What is Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is the most popular natural form of health care that treats the causes of health problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on the fact that by creating the proper environment, including a fully functioning nervous system, your body is better able to heal itself.
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by creating the proper environment to optimize your bodies ability to heal. With a properly functioning nervous system all of the cells, tissues, and organs in your body are better able to obtain maximum health. The chiropractic approach to healthcare is to remove interference to the nervous system and address other causes to allow the body to heal itself.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the term used to describe the treatment that chiropractors use on a joint that is locked up or not functioning properly. An adjustment is a procedure where a chiropractor uses their hands or an instrument to mobilize the joints of the body to reduce pain and restore joint function.
An adjustment is a very safe procedure that rarely causes pain and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient. This natural procedure helps to reduce nervous system interference and restore overall health. Often patients note positive changes immediately following treatment.
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment of the spine. Misalignment can put pressure on the nerves and result in a decrease in function of the associated areas of the body. This can cause pain, disease, and an overall lower degree of health.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Adjustments are usually painless. Occasionally some soreness will be experienced as new patterns are established, similar to some soreness with starting a new workout program. However, typically within the first few visits adjustments help to reduce and eliminate pain.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Not all adjustments produce a sound. However, the ‘pop’ sound that is often heard is due to the change of pressure in the joint and is caused by the release of a gas bubble. Is is similar to what happens when you ‘pop’ your knuckles and is harmless.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes, chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest healthcare methods in the United States. It has helped millions of people avoid addictive drugs and invasive procedures. Due to it's history of safety, chiropractor's have some of the cheapest malpractice insurance in the healthcare industry.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No. In our office we have multiple types of care to offer. Relief can often be obtained in a short amount of time. To correct the causes of symptoms may take longer. Once results are obtained, many individuals opt to come in for regular checkups.
The reason for regular checkups is to keep your body in top condition and avoid re-occurrence of previous problems. Just as you get regular check-ups for teeth and eyes or regular oil changes for your car, having your back checked by a chiropractor is important, but the choice is yours.
Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to regular schedule?
Based on your goals and needs, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. Sticking to the schedule you have come up with help you obtain the best results.
Will Chiropractic improve my posture?
Most patients under chiropractic care see improvements in posture.
How long will each appointment take?
This varies widely depending on the type of care you are receiving. Appointments can last anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour. We cover in detail what to expect before beginning your specific plan of care.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
We utilize a wide variety of techniques and equipment. Those utilized is specific to the patient we are working with and what we are trying to accomplish.
What type of education do chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors undergo an extensive program of education and licensing. To apply for chiropractic school you must complete the same undergraduate prerequisites as medical doctors. Chiropractic school then consists of four years of additional schooling which includes in-depth courses in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, diagnosis, and treatment. The schooling is among the most stringent of the health care professions. A minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience are required in the curriculum.
After graduation, each candidate must pass four separate parts of National Board Examinations. After graduation and becoming licensed, chiropractors must complete annual continuing education to stay current with changes in the profession.
Is Chiropractic care appropriate for children?
Many patients have their newborns checked for subluxations since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth. Because of their physical activity, many children experience many types of falls and injuries.
Neck and back pain as well as stiffness, soreness, or discomfort can be caused by these traumas. Many childhood health complaints can be traced to the spine. Chiropractic can help prevent many childhood health problems. Most parents whose children are under care report that their children are healthier than their peers. Very gentle techniques are used with children.
Check out the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association website for additional information. They are the foremost authority on childhood chiropractic care.
Can I adjust myself?
It is virtually impossible to adjust yourself correctly and safely because a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint You can obviously twist and create a ‘popping’ sound that may remind you of a chiropractic adjustment, but that movement is often dangerous and counterproductive.
Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes! Statistically after 5 years 80% of the people with back surgery are in just as much pain or more pain than before the surgery. Repeat back surgeries may be prevented with Chiropractic care. In fact, back surgery can usually be avoided in the first place if chiropractic care is initially used.
Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
During pregnancy, the body undergoes huge changes including new positioning of the bones and ligaments. Chiropractic is a fantastic way to assist pregnant mothers with the demands on their body. The patient’s size, weight, age, and condition are used to determine appropriate adjusting methods. The International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association has a additional information on chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Why do Chiropractors take x-rays?
X-rays are a helpful tool to give us a picture of what is going on with your spine. X-rays can reveal information regarding alignment, bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, among other things. It is a useful tool to help determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care.
