Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractors diagnose and treat spinal misalignment that often affects the nerves, muscles, bones and joints of the body. Although most contemporary chiropractors have introduced other therapies, spinal adjustment remains the essence of chiropractic. Chiropractors are often effective in dealing with acute and chronic low back pain, neck pain, headaches (including migraines), frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and other sports injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, and may be helpful for ear infection, digestive problems, asthma, menstrual and premenstrual pain.

What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor practices a type of "therapy" in which abnormal function of the nervous system is considered the cause of disease. The method of treatment is delivered by a chiropractic doctor, or Chiropractor and usually involves manipulation or "adjustment" of the spinal column and other body structures. A Chiropractor attempts to correct misalignments which are often the cause of pain, illness and lack of body harmony.

What type of education or degrees does a Chiropractor need

A minimum of eight years of study is generally required to obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree (DC). The Chiropractor student is required to complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year degree from an accredited Chiropractic College or University. In order to attain the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, the Chiropractor must complete a one-year clinical internship prior to graduation. After graduation, the Chiropractor must pass four demanding national board exams and state exams in the states in which they practice.

What can I expect on my first visit?

Like other health practitioners, chiropractors follow a standard routine to obtain the information we need for diagnosis and treatment. We take the patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your health history is particularly vital to us. This information could provide important clues that will allow us to properly diagnose your problem. Using this information, a diagnosis is made. Included in the diagnosis is the probable reason for your pain or discomfort. It is important to note that chiropractors are trained to locate the source of the pain or discomfort in order to eliminate it. It may actually be far from the actual location where the symptom is. Then we correct or adjust the misalignment, or subluxation, in the spine and set it up to heal on its own.

What is a spinal adjustment?

Spinal adjustments usually involve applying pressure by hand to the spinal vertebrae and "unlocking" it from its improper position. The bone will then be free to align itself correctly. Unfortunately, the muscles connected to the vertebrae get used to their positions and have a tendency to pull the vertebrae back out of place. It may take several adjustments before the adjustment "holds" and the bone settles into its proper alignment.

What is a subluxation?

Chiropractors have a term for misalignments: subluxations. A vertebral subluxation is a misalignment of the bones that protect the spinal cord. It's a kink in the wiring of your nervous system. The severity of the subluxation can vary, and there are a number of potential contributing factors that can be physical, emotional, mental or chemical. The subluxation can be caused by any number of incidents, from birth trauma to an auto accident to simple repetition or over-use. Of course, the type of correction or "adjustment" employed by the chiropractor depends on the condition being treated. The important thing to remember is that chiropractic success occurs by addressing the source of the problem, not just masking the symptoms.

Does Chiropractic Care hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment that lasts only seconds.

How long until I feel better?

Typically, initial chiropractic adjustments will produce one of three responses:

· Some improvement - Most people report an improved sense of ease and well-being with their first adjustments. These adjustments put in motion a series of changes and each visit builds on the previous ones. Keeping your appointments will speed the healing process.

· Slow change - If you have a chronic health problem, progress may be slow. It may have taken years for your health to get to this point, so recovery will take time. Creating new and healthier spinal patterns will require repeated visits.

· Temporary setback - Rarely, particularly when there has been a recent accident or injury, it may seem that your problem is worsening. This is not actually the case--it is only a temporary reaction. Injury can create inflammation and reducing inflammation takes time. Many factors will affect the speed of your recovery-are you getting the proper rest, exercise, nutrition, for example? Are you fully carrying out the doctor's recommendations? Are you maintaining regular visits?

How can I help my treatments be more effective?

Between visits, the following steps can improve the effects of your adjustments:

· Avoid extreme turns, bending or sudden twisting of your spine.

· If you lift something, keep your back straight and use your legs.

· Sit without slouching and do not cross your legs. Stretch your legs and back after each hour of sitting. It will help keep you from tightening up or injuring yourself further.

· Avoid bending your neck excessively when watching TV or reading in bed.

· Stand tall and sit tall. Now is the time to form new postural habits

· Don't overload your backpack or purse-remember to carry it over both shoulders to balance the load (if possible).

· Never cradle the phone between your neck and shoulder.

· Sleep on your side or back. Use a pillow that supports your neck; we can recommend pillows for you to use!

· Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep so your body can focus on healing itself.

· Keep your appointments! Each visit builds on the previous treatments.