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.
Back to
top 
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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!
Back to top
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.
Back to
top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back
to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to
top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
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.
Back to top