Frequently Asked Questions

How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works because you are a self healing, self regulating organism, which is controlled by your nervous system. Signals and instruction flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ, muscle, cell and tissue. Improper motion or positioning of the spinal bones cause a condition called subluxation (bone out of place in relation to those around it) which impinges the nerve flow.

What causes Misalignments or Subluxations?

Almost everyone gets misalignments of the spine from time to time. Some are caused by accidents and injuries and others are created from everyday repetitive motion or genetic predisposition. Here is a list of possibilities:

Structural or physical causes which includes slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, improper lifting and poor posture.

Chemical causes include the air we breathe (pollutants) and poor diet choices.

Emotional causes such as anger, fear, or grief can cause muscle tension and subluxation.

What are the effects of Subluxations on the body?

Spinal subluxation alters normal nerve impulses and thereby causes pain and disease not only in the back, but also elsewhere in the body. The nerve impulses travel along the nerves through the spine toward all of the internal organs to help control their function.

How do I know if I have a subluxation?

You can have subluxations and never even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present long before any warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and the severity of any subluxations you may have.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The art of introducing a specific force in a precise direction affecting vertebra that are subluxated. This thrust adds motion to spinal joints that are stuck or not moving correctly. Methods vary from doctor to doctor, such as the use of the doctor's hands, an instrument, or a special table. Whichever method utilized, the goal is the same, to remove nerve impingement by assisting the bones back into normal alignment and restoring proper motion and weight bearing to a joint.

Can I correct a misalignment or subluxation myself?

It is virtually impossible to adjust yourself since a chiropractic adjustment is a precise move in a specific direction to an exact location. One method people use to try is by twisting and turning until they hear a pop. Although this does move bones it is not specific enough to solve the problem but it is a good indicator than an alignment is needed.

Do I have a slipped disc?

The disc is a soft material “shock absorber” located between each of the vertebra in your spine. It has an outer ring which attaches to the vertebra holds in the jelly like material or nucleus. With repetitive stress to a disk the nucleus can bulge, tear, or herniate. Also it becomes then and dry with age reducing it's flexibility.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve in the literal sense is a rare occurrence. More commonly the adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or scrapes a nerve. Any of these will distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and body creating pain and harmful alterations.

Why do children need chiropractic care?

Chiropractors treat the condition of life and subluxations may occur at any time in our lives. Even today's “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Many times children have accidents and parents may believe they are fine because they lack external evidence but problems may go undetected for many months or even years.

What levels of care can I choose from?

Depending on your condition, health care goals (feel better, get better, or stay better) and schedule, you may choose from different levels of care.

Acute Relief – initial treatment is intended to decrease inflammation, reduce and alleviate pain. The number of treatments necessary to accomplish this depends on your underlying spinal condition, duration, and other lifestyle choices.

Corrective Care – During this level of care, we are primarily concerned with strengthening the soft tissue around the joint. This structural approach is designed to prevent a relapse back into acute care, and to aid in “holding” the correction in place and create structural improvements.

Wellness Care – this periodic care prevents lapses of previous conditions and addresses new conditions before symptoms appear.

Are Chiropractic Treatments Safe?

Chiropractic is a natural approach to better health and has an excellent safety record. Additionally, by avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care has and excellent history. Compare the statistic, or compare malpractice rates of the health care professionals.

Will adjustments make my spine loose or cause arthritis?

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The adjustment allows the weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal. If these joints remain "locked up" arthritis will occur more rapidly.

How many adjustments will I need?

This varies with each patient and their health goals. Many patients realize benefit within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits are less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or years.

How long before I feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process such as:

How long have you had the problem?

Are you getting proper rest, exercise, and nutrition?

Are you keeping to your scheduled treatment plan?

Are you otherwise in good health and condition?

Are your stress levels within tolerable limits?

Within a short period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor's recommendations.

Can I have Chiropractic Care after having surgery?

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your back. Surgery often causes instability and overuse above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your care.

How Long will I need chiropractic?

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 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 how much you want.

Will I ever be right again?

Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress and possibly a managed state of reduced lifestyle.

Will I receive any medication for my pain?

No. Chiropractors do not dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods to manage your painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.

Why are medical practitioners reluctant to refer to chiropractic doctors?

That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits, effectivness, and safety of chiropractic care. As patients become more discerning consumers, more referrals are coming for chiropractic care.

What if it doesn't work?

If we are not able to find the cause and improve the body's function, we will refer you to another health care specialist who may be able to help us. Your health is our number one goal!

What are the education requirements to become a Chiropractor?

Generally, a doctorate in Chiropractic requires a minimum of 8 years of study. The student is required to complete a four-year undergraduate degree which includes emphases on chemistry, physics, and biology. Upon acceptance to an accredited Chiropractic College the course of study includes: anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pediatrics, dermatology, genetics and subjects related to health and disease. During the final year of study the focus is on neuro-musculo-skeletal problems, spinal misalignments, biomechanical problems, differential diagnosis and x-ray analysis. One year of clinical application must be completed prior to graduation and four demanding national board examinations and state exams in which they choose to practice.

Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care; however, it is difficult to break down all the plans individually on this site. We currently have a great number of patients who have coverage through PPO's, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health, Aetna etc. It is always advisable to call the toll free number on the back on your insurance card to see if your plan covers chiropractic. Inquire if there is a deductible to be met each year and see if you need a referral from your primary physician (which could be faxed to our clinic upon request).

What if my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic care?

Your health affects everything you do and is your most valuable possession. Each of us is free to place a different value on our health care. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful, and don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation make decisions for you. Find out how we can make chiropractic care affordable for just about everyone.

Can I afford treatment?

We strongly believe that the cost of living with pain and accelerated deterioration is much greater than the cost of chiropractic care. Often the cost of surgery, drugs and other treatments for the symptoms alone far exceed correcting the problem using chiropractic care.