How can Chiropractic help me?

Chiropractic restores joint movement; relieving pain, reducing susceptibility to injury, and helping to prevent degenerative diseases such as arthritis and disc disease.

What do Chiropractors "treat"?

Chiropractic is a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise…with a normally functioning spine and healthy nervous system, your body is better able to heal itself. Chiropractors address subluxations, or misalignments of your spine rather than "treat" any specific disease or condition. Chiropractors are spine specialists who are trained to identify spinal misalignments, correct them through specific Chiropractic Adjustments, allowing the nervous system to function without interference.

Why is proper functioning of the nervous system so important?

The brain sends signals via the nervous system to various organs, muscles, and tissues to control and coordinate their proper function. When there is any type of nerve interference, dysfunction results. Without correction, disease processes occur. For instance, when an accident occurs on a highway, traffic is backed up for miles and people can't get to their destination quickly and without irritation. Think of the nervous system as an electrical pathway transporting signals to and from the brain for proper functioning. If an accident occurs, disaster happens. Adjusting the vertebrae restores normal function, removing the irritation to the nerve, allowing the nervous system to return to its natural state of wellbeing.

What is a Chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, "locked up," or not moving properly. The intent of a Chiropractic Adjustment is to restore proper motion to the spine removing irritation to the associated nerves ad the muscle-joint complex. There are several adjusting techniques that Doctors of Chiropractic can utilize in performing safe, specific adjustments. The Chiropractic Adjustment differs from spinal manipulation performed by physical therapists and osteopaths due to its specificity. Chiropractors remove subluxations not merely manipulate the spine. Chiropractic is an art and science that takes extensive training and practice to master.

Is Chiropractic safe?

YES! Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.

What type of education do chiropractors receive?

You may be assured that your chiropractor is a recognized health care professional, and has completed five years of graduate study. The core curriculum chiropractors receive includes over 4,500 hours of study in anatomy, physiology, pathology, biology, chemistry, pediatrics, geriatrics, nutrition, diagnosis, and many hours of training in an internship program - very similar to a medical school curriculum. In addition, to become a chiropractor each student must pass a demanding four-part series of National Board Examinations. Prior to chiropractic college an applicant has already acquired four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work.

A chiropractor's education never ends. All chiropractors must complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest clinical, diagnostic, and treatment techniques.

Is an adjustment painful?

Although each patient reacts differently, rarely is the procedure painful. Many patients report that they feel a sense of relief and relaxation following an adjustment. It can cause a variety of reactions from temporary soreness to a sense of euphoria and wellbeing.

Can I tell if I have a subluxation?

Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity--you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.

What causes the sound during an adjustment?

Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release", or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by the release of a gas bubble between the joints, it's exactly the same as when you "crack" your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. This sound is painless and totally harmless.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!

Is chiropractic care addictive?

No. If only it were, there would be more healthy people around and chiropractors would not get patients who last saw a chiropractor a few years ago when their back went out. It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result or regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good health is.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is know as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patients size, weight, age, and condition of health.

Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact health care providers, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.