Chiropractic Facts & FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about chiropractic
care. Scroll down to view the FAQs or you can jump to a question
by selecting it from the menu.
Click here if you would like
to submit your own question for the doctor.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self?healing, self-regulating
organism, which is controlled by your nervous system. Signals and
instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out
to every organ, muscle, cell and tissue. Signals are then sent back
to the brain to confirm if your body is working right.
Improper motion and/or position of the spinal bones causes a condition
called subluxation. Subluxations interfere with the vital exchange
of information by irritating the nerves, which alters the function
of organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments help improve
mind/body communications. Health may then return with improved nervous
system control of the body.
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Do I Have A Slipped Disc?
The disc is a soft material "shock absorber." It has
a outer ring which holds in a jelly?like material. A "slipped
disc" typically refers to a large variety of disc problems.
However, a because of the way the disc attaches to the spinal bones
the disc can't slip. However, a disc can bulge, or tear, even herniate.
Also, it can become thin and dry out. Lastly, it can collapse. But
it can't slip.
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Do I Have A Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare occurrence. More commonly the adjacent
spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or scrapes a nerve. These
subluxations cause distortion of the nerve messages sent between
the brain and the body. This can produce harmful alterations to
the organs and tissues connected by affected nerves.
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How Do You Get Subluxations?
Three basic causes of subluxations exist. Emotional causes such
as anger, fear, displeasure and grief can cause subluxations. Chemical
causes include the air we breathe, such as pollution and poor diet.
The most devastating is the Structural or Physical causes which
include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, improper
lifting and poor posture.
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How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?
You can have subluxations and never even know it. Like the early
stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present long
before any warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination
can show the location and severity of any subluxations you may have.
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Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?
Sometimes they can. However, today's hectic lifestyles are a constant
source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability
to self?correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or
when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need
to see a chiropractic doctor!
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What Is An Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that adds
motion to spinal joints that are stuck or not moving right. Methods
may vary from doctor to doctor, such as the use of the doctor's
hands, an instrument, or a special table. The spine can be adjusted
many ways.
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Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Yes. Many studies have found that adjustments are "remarkably
safe." Additionally, by avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic
care has an excellent history. Compare the statistics. Compare malpractice
rates of the health care professions.
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Will Adjustments Make My Spine Loose or Cause Arthritis?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive
adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize
and heal. If these joints remain "locked up" arthritis
will occur more rapidly.
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What Makes The Sound?
nd when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening
a bottle when opened the gas and fluids in the joint shift. The
sound however interesting, isn't a guide to the quality of the adjustment.
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Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?
No. Each patient's care is custom?tailored for their age, condition
and health goals. Although it may seem similar it can be quite different
as is each patient's spine.
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Can I Adjust Myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's
is far from an adjustment! Worse yet, damage can occur by mobilizing
a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are very
specific and take many years to master. Even the chiropractic doctor
must consult a colleague to receive and benefit from chiropractic
care.
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How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
This varies with each patient and their health goals. Many patients
realize benefit within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits
are less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete
healing can take months or years.
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Why Do Babies Get Adjustments?
Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect
an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual
crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits
can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle.
Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure
than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
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Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Having Surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the
surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability
above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus
of your chiropractic care.
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Can Patients With Osteoporosis Get Care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor
considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many
ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited
to your age, size and condition.
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How Long Before I'll Feel Better
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover
it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing
process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your
appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition?
Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short
period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully carry
out their doctor's recommendations.
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How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue
with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their
visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages
of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they
become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your
job is to decide how much of it you want.
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Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely
on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful
symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect
without the side effects of pain medications.
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Why Don't Medical Practitioners And Chiropractic Doctors
Get Along?
That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to
research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are
slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs
and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their
patients to our office.
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What If My Insurance Policy Doesn't Cover Chiropractic
Care?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It
is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place
a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance
company or third party helps pay the bill.
But be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation
to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic
care affordable for just about anyone.
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Will I Ever Be Right Again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the
total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected
or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement,
many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help
avoid a relapse.
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What If It Doesn't Work?
If we aren't unable to find the cause and improve the body's function,
we will refer you to another specialist who may be able to help.
Your health is our number one goal.
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