What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors work with the spine, not just because it's often the source of neck and back pain, but because it houses and protects the central nervous system -- that system which monitors, controls and regulates all body function, and allows the body to adapt to internal and external influences. Biologists call this dynamic process homeostasis. This ability to adapt is central to the body's ability to maintain its health and sustain life. Virtually every vital life-sustaining process, whether it's digesting our dinner or responding to potential infection, depends on the integrity of this communication network between the brain and the body.
Since the central nervous system is so vital, the body has wisely built in a system of protection. Around the brain we have the skull, or cranial vault, and around the spinal cord is a system of protection for the spine - 24 moveable segments which have the dual role of protecting the central nervous system and providing the axis for the entire musculo-skeletal system. Each vertebra has a unique set of nerves that pass through it to the other systems of the body through individual holes called foramen.
Ironically, the very thing that is designed to protect the spinal cord can actually interfere with it, due to misalignment of the spinal vertebrae.
Chiropractors maintain the proper position of these delicate joints and the precious cargo they protect, your nervous system. Pressure on the root nerves that leave the spine through the foramen or on the brain stem can affect millions of nerve fibers. Interfering with these nerve fibers can have disastrous affects on your health.
Spinal misalignments are typically caused by stress that overwhelms the body's resilience and coping ability. Physical stress can occur as the result of a car accident or slipping on an icy sidewalk, improper posture, occupational trauma, or birth trauma. Emotional stress can be the result of significant emotional trauma or the inability to adapt to a stressful situation. Chemical trauma can result from the misuse of prescription or illicit drugs, inadequate nutrition, or environmental toxins. By interfering with the nervous system, these misalignments interfere with normal function, reducing your body's ability to self-regulate, adapt, and heal.
Chiropractors detect and correct the cause of this interference, allowing your body to properly self-regulate, adapt and heal. The care and maintenance of the spine and nervous system is a necessary component of any natural approach to healthcare.
Do I have to be a patient forever?
This is a question often asked of chiropractors, because many of our patients come to us for years, but the answer is NO. Some conditions have longer visit requirements, but in most cases we can have you feeling better in weeks.
What if I have a bulged or herniated disc?
We can treat a bulged/herniated disc and in a majority of cases help the patient avoid surgery. This is our specialty!
Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who have had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. Chiropractic care may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic services?
Yes, most of the time your benefits will cover between 80-100% of all of our procedures. We will check this for you! Nothing in our office is charged to you until WE know, and YOU know what cost is involved.
Should I see a chiropractor after an accident?
If you are involved in an automobile accident or other type of accident that causes immediate pain or immobility, see a medical doctor or visit the ER first, for appropriate imaging and documentation. Try to visit us within 5 days of the accident for relief. If the only care you are getting is painkillers, hotpacks and massage, you are missing an important and necessary part of getting well.
Is it ok to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
YES! Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, improve their pregnancy, and often make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Our adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient's size, weight, age, and condition of health.
Can chiropractic care help an athlete?
Yes. Many athletes today turn to chiropractic care. Combined with sport specific exercise and stretches, we can have you not only feeling better, but performing better on the field.
Can't I just crack my own back?
Cracking your back might make you feel better for a little while, but it can have long-term effects that are harmful. We will take care of your back, muscles, and surrounding ligaments that are causing you the pain in the first place. You'll be feeling so good that you won't want to crack your own back ever again.
Is chiropractic effective?
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence proving that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems. The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.
Do many people see chiropractors?
The non-surgical, drug-free healing nature of chiropractic provides benefit to the health of millions of other people worldwide each year. Most chiropractic patients experience real relief and improved general well being, and continue to make regular visits a part of their healthy lifestyle choice.
Why should I see a Chiropractor?
From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, young people to seniors, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Many people see a chiropractor for back, neck or other joint problems. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition. Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body - for granted. Call your family's chiropractor today because regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.
What is Subluxation?
A subluxation - short for Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) - is an abnormal condition commonly involving several vertebrae. It occurs when vertebrae in your spine lose their normal position and/or motion.
Subluxations most often occur in response to the daily stresses placed on our bodies. Common things such as emotional stress, poor posture from sitting in front of a computer or standing at a workstation for a long time may lead to subluxations. Car accidents, improper lifting or work injuries are other common causes of VSC.
Many health problems, including subluxations, are subtle in the early stages of development. In the same way that a cavity or heart problem can be overlooked before causing pain or other warning signs, a spinal problem may develop and exist for years before causing difficulties.
To detect the possible onset of a VSC, your chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination, including a detailed history, orthopaedic, neurological and postural evaluations, and possibly an X-ray (radiographs) if he or she deems these to be necessary to fully assess your condition.
Your chiropractor is uniquely qualified to recognize and diagnose spine related injuries. He or she is the only Doctor with specialized training to correct spinal problems and their multiple effects.
What is a chiropractic adjustment? Is it safe?
An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your chiropractor. It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore the proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of training at a Chiropractic College and in clinical practice.
Every health procedure, from taking aspirin to giving blood, involves a level of risk. Chiropractic adjustments are among the safest of all health care interventions because they are non-surgical, drug-free and present an extremely low risk. And they work!
What can I expect from my visit to a chiropractor?
As a licensed practitioner, it is the duty of your chiropractor to do the following:
-- A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.
--You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.
--In certain situations, an X-ray may be used to confirm the history and examination findings and to investigate for the presence of any underlying bone conditions or pathological developments.
--A diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a chiropractic problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.
--A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
--Your response to treatment is monitored by your chiropractor, who looks for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health. Two of the basic components of chiropractic care are wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve your overall well-being and promote active, patient-centered care.
What results can I expect from treatment?
That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Your Doctor of Chiropractic should be able to give you an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive from the recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment. However, Workers' Compensation Board studies show that people with low back pain return to work much faster with chiropractic care.
How long do Doctors of Chiropractic go to school?
Today's graduating Doctors of Chiropractic have studied and trained in a post-secondary college or university for at least seven years. Just like medical or dental students, they must first complete undergraduate study before applying for admission to a chiropractic college.
Becoming a chiropractor is a demanding and highly rewarding path that includes a minimum of 4,500 hours of intense academic study including classroom learning, clinical science and internship training.