FAQ
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.
Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.
Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.
A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC’s clinical judgement, which may include x-rays. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.
Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture, massage, and nutritional consulting.
For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling of relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the adjustment; others feel improved mobility.
When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, making a “popping” noise. It’s the same sound you hear when you pop your knuckles. Not all patients hear this noise. It’s not a sign that the adjustment is working or not working.
Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. They are significantly safer than taking medications or having spine surgery. Research shows complications from chiropractic adjustments are rare and random.
No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled professional.
Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques (but this is rare these days). However, Chiropractors perform 95% of all adjustments in the world. Be careful of physical therapists, massage therapists, or “healers” who make similar claims but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience of a chiropractor.
Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are very useful in correcting:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet.
- Certain types of headaches.
- Sciatica. Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash.
- Scoliosis. Leg pain and nerve disorders.
- Sports injuries and most muscular skeletal injuries such as tennis elbow, strained muscles, and sprained joints and ligaments.
- Bursitis and Tendonitis (conditions involving inflammation of soft tissues).
- Repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel.
- Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness).
- Arthritis
Chiropractors believe and emphasize that the first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. However, chiropractors are also trained to recognize when an injury is outside of their scope of practice and will refer patients to the appropriate medical specialist if necessary.
Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally, the use of medication can interfere with the body’s healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and lead to drug-caused disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. Chiropractic’s principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.
Chiropractic care can help ease the discomfort caused by additional weight and stress on the framework of the body in pregnant women. These areas of discomfort may include pain in the lower back and legs, and between the shoulder blades. In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea and elimination may also occur. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular course of their daily practices. It is wise, however, to first inquire about the experience of your chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and what he or she recommends for you.
What we see in our posture is caused by what is happening to the muscles and bones underneath the skin. In reality, posture is a window to our health. It should be treated as an indicator, much like blood pressure can be used as an indicator of cardiovascular health.
With today’s high stress environment and fast-paced working conditions, the body is constantly under the element of stress that makes it susceptible to injuries and other symptoms. When the body is stressed, the muscles are in constant tension which in turn pulls the vertebrae of your spine and neck out of alignment. These misalignments in your spine are manifested through symptoms such as lack of sleep, restlessness and fatigue, lethargy, and ultimately muscle aches and pains.
We can relieve you from these symptoms and put you in a healthier lifestyle by correcting the real source of the problem without the side-effects of drugs.
Our goal is to improve your quality of life by helping your body heal itself naturally, through chiropractic adjustments. With a healthier and symptom-free body and mind, you can be more productive and enjoy life the way that it should be!