How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating
organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of
instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out
to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm
if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the
moving bones of the spine called a "subluxation" can
interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and
compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific
spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications.
Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the
body.
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Do I have a
slipped disc?
The disc is a soft pulpy "shock absorber." It has a
fibrous outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A
"slipped disc" is a common way to refer to a wide
variety of disc problems. However, a disc can’t slip because of
the way it attaches to the spinal bone above and below it. But 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.
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Do I have a
pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal
bone irritates, stretches, rubs 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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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 unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are safer than
taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
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Will adjustments
make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive
adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to
stabilize and heal.
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Can
the bone move too much?
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.
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What makes the sound during the adjustment?
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 isn’t a
guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
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Are all
patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving
bones in the spine (that can each move in seven different
directions!) we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each
patient’s care is custom tailored for their age, condition and
health goals.
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Can I adjust
myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that’s
not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint
with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and
take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a
colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
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How many
adjustments will I need?
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.
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Why do newborns
get adjustments?
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. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no
more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
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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.
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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 health.
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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? 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 sense enough progress
to fully complete their doctor’s recommendations.
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How long will I
need chiropractic care?
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue
with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their
visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final
stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before
they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and
your job is to decide how much of it you want.
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Will I receive
any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense drugs. Because we rely
on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control
painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic
effect without the side effects of pain medications.
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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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What if my
policy doesn’t cover chiropractic?
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. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for
just about anyone.
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Will I ever be
normal again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the
total resumption of their life. Those who have neglected or
delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement,
many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can
help avoid a relapse.
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What if
chiropractic doesn’t work?
If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular
health problem, we will refer to other specialists who may be able
to help. Your health is our only goal.
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