Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Chiropractic? Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self regulating and self healing organism which the brain, spinal cord and the nerves control these important functions. Just like the brain is protected by the skull, your spinal cord-- which is also a vulnerable communication pathway-- is protected by your spine. It controls feeling, movement and function throughout your body. How does chiropractic work? Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. The chiropractic approach is to locate and help remove interferences to the nervous system. When under proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to boost our immune system and help maintain optimal health. What do chiropractic doctors do? Helping restore proper spinal biomechanics and improved nervous system function begins with a case history. This gives the doctor background about the onset of your condition, accidents, surgeries and other details affecting your current health. After a history, a thorough orthopedic, neurologic, and chiropractic exam is performed. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction which may be resulting in nervous system deficits. The findings of these examinations are explained, and a treatment plan is devised specific to each patient. Progress is monitored with periodic re-examinations. Your doctor of chiropractic has a strong commitment to patient education. What type of education do chiropractic doctors get? Doctors of chiropractic today are well educated. A special emphasis is placed on anatomy, physiology, pathology, spinal biomechanics, x-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, physical assessment, physical rehabilitation and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares the doctor to help locate your cause and help correct the dysfunction. To graduate, each doctor passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then they apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a test administered by the state in which the chiropractor wants to practice. Chiropractic education never ends. Yearly postgraduate studies are completed for license renewal and to stay current with the latest research. What is an adjustment? A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated or not moving properly. This adds motion to a joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. Many techniques are used to adjust the spine. Usually, doctors use their hands or a specially designed instrument to deliver a gentle thrust into the area of concern. Chiropractors are highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting techniques. This makes chiropractic safe and effective for the whole family. Why should I see a chiropractor? Just as you get your teeth and vision checked periodically, so should you and your family have your spine checked. Keeping our spine healthy will help enhance our body’s ability to heal, increase our energy level, decrease our pain, increase our range of motion, and decrease our stress level. Are all patients adjusted the same way? Each patient is examined and given a treatment plan specifically designed for his or her condition. Some patients who complain of headaches may actually have a lower back problem that is causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Others may experience numbness and tingling in the fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. Every patient presents with a uniquely different pain pattern. Effectiveness of chiropractic care is a cumulative effect. While visits may seem similar, each patient’s care is uniquely different then that of the next patient. Can I adjust myself? Although you may think that popping noise you hear when you move a certain way is an adjustment, actually it is not. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, to an individual joint, in a specific direction. Thus it is impossible to adjust oneself. Even your doctor goes to another chiropractor to get his adjustment. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs. Is chiropractic care safe? Chiropractic care is an alternative approach to improve your health that has been proven safe and effective. When should I see my chiropractor? Most people wait for symptoms to appear before they do something about their health. This procrastination can be both expensive and dangerous, since many of our symptoms occur after years of body malfunction and deterioration. Now is the time to optimize your health and the health of your loved ones.