Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness or pain in the extremities, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis management, and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia

What is a Subluxation?

In simplest terms, a subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on these nerves interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves often producing discomfort.

Subluxations often involve a combination of changes going on at the same time. The "Vertebral Subluxation Complex" consists of various changes occurring affecting the bones, nerves, muscles, and soft tissues.

What can cause a Subluxation?

Subluxations may be caused by poor sleeping habits, poor posture, strenuous or improper exercise, injuries, auto accidents, sports, slips or falls, and some occupations.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

What is an adjustment?

A carefully directed and controlled force or pressure that restores the position and motion to a fixated or "locked up" joint. There are many different techniques used to correct these misalignments. I use several adjusting techniques depending upon the age, condition, and the comfort level of the patient.

Adjustments help relieve pain, as well as, restore and maintain normal movement, biomechanics and function.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem. Each patient receives a comprehensive examination with focus on the injured area. This physical exam includes all relevant orthopedic and neurological tests. X-rays and other diagnostic tests will be performed if clinically indicated. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What can I expect during a treatment?

Treatments are individualized depending upon the particular nature of the problem, severity, and the individual's response to care. Treatments may include myofascial and/or trigger point massage, joint manipulation/adjustment, therapeutic stretching, rehabilitative exercise programs or recommendations, electrical muscle stimulation, ice, heat, or traction. Recommendations may be made for nutritional and lifestyle changes to aid in the healing process or to prevent other health problems.

How many adjustments or treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed is unique for each individual and the care is customized depending upon your age, condition, injury, lifestyle, and health goals.

There are three basic types of care: relief, corrective, and maintenance.

Is it "Just Muscle"?

Many times patients tell me they are not sure I can help because there pain seems to be "in the muscle". Chiropractic care is highly effective on relieving pain when it seems like it's "just in the muscle". Muscles work intimately with the bones, nerves, and joints, allowing us to move. In fact, each muscle actually crosses at least one joint and thus affects the function of that joint. If a muscle is in spasm, it will irritate or restrict motion in the joint. An injury may involve more muscle than joint, or more joint than muscle, but they both play an important role. The most effective approach is to address both the muscle and joint. Chiropractic treatment in this office includes working with the muscles using massage, myofascial release, stretching, strengthening, physical therapy and adjustments of the involved joints.