The following are some questions that are frequently asked at our office:
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 do chiropractors do?
The chiropractic objective is to locate, analyze and correct vertebral subluxations so that the body’s innate ability to heal and express optimal function can be at its finest.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve 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.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of vertebral subluxation. Physical stresses on the spine and nervous system may include slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, repetitive motion, and improper sleeping. Chemical stress includes smoking, alcohol abuse, not drinking enough water, improper diet, or the overuse of drugs or medications. Finally, emotional stress is a major cause of subluxation due to its effect on the hormonal and muscular systems of the body. Regardless of the cause, these subluxations need to be detected and removed.
What is an adjustment?
Adjustments are used by chiropractors to reposition the bones that are out of proper alignment, or subluxated. There are various techniques of adjusting the vertebrae. Depending on the patient’s age, condition, and the doctor’s training and experience, any of these techniques may be used.
The purpose of the adjustments is to remove any interference to the nervous system, which improves spinal function and overall health. Adjustments are safe for all ages and are completely natural.
What makes the sound during adjustments?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. However, some techniques do create a "popping" sound. This audible release is the result of gas shifting in the joint; similar to the noise created by "cracking" your knuckles. This sound is painless and causes no harm.
Do I have a slipped disc?
Discs are known as the "shock absorbers" of the spine and are made up of a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like center. Commonly, a variety of disc problems throughout the spine may be referred to as a "slipped disc." A disc cannot actually slip because of the way it attaches into the bones above and below. Discs can tear, decay, bulge, or dehydrate, all of which can be serious problems. However, discs cannot slip.
Once you start going to a chiropractor, do you have to keep going for the rest of your life?
Of course not. Chiropractic care has long term benefits that most people choose to enjoy for the rest of their lives, much for the same reason that people eat right, exercise, brush their teeth, go to the dentist, or take vitamins for the rest of their lives...because it's good for you! However, how long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is completely up to you. You can choose to discontinue chiropractic care just like you can choose to never brush your teeth again. It just depends on your personal health goals.