Frequently Asked Questions:
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 and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body. Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many diseases begin with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.
- Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnoses and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning: basic training in the biological and health sciences; specialized training in the chiropractic discipling; and extensive clinical training.
- Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self regulation organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from you 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.
- Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
- 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.
- No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability about or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
- 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.