Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism
controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from
your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals
sent back to the brain confirm if you body is working right.
Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a
Subluxation can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves
and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific
spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often
returns with improved nervous system control of the body.
Do
I Have A Slipped Disc? The disc is a soft pulpy "shock absorber." It has a fibrous
outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A "slipped disc"
is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However,
a disc can't slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above
and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin.
It can dry out. And it can collapse. But is can't slip.
Do
I Have A Pinched Nerve? A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone
irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort
the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce
unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected
nerves.
How
Do You Get Subluxations? There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include
slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions
such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes
could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How
Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation? 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 results of a thorough examination can show the location and
severity of subluxations you may have.
Can
Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own? Sometimes. 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.
What's
An Adjustment? Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add
motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the
doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity.
There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Are
Chiropractic Adjustments Safe? Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably
safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys
an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person
for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics.
Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter
pain reliever.
Will
Adjustments Make My Spine Too Loose? No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments.
This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Can
The Bones Move Too Much? Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right
amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just
the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint
moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice
and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
What
Makes The Sounds During The Adjustments? Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting
methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift.
It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup.
The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value
of the adjustment.
Are
All Patients Adjusted The Same Way? No. Each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones
in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we
see a variety of spinal patterns. Each patient's care is custom-tailored
for their age, condition and health goals.
Can
I Adjust Myself? No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not
an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened
muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master.
Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from
chiropractic care.
How
Many Adjustments Will I Need? The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual
health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent
visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic
cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Why
Do Newborns Get Their Spine Checked? 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.
Can
I Have Chiropractic Care After Back 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.
Can
Patients With Osteoporosis Get Chiropractic 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.
How
Long Until I 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.
How
Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care? After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with
some 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.
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.
Why
Don't Medical Practitioners And Chiropractic Doctors Get Along? That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research
showing 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.
What
If My Insurance Policy Doesn't Cover Chiropractic? Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your
most valuable possession. Yes, each of us is free to place a different
value on our heath. 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 can make chiropractic care affordable
for just about anyone.
Will
I Ever Be Normal 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.
What
If Chiropractic Doesn't Work? If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular problem,
we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health
is our primary goal.