- What is Chiropractic care?
- How does Chiropractic work?
- What is an adjustment?
- What is a subluxation?
- Does the adjustment hurt?
- Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
- Is Chiropractic safe?
- Do I have to keep coming back forever?
- Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to a regular schedule?
- Will Chiropractic improve my posture?
- How long will each appointment take?
- Are all patients adjusted the same way?
- What type of education do chiropractors receive?
- Is Chiropractic care appropriate for children?
- Can I adjust myself?
- Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
- Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
- Why do Chiropractors take x-rays?
- Do you still have questions?
What is Chiropractic care?
It is a natural method of health care that treats the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on the fact that with a fully functioning and healthy nervous system, your body is better able to heal itself.
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your body’s ability to be healthy. When the nervous system is functioning properly all of the cells, tissues, and organs in your body are better able to resist disease and injury. The chiropractic approach to better health is to remove interference to the nervous system and 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 subluxated, or in other words ‘locked up’, or not functioning properly. An adjustment is a manual procedure where a chiropractor usually uses his or her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, specifically the spine, to reduce pain and restore joint function.
An adjustment is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes pain and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient. This natural and safe procedure eliminates interference and restores nerve function as well as overall health. Often patients note positive changes immediately following treatment.
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment of the spinal vertebrae. That misalignment puts pressure on the spinal nerves and results in a decrease in function of the associated areas of the body. This can be manifested in the form of pain, diseases, and an overall lower degree of health.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Usually an adjustment is a painless procedure. If the person is already in pain, or if they have muscle spasms, any movement of the joint may cause some discomfort. However, adjustments are ultimately meant to reduce and eliminate pain from subluxation.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustments do not always produce a sound. However, the ‘pop’ sound that is often heard when a joint is adjusted is the sound of the release of a gas bubble due to the change of pressure in the joint. Is is the same thing that happens when you ‘pop’ your knuckles and is totally harmless.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic is a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. It is widely recognized as one of the safest methods of treating neuromusculoskeletal (conditions treated by chiropractors) problems. Occasionally there may be some minor discomfort following a spinal adjustment, but current literature shows that it will typically fade within 24 hours.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No. In our office we have several types of care; relief care, corrective care, and maintenance care. Most often, relief care will take 4-6 weeks. Correcting the cause of the problem will probably take longer, though. You have the option of discontinuing care when the pain subsides, when you complete the corrective procedure, or continuing with maintenance care. It’s completely up to you.
The reason for maintenance care is to keep your body in top condition and avoid reoccurrence of previous problems. Just as you have the other regular check-ups for teeth and eyes, having your back checked by a chiropractor is also important, but the choice is yours.
Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to regular schedule?
The doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your goals and needs. To obtain the best results it is important to stick to the schedule you have come up with.
Will Chiropractic improve my posture?
Most patients see improvements in posture as a result of chiropractic care.
How long will each appointment take?
After the first visit, which usually takes around 45 minutes, the appointments take around 10-20 minutes depending on what you need done on each visit.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
The doctor evaluates each patient’s unique spinal problems then develops an individualized care plan. Each patient is different, so depending on the specific problem that they have some techniques may be more appropriate and comfortable for them. The doctor will also use some techniques as each adjustment builds on the one before it.
What type of education do chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors are extremely well educated. First they complete the same prerequisite classes as medical doctors, then they complete a four year chiropractic college curriculum which is among the most stringent of the health care professions. In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.
After graduation, each candidate must pass a series of National Board Examinations. Once they pass the National examinations, and a more difficult licensing exam, they are granted the privilege to practice. Most chiropractors continue their education after graduation, completing regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and techniques.
Is Chiropractic care appropriate for children?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many patients have their newborns checked for subluxations. Children are usually quite physically active and may experience many types of falls and injuries from daily living and activities as well as sport injuries.
These injuries may cause symptoms of neck and back pain as well as stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. Many childhood health complaints are brushed off and can be traced to the spine. Having children checked out by a chiropractor early can often prevent health problems that manifest in childhood. Most parents report that their children like the chiropractic adjustments and are healthier than their peers. As always, chiropractic is adapted to the individual patient and in the case of children is also very gentle.
For any additional questions please check out the International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association website. The ICPA is the foremost authority on childhood chiropractic care.
Can I adjust myself?
No. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint. Because of this, it is virtually impossible to adjust yourself correctly and safely. It is possible to twist and create a ‘popping’ sound that may remind you of a chiropractic adjustment, but unfortunately that movement is often counterproductive and dangerous creating or making an unstable situation worse.
Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes! It’s unfortunate, but up to half the people who have had back surgery experience a return of their symptoms months or years later. Chiropractic adjustments may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially used, back surgery can usually be avoided in the first place.
Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
Yes. It is always a good idea to improve nerve function. Pregnant mothers usually find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make the delivery easier for them and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition. The International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association has a plethora of information on chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Why do Chiropractors take x-rays?
Chiropractors take x-rays to see the internal structure and alignment of the spine. They are concerned with finding underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine. X-rays also provide the blueprint for correcting the spine and restoring it to its fullest potential and alignment.
Do You Still Have Questions?
Give us a call or come by the office. Here’s how you can contact us.
You can also view our explanational videos on youtube!
