Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS
Q. Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
A. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited.
Q. Will Adjustments Make My Spine Too Loose?
A. No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows the muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Q. Can The Bones Move Too Much?
A. Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training,practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
Q. What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?
A. Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Q. How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
A. The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Q. Why Do Newborns Get Adjustments?
A. 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.
Q. Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?
A. 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.
Q. Can Patients With Osteoporosis Get Chiropractic Care?
A. 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 suited to your age, size and condition.
Q. How Long Until I Will Feel Better?
A. 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 see enough progress to fully carry out their doctor's recommendations.
Q. Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
A. No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice and/or heat packs to control painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice/heat can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
Q. What If My Health Insurance Doesn't Cover Chiropractic?
A. 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.
Q. Will I Ever Be Normal Again?
A. Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglect or delay seeking care often see slower progress. After improvements, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.
MYTHS
MYTH: You only have to see a chiropractor when you are in pain.
FACT: This is not true. Chiropractors also take preventative measures to ensure that problems do not occur in the future. Some people see a chiropractor simply for a check-up, to make sure joints and muscles are functioning properly.
MYTH: Once I start seeing a chiropractor, I will have to continue seeing one for the rest of my life.
FACT: It is not necessary to continue seeing a chiropractor once they have taken care of your problems. Though you are not obligated to continue treatment, many chiropractors will recommend periodic visits in order to maintain optimal health. Usually people will have check-ups from every 2-6 months or even weekly depending your lifestyle, the condition of your body and any prevailing conditions.
MYTH: Chiropractors only deal with back pain.
FACT: Every part of the body is connected to the nervous system in some way. Chiropractors are experts on the nervous system, and know exactly which body function is associated with each spinal vertebra. We treat the whole person.
MYTH: Adjustments are just massages.
FACT: A spinal examination tells us exactly which vertebrae are functioning abnormally, and which adjustment technique would best suit the situation. These adjustments ease the spine back to its normal function and range of motion. Massages are good for soothing muscles. Adjustments are made to correct abnormal conditions in the spine. Chiropractors are nervous system specialists, extensively trained in removing any interference to the Nervous System.