FAQ’s CONCERNING CHIROPRACTIC CARE

What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body.

The Chiropractic adjustment has been proven to increase motion, increase circulation, reduce swelling and pain, and remove nervous irritation. Once this nervous irritation is removed, your body is able to do what it is designed to do - heal itself.

What Do Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors restore proper motion to joints that are not moving properly.  Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history.  Your case history is vital as it reveals the background about your health, such as surgeries, accidents, the onset of your condition, and other details which brought you into the office.

After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-ray may be taken which will help uncover structural and functional problems.

Then, once the examination is complete, your chiropractor will explain the findings and outline a treatment plan.  Progress is then monitored with periodic examination and follow-up reports.

What is an Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, 'locked up,' or not moving properly.  An adjustment adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

There are hundreds of ways to adjust the spine.  Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust.  Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow constant pressure.

Do I Have a Pinched Nerve?
Typically a 'pinched nerve' will result in numbness, burning, or a 'pins and needles' feeling.  When a bone pushes on a nerve, this is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Several other possibilities exist that and also cause numbness and/or a burning sensation.  Nerves are more commonly stretched or irritated, which will produce a numbness feeling.

Do I Have a Slipped Disc?
No, it is not possible for discs to slip.  The disc is a pad-like tissue located between two vertebrae which acts as shock absorber for the spine.   The centre of the disc is made of a fluid, soft, 'jelly-like' substance.  When discs become damaged, tears can occur through which the soft centre can leak out and push on the nerves.  This is know as a ruptured or herniated disc and is extremely painful.

While results cannot be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing a treatment plan of chiropractic care and physical therapy for their disc-related health problems.

Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
No, each patient is adjusted according to their unique requirements.   Your chiropractor will determine the best way to adjust your spine after completing a detailed examination.

Many chiropractors will adjust your entire spine, even though you don't have pain in that area.  Pain is a poor indicator of problems as many problems refer pain into other areas.  Some patients who complain of headaches, may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. While visits may seem similar, each visit builds on the one before.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
There are literally thousands of published scientific studies proving chiropractic's safety and effectiveness.  In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is 'remarkably safe.'

Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. In fact, chiropractic adjustments are safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers and even aspirin !

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
Spinal problems neglect since early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These long-standing problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic check-ups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventive visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. Unfortunately this style of 'crisis management' is usually more costly and time-consuming in the long run.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

If I start, will I have to go for the rest of my life?
Some patients opt to continue with some type of regular chiropractic checkups. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. Their interest in wellness and prevention helps make sure that once they get well, they stay well.

What if my insurance company doesn't cover chiropractic?
While an insurance company or other third party may be helpful, be careful. Don't allow a profit-motivated company to make decisions about what you do with your health. We make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone. See our insurance page.

Is it safe for pregnant women?
Yes. Besides helping to relieve the discomfort many expectant mothers experience chiropractic care helps normalize nervous system function. This is an important component of overall good health. The benefits of chiropractic care may also be noticed during delivery. Many chiropractic patients report that their deliveries were faster and more comfortable than deliveries previous to chiropractic care.

Can I get chiropractic care if I've had back surgery?
Yes, your chiropractor will avoid areas of your spine surgically modified. However, surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These "reactions" will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. Regardless of your age, size or condition, chiropractic care can be helpful. The specific needs of each patient are considered. If yours is not a chiropractic case, we'll refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Will I have to have neck adjustments?
If your problem is the result of abnormal motion or position of spinal bones in the neck, cervical adjustments can be effective. There are many ways to adjust the neck, and your chiropractic has become an experienced master. Years of practice make these spinal adjustments safe and effective. Much safer than common aspirin or muscle relaxers!

How does chiropractic care help my disc problems?
The purpose of chiropractic care is to locate and correct areas of the spine that interfere with the proper nervous system control of your body. Because the intervertebral discs are so close to the spinal cord and nerve roots, disc involvement is quite common in chiropractic cases. Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper motion and position of malfunctioning spinal bones, reducing nervous system involvement. If caught before permanent damage occurs, disc tissue often returns to a more normal size and shape.