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Frequently asked questions about chiropractic care
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and, as such, does not include pharmaceuticals or incisive surgery. Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts that is concerned primarily with human biomechanics and the integrity of your nervous system. Your brain, cord and the rest of your nerves control every aspect of your body. Interference with the flow of information along your nerves not only hurts, but can produce a variety of health problems. Improper motion or position of the bones, particularly those in your spine, can interfere with the nerves around it and thus compromise them. Chiropractors seek out places in your body where your nervous system is compromised and use various techniques to remove the problem.
How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. The chiropractic removes sources of interference to the nervous system and then your body heals itself. We call joint dysfunctions that lead to nervous system interference subluxations.
What is a subluxation?
The full name for a subluxation is a Vertebral Subluxation Complex. It is a complex dysfunction that can involve the joint, nerve, blood vessels, muscle, and soft tissue in an area. Your chiropractor will carefully evaluate you to find out what is involved in your subluxations. In addition to subluxations in your spine, you can also have subluxations in your shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, and ankles.
How do you get subluxations?
There are a variety of causes of subluxations. Physical causes such as injuries, accidents, improper lifting, repetitive motions, or even poor posture. Some subluxations are caused by problems you were born with, like a short leg or malformed vertebra in your spine. Chemicals such as alcohol, certain foods, pollution, or the drugs you take can sometimes cause subluxations.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
Subluxations can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness, but you can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The chiropractor will give you a thorough exam and find the location and severity of subluxations you have.
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. As your body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism, it can correct many of the subluxations caused by today’s busy lifestyle. However, when subluxations don’t resolve themselves, it’s time to see your chiropractic doctor!
What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a technique for breaking up a subluxation and realigning the bones and joints. It is like a concentrated form of exercise to get your nervous system back into shape. Chiropractors have a variety of ways to adjust your body. Your chiropractor will conduct a thorough exam and choose the best way to adjust you personally.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes! Statistically, a chiropractic adjustment is about 100 times safer than taking an aspirin. Many scientific studies have been done to make sure chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective. By avoiding drugs and risky surgeries, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record of safety. In fact, chiropractic malpractice insurance is about one-tenth of malpractice insurance for medical doctors. While chiropractic care is unsuitable or unnecessary for some people, your chiropractor will identify those people during the exam and make sure they get help elsewhere.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient’s condition and care plan are unique. The chiropractor customizes your care for your age, condition, life-style, and health goals.
Can I adjust myself or my family?
No! Some people can make their joints “pop,” but this is not an adjustment! There are people who have been treated by a chiropractor and tried to adjust themselves or others at home and caused serious injury. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor sees a colleague when they need chiropractic care.
How many adjustments do I need?
The number of adjustments needed varies with each patient, their condition, and their individual health goals. Many patients feel substantial progress within a week or two. Visits become less frequent as your spine or joints stabilize. Your doctor will periodically re-evaluate you and change your care plan to suite your current condition.
Can you adjust babies and children?
Yes. Pediatric adjustments are extremely gentle and specific. Subluxations can be caused by childhood injuries and accidents, even by the trauma of birth. These subluxations can have long-term effects. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections, prolonged bed-wetting, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above and below the involved areas. Your chiropractor will focus on those areas.
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Definitely. Your chiropractic always considers each patient’s unique circumstances when developing a care plan. There are many ways to adjust the body. Your chiropractor will pick a gentle, effective care plan to suit your needs.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients feel almost instant relief. For others, it can take several weeks or even months. Many factors affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you following your care plan and keeping your appointments? Lifestyle habits such as poor rest, poor nutrition, inactivity, and smoking can slow down the healing process.
How long will I need chiropractic care?
This depends on your health goals. Some patients continue care only long enough to get relief for their current symptoms. Others maintain their care program long enough to make sure the problem causing their symptoms is fully healed so they will not have problems in the future. Some patients choose to continue having periodic care as part of their wellness plan to prevent future subluxations from becoming serious problems. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide what your health care goals are.
What if chiropractic care doesn’t work?
If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help you. Your health is our primary concern.
What can I expect at my first office visit?
First, you will have a one-on-one consultation with the doctor to discuss your health problems, history, goals, and healthcare needs. There is no charge for this consultation. If the doctor feels you are a good candidate for chiropractic care and we think we can help you, an exam follows.
Second, you will be given a comprehensive examination and evaluation including those tests necessary to determine the precise cause of your problem. The doctor will advise you if any additional laboratory tests or x-rays are needed.
Third, you will be given a complete report of our findings. At this time, we will give you a thorough explanation of the cause of your problem, our treatment recommendations. If we find that you’d benefit from consulting another health care practitioner, we’ll make the proper referral. Otherwise, we will recommend a program of care. At this time, we will try to answer any and all of your questions.
Fourth, care will begin. Additional explanations will be given on the different types of treatments available in the office. We usually like to treat the patient for the first time and then have you come back the next day before making a treatment schedule. This let’s us know how you respond to care so we can get an idea of the frequency and duration of care you will need.
Finally, your progress will be periodically evaluated through dynamic exams. At that time, we may alter your treatment plan to reflect your individual needs.
Once maximum correction has been achieved, we may recommend a schedule of care to prevent further problems and maintain good health. The duration of your care is always your choice.
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