Frequently Asked Questions

I was in an automobile accident. Should I see a chiropractor?
Yes. Even if you went to a doctor or hospital after your accident, most medical personnel are not trained in structural trauma and cannot necessarily identify it. Doctors of Chiropractic however, are trained specifically in soft tissue damage as related to the neck and back. In addition, our office has successfully diagnosed and treated many whiplash injuries. I suggest that if you are still in pain that you come into our office for an evaluation.

Can I go only once?
Of course, once is better than not going at all. But spine and nerve stress will continue to build up as before. If the stress is not relieved, your body and overall health will suffer.

I’ve had whiplash in the past but I feel okay now. Is it necessary for me to be examined by a Chiropractor?
Yes. Although symptoms may not be present at this time, a whiplash left untreated may later develop into disc degeneration and arthritis.

What is a subluxation?
A subluxation refers to a spinal or peripheral joint that is relatively immobile or out of place. Subluxations create an imbalance in the spine, affecting the way our body and brain communicate with one another, irritating nerves and blood vessels and possibly causing pain and dysfunction in muscles and organs. Vertebral subluxations, misaligned spinal bones that affect your nerves, are very common and dangerous. They can affect your balance, spinal health, posture, resistance to disease and internal organ health (including your brain). Vertebral subluxations prevent you from functioning at your best an make you more prone to physical, emotional and chemical stress, leading to sickness, weakness, fatigue and early aging.

What causes a subluxation?
Accidents, injuries and inherited spinal weaknesses are common causes of subluxations. Other causes include poor sleeping habits, poor posture, obesity, stress, a sedentary lifestyle and too little rest.

Can I tell if I have a Subluxation without consulting a Chiropractor?
Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity - you may have it a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal checkups are so important.

How is a subluxation corrected?
Chiropractors treat subluxations with a healing technique called spinal adjustment, a procedure that involves applying specific, short, quick thrusts to return vertebrae (the bones that compose the spine and protect the spinal cord) to their proper position. They may also use other tools and techniques, and will explain these to you at the time.

Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are painless; in fact, the adjustment may feel good and can be relieving. If you've had a recent injury, however, adjustments can irritate inflamed tissue and cause some discomfort. Some people also experience odd sensations in their extremities after adjustments. This is a normal reaction to the relieving of pressure on nerves and is usually no cause for concern.

How old should a person be before receiving chiropractic care?
While every chiropractor has his or her own preference, people of all ages are candidates for chiropractic treatment. Even babies can have subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In general, it's best to treat children's subluxations early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles and organs. With an early checkup, your chiropractor can detect these problems while they're easy to correct.

Should I go to a chiropractor if I feel fine?
Your chiropractor can recognize and detect problem areas in your spine before they develop into problem conditions. Chiropractic adjustments may help to maintain or support a healthy spine, and maintenance spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition and exercise, can effectively prevent pain. Regular checkups will also ensure that small stresses on the spine don't become major misalignments.

How will the adjustment help me?
Chiropractic adjustments help eliminate interference that prevents your body from healing itself. Misaligned vertebrae interfere with your nervous system, which affects organs and muscles throughout your body. Your chiropractor treats the underlying problem, which can alleviate painful symptoms.

Is it bad to "crack" or "pop" your neck or back a lot?
The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or stuck vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and "popping" a lot. The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the spinal column will balance.

Is Chiropractic similar to Massage?
No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column, nervous system, meninges and body structure. Massage therapists deal with muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drain.

Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be effective?
No. While it's true that patients often hear a "pop" during an adjustment, similar to the sound you'd hear cracking your knuckles, it's not related to the treatment's effectiveness. Instead, the explanation lies in a lubricant called synovial fluid that's found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. Separating joints creates pressure, which forces the gases to rapidly escape, creating a "pop."

Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those of medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.

How does chiropractic care help pregnant women?
Pregnancy places additional weight and stress on women's bodies. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve pregnancy-related low back, leg and shoulder blade pain. It may also reduce incidences of headache and nausea. Ask your chiropractor how much experience he or she has in treating pregnant women.

Is it true that chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors don't prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They believe the body has the ability to heal itself, and therefore focus on providing it with the right elements for self-restoration. This makes chiropractic one of the safest of all treatments.