1. What is Chiropractic?
2. What is a Subluxation?
3. What is an Adjustment?
4. What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?
5. What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?
6. How Does Chiropractic Work?
7. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
8. Are all Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
9. Can I Adjust Myself?
10. What causes the popping noise?
11. Can I Speed the Healing Process?
12. Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
13. Am I Too Old for Chiropractic Care?
14. How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

1. What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body can heal itself. The ability to do this is controlled by the brain, the spinal cord and all the nerves of the body.

The skull protects the delicates tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the pathway of the communication between the spinal cord and the nerve roots. If the nerve roots are impaired by malfunctioning joints this disrupts the nerves that keep all the tissues and organs of the body healthy.

This malfunctioning is caused by subluxations or misplacement of the vertebrae. Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures, the art of reducing their impact to the nervous systems and the philosophy of all things natural.
 

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2. What is a Subluxation?

A subluxation is a bone out of position putting pressure on nerves. A subluxation, unlike a dislocation, is a bone that may be only 3 mm out of position. The pressure from the nerve may be from muscle or disc or even inflammation in the region.

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3. 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. This 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 and improved nervous system function and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or specifically designed instruments give a brief and highly accurate thrust to the spine. Some methods are slow and use a constant pressure while others are quick. Most doctors use a variety of methods.
 

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4. What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Doctors Get?

The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects.

This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction.

To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate must pass the demanding national board exams. A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and also must stay current on the latest research.

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5. What Do Chiropractic Doctors Do?

Helping to restore proper biomechanics and nerve function begins with a case history and health background, including surgeries, accidents, onset of symptoms and any other information affecting your current health.

After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem a thorough orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be necessary to undercover structural and functional problems associated with the spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of the spine which is malfunctioning and resulting in nerve disruption. The findings of these examinations are explained and a plan of chiropractic treatment is recommended.

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6. How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body. 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 nerves and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve brain/body communication. Our bodies are designed to be healthy; chiropractic care helps restore optimal function.

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7. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Yes, Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to health and healing.

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8. Are all Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
No, Each person is evaluated by the doctor for their specific spinal problem. The course of care is developed by the doctor based on years of experience.

Some patients who complain of headaches may actually have a low back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Patient care is delivered with patience and confidence, and each adjustment builds on the previous one. Everyone's care is uniquely different.

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9. Can I Adjust Myself?

No, since a spinal adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific spinal joint it is impossible to effectively adjust yourself.

Even though one may bend or twist and hear a popping sound similar to some adjustments, this may be counter productive and make an unstable joint even more unstable.

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10. What causes the popping noise?

The shifting of gas and fluids within a joint space produce the popping noise we associate with the cracking of our knuckles. It is the same phenomena during a spinal adjustment that makes the noise.

The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

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11. Can I Speed the Healing Process?

Yes, to some degree by complying with your doctor’s plan of care. There is no shortcut but there are things you can do to help.

Proper sitting and lifting procedures and exercise are some ways to help your body heal itself. Proper rest and proper sleeping positions, like avoiding sleeping on your stomach are other ways. During the healing process good nutrition is a necessity to helping your body.

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12. Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?

Since significant spinal trauma can begin at birth many parents have their newborns check for subluxations. Later learning to walk, ride a bicycle or other childhood activities can cause spinal problems.

While a bandage and soothing words can help a skinned knee, only a chiropractor can help unseen spinal problems. Many childhood problems brushed off as growing pains are actually traced back to the spine.

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13. Am I Too Old for Chiropractic Care?

No, many of today's seniors are seeking out chiropractic care because of the concern for over medicating and harmful side effects.

Restoring spinal function and mobility can help improve vitality and endurance. Many patients report improved conditions with such aliments such as arthritis. The adjusting technique will be adjusted for maximum comfort and effectiveness.

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14. How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

Spinal problems neglected since childhood may need ongoing care for optimum spinal function. These long standing problems are due to muscle weakness, soft tissue damage and degenerative changes to the spine.

Most patients see the need for periodic check ups to keep them in top shape. Those who have stressful jobs, are very active or want to function at their very best have on-going adjustments to maintain good health. Each person’s plan of care is designed between you and your chiropractor.

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