Q: What do chiropractors do?
A:
Chiropractors find minor misalignments in the spine called subluxations
using various techniques including x-ray, palpation (manually feeling
misalignments), how a person moves (range of motion), posture
observation and propreoceptive feedback tests. Once a subluxation has
been identified the chiropractor then delivers a safe and gentle
adjustment. This adjustment can be delivered a number of different ways
but all of them are designed to place the subluxated bone back into
proper alignment.
Q: What kind of education do Chiropractors receive?
A:
Chiropractors receive very rigorous education, which takes
approximately seven years to complete, and graduate with a Doctor of
Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. In addition to chiropractic techniques,
chiropractors are also trained extensively in anatomy, physiology,
pathology, orthopedics, neurology, general diagnosis, neuromuscular
diagnosis, nutrition and radiology, just to name a few.
Q: What is an adjustment?
A:
A chiropractic adjustment is a gentile, specific force that is applied
to remove misalignments in the bones of the spine. Most adjustments are
done by hand only or with the use of special “drop tables” which reduce
the force of an adjustment while increasing its effectiveness.
Sometimes it is also useful for chiropractors to use specialized
adjusting instruments to provide the best possible adjustment for their
individual patient.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A:
Yes, we do accept most insurances but coverage does vary from one
policy to the next. Simply come by the office so we can help you
determine if your insurance will cover chiropractic.
Q: What kind of conditions do chiropractors treat?
A:
Chiropractors correct minor misalignments between the bones of the
spine called subluxations. Subluxations can cause back pain, change
normal spinal mechanics to limit flexibility, or even lead to
arthritis. Subluxations can also affect organ systems and muscles by
interfering with the communication of the nervous system. Because of
this subluxations can lead to fatigue, diminish immunity and possibly
cause disease or illness. Because of the wide range of conditions that
can be caused or aggregated by subluxations, chiropractors can help
many conditions simply by removing subluxations.
Q: Will the chiropractic adjustment hurt?
A:
Different people experience different responses to chiropractic
adjustments. Some people do experience discomfort during and
immediately following the adjustment but this is generally mild and
goes away quickly.
Q: What is the “pop” or “crack” that I sometimes hear when I am adjusted?
A:
The popping or cracking sound that sometimes accompanies chiropractic
adjustments is called cavitation and is caused by a release of very
small amounts of nitrogen gas trapped in the joint spaces. These sounds
are normal and are not harmful.
Q: How may times will I need to go to see to a Chiropractor?
A:
Care plans for each patient are different based on individual needs. In
a typical care plan there are three phases: acute, sub-acute, and
maintenance. The acute phase is the initial part of your care and may
require office visits 2 to 3 times a week for the first several weeks
to stabilize your condition. Sub-acute care follows acute care and may
involve 2 to 4 visits per month until your body becomes fully
rehabilitated. The maintenance phase follows with visits every 1 to 2
months to maintain a healthy, subluxation free spine and to prevent
relapse.
Q: Why do people continue going to a chiropractor after their problem (i.e. back pain, headaches, ect) goes away?
A:
Chiropractic promotes overall health by removing interference to your
nervous system. People who receive regular chiropractic care are
healthier for it. Many patients who come initially for back pain find
that they have less trouble with allergies and colds or that they sleep
better and have more energy. Often many of the old aches and pains that
they thought were normal have gone away. The bottom line is that for
many this improved quality of life is something that they don’t want to
give up so they continue chiropractic care long after their initial
complaints have gone away.
Q: Is chiropractic safe?
A:
Absolutely. Chiropractic is one of the safest health care options
available and offers an outstanding safety record. As with any health
treatment there is a very small chance of complications but when
weighed against the benefits, chiropractic comes out a winner hands
down.
In 1978 the government of New Zealand
released a report on the efficiency and safety of chiropractic care.
Hearings were conducted that lasted nearly two years to assess the
efficacy and safety of chiropractic care. This 377 page report is
called “The New Zealand Report”
The Findings included:
- "Chiropractors
are the only health practitioners who are necessarily equipped by their
education and training to carry out spinal manual therapy (spinal
adjustments)."
- "Chiropractors carry out spinal diagnosis and therapy at a sophisticated and refined level."
- "Spinal manual therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is safe."
- "The duration and training of a registered chiropractor are sufficient to enable him/her to determine whether there are contraindications to spinal manual therapy in a particular case, and whether that patient should have medical care instead of, or as well as, chiropractic care."
New Zealand Report. Hasselberg PD. Government Printer, Wellington - 1979.
Q: Should I bring my children?