EXPERT
Melissa B. Barker
Chiropractor | Nutrition
Dr. Melissa Barker is a Chiropractor practicing in Smyrna, GA. Dr. Barker specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. Barker seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.
15 years
Experience
Melissa B. Barker
- Atlanta, GA
- Sherman College of Chiropracti
- Accepting new patients
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Can a misaligned pelvis cause sciatica?
Yes, a misaligned pelvis could (in some cases) cause sciatica. Misalignments of the spine can cause the pelvis to shift which could in turn put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing READ MORE
Yes, a misaligned pelvis could (in some cases) cause sciatica. Misalignments of the spine can cause the pelvis to shift which could in turn put pressure on the sciatic nerve causing the condition known as sciatica. Getting adjustments of the spine and pelvis will in most cases alleviate sciatica.
Does going to a chiropractor feel good?
Going to chiropractor can feel good. Remember, chiropractic is the science and art of correcting misalignments of the spine in order to relieve nerve pressure and create better READ MORE
Going to chiropractor can feel good. Remember, chiropractic is the science and art of correcting misalignments of the spine in order to relieve nerve pressure and create better communication between the brain and the body. Correcting misalignments of the spine relieves tension on the muscles which in turn allows the body to feel more relaxed. This is just one benefit of chiropractic care.
Why do chiropractors require so many visits?
The number of visits required by your chiropractor varies from person to person due to the level of severity present. The state of dis-ease that your body is in did not develop READ MORE
The number of visits required by your chiropractor varies from person to person due to the level of severity present. The state of dis-ease that your body is in did not develop overnight. In some cases, many of these issues have been developing and worsening over years or even decades. Since many issues took a significant amount of time to develop, they will also take time to heal. The good news is that many issues can be resolved in only a fraction of the time it took to develop with consistent chiropractic care.
Can a chiropractor help with tingling fingers?
Chiropractic can help with tingling in the fingers. This condition is the result of misalignments of the bones of the spine that directly affect nerves going to the arm, hands READ MORE
Chiropractic can help with tingling in the fingers. This condition is the result of misalignments of the bones of the spine that directly affect nerves going to the arm, hands and fingers. Correcting the misalignments will release pressure on the nerves, resulting in the relief of tingling in the fingers.
Why do chiropractors recommend ice?
Ice is recommended by chiropractors for the purpose of decreasing edema (swelling). When an injury occurs, the body's natural response in many cases is to release chemicals that READ MORE
Ice is recommended by chiropractors for the purpose of decreasing edema (swelling). When an injury occurs, the body's natural response in many cases is to release chemicals that cause swelling at the site of the injury. The swelling is a protective mechanism of the body to limit motion or further damage to the area. After a chiropractic adjustment, ice can be used to decrease the pain and swelling to the area so that the healing process can continue.
How do chiropractors and massage therapists work together?
Chiropractic and massage are a perfect combination. Chiropractic focuses on the spine (bones) to remove pressure from the nerves so that there is balance and clear communication READ MORE
Chiropractic and massage are a perfect combination. Chiropractic focuses on the spine (bones) to remove pressure from the nerves so that there is balance and clear communication between the brain and the body. When there is misalignment in the spine, tension is placed on the muscles connected to the spine which can cause further misalignment of the bones, pressure on the nerves, and pain. While chiropractic focuses on correcting misalignment of the bones for the purpose of keeping a clear communication pathway for the nervous system, massage focuses on releasing muscle tension so that the spine doesn't continue to become misaligned by muscles pulling the bones out of place.
What helps back pain at night?
Back pain can have many different origins ranging from a simple misalignment of the spine to more complex or pathological disorders. It is important to check with a health care READ MORE
Back pain can have many different origins ranging from a simple misalignment of the spine to more complex or pathological disorders. It is important to check with a health care provider to determine the cause of your back pain.
Can a chiropractor help with upper thigh pain?
Upper thigh pain is usually the result of misalignment of the spine in the lower back region. The nervous system is comprised of over 2 trillion nerves that send information out READ MORE
Upper thigh pain is usually the result of misalignment of the spine in the lower back region. The nervous system is comprised of over 2 trillion nerves that send information out to all parts of the body (inside and out) facilitating proper functioning of every particular body part. When misalignment occurs, any combination of those nerves are affected leading to any combination of symptoms in any part of the body. Correcting misalignment of the spine controlling nerves going to the thigh is usually very helpful in alleviating upper thigh pain.
