mini-Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e-mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com or by calling 800-353-3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS "on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?" Send him an e-mail and asked to be added to the list.)