What is chiropractic?

A health-care profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, and their connection to the nervous system. The word “chiropractic” means “to be done by hand.” Chiropractors use adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. They help patients maintain optimal health while avoiding unnecessary drugs or surgery. An estimated 50 million Americans see a chiropractor each year.

What kind of training and education does a chiropractor have?

Doctors of Chiropractic are educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for Doctor of Chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.

Doctor of Chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation, and more. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of most back and neck problems. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.

When should you see a chiropractor?

For people of all ages, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Some of the common conditions people seek care for are neck pain, back pain, headaches, posture, injuries, digestive issues, and immune system support. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition.

Just like regular checkups with a dentist for our teeth, an optometrist for our eyes, and a doctor for our blood pressure and heart, we should be getting regular checkups for our spine. We should never take our spine, a crucial component of our body for granted.

What is an adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is a very safe, specific, controlled force applied to a joint to restore proper function and mobility. Accidents, falls, stress or overexertion can negatively impact your spine or other joints. These changes impact tissues, the nervous system, and other areas of the body. Left unresolved, this can make you more susceptible to chronic problems. Chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, increase movement, and improve performance.

Adjustments help restore proper signal and nervous system function, promoting the healing process.

How often do I need to see my chiropractor?

Chiropractic should be performed on a regular basis for a patient to achieve the most benefits. Having said that the number of your chiropractic visits will depend upon your unique presentation and health care goals. A consultation and evaluation by your chiropractor will help to assess the severity of your condition, symptoms and pain and the most effective treatment and recovery program.

Can I get chiropractic care during pregnancy?

There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.

Many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. Adjustments are adapted to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and the unique needs of each patient.All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant.

When should I take my children to see a chiropractor?

Children of all ages can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

Yes! Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, and some Medicaid plans.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited.

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal.

How many adjustments will I need?

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense some progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits are less often as your spine stabilizes. In difficult cases, complete healing can take months or even years.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints “pop” but that’s not an adjustment! Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

What does an adjustment feel like?

Most patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness. Since repeated adjustments are necessary, if adjustments didn’t feel good, patients wouldn’t return to finish their care. Chiropractors are experts at making adjustments feel good.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor 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 spinal problem.

Isn’t some back pain normal?

Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, surgery may produce compensation reactions either above or below the involved level. If necessary, these other areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.