WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
One of the most common procedures performed by Doctors of Chiropractic is spinal manipulation, sometimes referred to as a “chiropractic adjustment”.
The purpose of Chiropractic manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury. Adjustments can also be performed on areas other than the spine including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles.
Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time.
In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for an individual. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing tissues to heal.
Dr. Todd Sparks, DC
graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1994 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic and received his board certification in acupuncture in 2002. He has a B.S. in Health and Fitness, is a Certified Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine, and certified through the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion.
In addition to practicing in the Twin Cities, Dr. Sparks teaches college courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Biomechanics, and Exercise Sciences. He also works onsite with businesses for health promotion and injury prevention.
Dr. Sparks has successfully used acupuncture in general practice, athletes, and workplace injuries.
COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED BY CHIROPRACTIC
- Back Pain
- Headaches
- Bowel Regularity
- Improved Mental Clarity
- Ear Infections
- Neck Pain
- Arthritis and Joint Pain
- Scoliosis
- Asthma
- Blood pressure
- Healthy pregnancy
- Organ function
What Our Customers Are Saying
Don’t just take it from us, let our customers do the talking!
I had severe low back pain and went for an infrared sauna treatment. While discussing my condition with the massage therapist, they recommended I try acupuncture with Dr. Todd. He had an opening so I opted in right after my sauna. Wonderful experience with a positive outcome.
Dr. Todd is a wonderful addition to the staff at Tree of Life and I highly recommend him!
I have been receiving Chiropractic care for 20 years. It was a huge help after a car accident many years ago. I have continued to go once a month since and can tell a big difference in my body when I skip a
month.
I am so glad Dr. Sparks is at Tree of Life. He is a great Chiropractor and takes his time to make sure he is addressing all my
issues. He has also done some acupuncture on me and that has been beneficial as well. I would highly recommend him.
I am so happy Dr. Todd was added to your staff. I have been seeing him for chiropractic adjustments for three weeks now and have had very good results.
My neck and back are feeling so much better, and I have had him address ongoing issues I have with intermittent vertigo and TMJ. And the convenience of massage and adjustments at the same location is a big plus for me.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches…particularly with their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractic physician typically uses his or her hands–or an instrument–to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.