Is it normal to be sore after the chiropractor?
Chiropractic adjustments involve realigning the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves. Since muscles are attached to the bones, there could be a little soreness. Think of it READ MORE
Chiropractic adjustments involve realigning the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves. Since muscles are attached to the bones, there could be a little soreness. Think of it in terms of going to the gym and doing an intense workout. You're more than likely going to be a little sore the next day. The good news is that the soreness doesn't or shouldn't last very long and you will begin to reap the benefits of having your body back in perfect balance, pain relief, better circulation, better flexibility, more strength, etc.
How long after a chiropractic adjustment do you feel better?
The time frame for getting pain relief after a chiropractic adjustment varies from person to person and also depends on the severity of each case. Although we would all want instantaneous READ MORE
The time frame for getting pain relief after a chiropractic adjustment varies from person to person and also depends on the severity of each case. Although we would all want instantaneous relief after just one adjustment, it usually doesn't work that way. Pain or issues that lead a person to seek help usually did not began when the person started feeling pain. These issues have been developing for years or even decades. Pain is the body's emergency alert system signaling damage being done within the body. Just as the issues took time to develop, it will also take time to correct. Be patient with your body. Continue to see your chiropractor regularly in order to not only relieve current pain, but also to eliminate the root cause of the pain.
When should you stop chiropractic treatment?
Although chiropractic is most known for pain relief, it is a natural healthcare form that focuses on assuring clear communication between the brain and body so that the body can READ MORE
Although chiropractic is most known for pain relief, it is a natural healthcare form that focuses on assuring clear communication between the brain and body so that the body can function at optimal capacity. Once pain relief is achieved, it's not a bad idea to continue chiropractic care on a wellness basis (1 -2 times a month) to assure optimal function and communication between the nervous system and the body.
Is ice good after chiropractic adjustment?
Ice is good for reducing inflammation and edema (swelling). Many chiropractors will recommend using ice after an adjustment in some cases.
Do you feel immediate relief after chiropractic adjustment?
It is very possible to feel immediate relief of neck pain after the first chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic is the field of healthcare that focuses on removing misalignments READ MORE
It is very possible to feel immediate relief of neck pain after the first chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic is the field of healthcare that focuses on removing misalignments of the spine to relieve nerve pressure. Since pain is an indicator of nerve pressure or a nerve being "pinched", removing the misalignment can results in instantaneous pain relief. You may notice slight muscle soreness after your first adjustment due to muscle involvement but it doesn't last very long.
Is it normal to have tingling after chiropractic?
Tingling can result after a chiropractic adjustment due to the release of pressure on nerves. Think of it in terms of wrapping a rubber band around your finger. The pressure will READ MORE
Tingling can result after a chiropractic adjustment due to the release of pressure on nerves. Think of it in terms of wrapping a rubber band around your finger. The pressure will cause a loss of sensation over time because there us limited blood flow and circulation to the area. Once the rubber band is removed and proper circulation and blood flow is restored, there may be a slight tingling sensation that follows. If you have concerns or if the tingling sensation persists, call your local chiropractor and express your concerns.
What to do after adjusting back?
It is always best to allow the body to rest after an adjustment. It's not necessary to eliminate all activity, but minimize anything that could cause stress or strain on the body. READ MORE
It is always best to allow the body to rest after an adjustment. It's not necessary to eliminate all activity, but minimize anything that could cause stress or strain on the body.
Can chiropractic adjustments harm you?
Contrary to myths, chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed chiropractic professional. Correcting misalignments of the spine is always beneficial for not READ MORE
Contrary to myths, chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by a licensed chiropractic professional. Correcting misalignments of the spine is always beneficial for not only pain relief, but also for optimal functioning of the entire body as a whole.
How often should you get a full body adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustment frequency varies from person to person. Chiropractic adjustments once a week for health maintenance is recommended. For more complex cases, 3 times a week READ MORE
Chiropractic adjustment frequency varies from person to person. Chiropractic adjustments once a week for health maintenance is recommended. For more complex cases, 3 times a week for a short period of time should alleviate pain as well as allow body the ability to stabilize so that it can heal itself.
