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Q:
Do I need to see
my medical doctor for a referral first, or can I just come in for a
chiropractic consult?
A Doctor of Chiropractic is the only health care professional qualified
to determine if you need chiropractic care. Your particular insurance
plan may require that you obtain a referral from your primary care
physician, however that is between you and your insurance company. It
will not affect the care you receive in our office.
Q:
What if my policy
doesn’t cover chiropractic care?
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.
Q:
Will I have to
have X-rays taken?
X-rays and other types of images can be helpful, however we do not need
x-rays for every patient. Pictures of your spine, especially after
trauma, can confirm our other findings and make your care more precise.
We can tell if we need them after completing other examinations.
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Q:
What is Chiropractic?
Many people think of Chiropractors as
"Back Doctors", however, a more appropriate term would be "Nervous System
Doctors". Doctors of Chiropractic analyze and adjust the spine to correct
misalignments (known as subluxations) which interfere with the communication
between the brain and the body.
All bodily functions are controlled and coordinated by the nervous
system. Messages are sent from the brain to all parts of the body
through the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Chiropractors ensure that
these messages have a clear pathway, enabling the body to heal itself.
Millions of people seek chiropractic care each day to achieve better
health, painlessly and drug-free.
Q:
Why should I see a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Spinal misalignments (subluxations) are created by trauma, toxins, and
stress. These problems can occur at any age, from birth through
adulthood.
Symptoms that may result from spinal misalignments are:
Headaches
Ear Infections
Asthma
Back/Neck Pain
Numbness/Tingling
Decreased Immune Function
Unfortunately, subluxations can be present without symptoms. Uncorrected
spinal dysfunctions (subluxations) can severely impair the nervous
system, causing further problems. Being under chiropractic care,
patients notice an improvement in their health and well-being.
Take control of your health, get your spine checked today!
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Q:
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.
Q:
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 bones above and below it. A
disc can bulge. It can tear. It can become herniated. It can thin. It
can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can’t slip.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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 about 100 times safer than taking an
over-the-counter pain reliever.
Q:
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.
Q:
Can the bones move
too much?
This is 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.
Q:
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 it isn’t a guide to the
quality or value of the adjustment.
Q:
Are all patients
adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones
in the spine, each of which can 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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
Can patients with
osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Yes, 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 condition.
Q:
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 carry out their doctor’s
recommendations.
Q:
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 to commit
to a healthy lifestyle.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
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.
Q:
Will I ever be normal
again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total
resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected or delayed
seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients
discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.
Q:
What if chiropractic
doesn’t work?
If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health
problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help.
Your health is our primary goal. |
