Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Even though many people only think of chiropractic being good for low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic as well as many others. Just remember, the nervous system is the master system of the body. Whatever the nervous system controls, which is everything, could be effected by subluxations. If a correctable subluxation is decreasing nerve energy to a particular organ or body part, chiropractic can help.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

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

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors are primarily trained to detect and correct the vertebral subluxation complex. The education a chiropractor receives however is much more encompassing. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training. A doctor of chiropractic receives 2,419 total hours of instruction compared to 2,047 hours for a medical doctor.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Currently being updated.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your condition and the best way to go about correcting your unique spinal problem.

A careful spinal examination and analysis, as well as X-rays will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

How long will it take to correct the problem?

That is the hardest question to answer and no one really knows for sure. Everyone is different and each person's condition is unique to them. I have a responsibility to try to reduce or eliminate your pain as soon as possible but the underlying cause of the pain is my real concern. Many patients have conditions that have taken years to develop and one or two adjustments will not correct the condition even though it may help with the pain. It is very important to consider all aspects of your health and lifestyle when determining what course of treatment is best for you. I will do my best to help you achieve the level of health you desire.

Do I need to get checked if I don't hurt?

Pain is similar to a warning light. Consider the "Oil light" on the dash of your vehicle. When does it come on? Usually not until you are at least 2 quarts of oil low. You usually check your oil with the dip stick regularly to see if you need oil, you do not rely on the oil light coming on because you know if the light comes on it is really low. The same with your spine. You can be out of balance or out of adjustment long before you begin to feel pain. That is why those who benefit from chiropractic the most don't wait for pain. They know to get checked on a regular basis to stay healthy. It is much easier to stay healthy than to get healthy once you've had a condition develop.