Frequently Asked Questions
- What's an adjustment?
- Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
- Will adjustments make my spine loose?
- What is a subluxation?
- How do you get subluxations?
- How do I know if I have a subluxation?
- Can subluxations clear up on their own?
- Do I have a slipped disc?
- Do I have a pinched nerve?
- Are all patients adjusted the same way?
- How many adjustments will I need?
- Why do newborns get adjustments?
- Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
- Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
- How long until I'll feel better?
- Why don't medical practitioners and chiropractic doctors get along?
What's an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table, or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. 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 unsuitable. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Will adjustments make my spine loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
What is a subluxation?
Subluxation is the improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
Do I have a slipped disc?
Between each pair of spinal bones is a disc. Its fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a "ball bearing" for joint movement. Because of the way it attaches to the spinal bone above and below it, a disc can't actually "slip." However, a disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate, It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can't slip.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rub, or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for his or her age, condition and health goals.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her 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.
Why do newborns get adjustments?
Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustment are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
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.
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
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 best suited to your age, size, and condition.
How long until I'll feel better?
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?
Why don't medical practitioners and chiropractic doctors get along?
That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office.
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