Here you can find out more information
on the world of chiropractic, dispel any myths you have about the
field, and answer any questions you might have.
Is chiropractic a sub-specialty or sub-division
of medicine?
No. Chiropractic is distinct. It isn't massage,
physiotherapy, medicine, naturopathy or anything else. Chiropractic
is the
philosophy,
science, and art of locating and correcting spinal subluxations
. No other health professional is trained to do this. Do you
know someone who could benefit from a healthy nervous system?
Of course
you do! Refer a friend to our office today.
Why don't medical doctors and chiropractors get
along?
This is 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.
If I'm in pain, will I receive medication?
No. Chiropractors 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.
Is everyone adjusted the same way?
No. With 24 movable bones in the spine, each
of which can move 7 different directions, we see a variety of
spinal patterns.
Each
patient's care is tailored for his or her age, condition, and
health goals.
Can 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.
What causes the noise?
The shifting of gas and fluids within a joint
space produce the
popping noise we associate with the cracking of our knuckles.
It is the same phenomena during a spinal adjustment that makes
the
noise. The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the
quality or value of the adjustment.
How many adjustments will I need?
This question is ambiguous. The number of adjustments
varies with
each patient and their individual case. Long standing subluxations
can take months or even years to completely correct. And unfortunately,
most people don't come to the chiropractor until they feel
pain, which means their subluxation could have existed many
years before
the pain arrived.
Why do newborns get adjustments?
Birth is when your first subluxation can arrive.
Forceps, and other
sometimes needed interventions, can cause extreme trauma
to an infant's spine. Even today's natural childbirth methods
can affect an infant's spine. Only your doctor of chiropractic
can
locate and correct subluxations. Pediatric adjustments are
quite gentle. The doctor applies a very light pressure to adjust
an infant's
spine.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief
of their symptoms. Others discover it can
take many weeks, months or years. But remember,
feeling good does not necessarily mean that you're healthy.
Yes, I want you to "feel good", however, the mere
absence of symptoms is just that. Follow my recommendations
for a maximum
correction of your subluxations.
Can I adjust myself?
Absolutely not. Some people can make their back
and neck "pop",
but that is not an adjustment! When one "cracks" themselves,
they are moving vertebrae that already move too much. Damage
can occur by adding more motion to a joint with already weakened
muscles
and ligaments. Chiropractic adjustments are specific. And here's
something you should know: chiropractors have to go to chiropractors!
Can I receive chiropractic care after back or
neck surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor
will avoid surgically
modified segments of your spine. Surgery many times causes
instability above or below the involved levels. These areas
will be the focus
of your chiropractic care.
What if my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic
care?
Your health affects everything you do. It is
your most valuable possession. It is definitely convenient when
an insurance company
helps pay. But beware! Don't allow the profit motive of an
insurance
company dictate what is best for your health. We have financial
plans that make chiropractic care affordable for nearly everyone.
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