Q: What is Chiropractic?

  A: Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

Chiropractic is a health practice of keeping the body healthy and performing at its ultimate potential by maintaining the alignment of the spinal column and keeping the nervous system functioning properly. Since the nervous system controls every cell, organ, and function of the body, keeping it working properly is very important.            

Q: What Can I Expect on My First Visit?                                                         

A: The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The Doctor 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.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your Doctor's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis, and other diagnostic procedures. 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.

Q: What is an Adjustment?

A: An adjustment is a term used to describe how chiropractors correct dysfunctional joint movement. The chiropractor may use their hands or use instruments in applying the adjustment. The adjustment is a fast force into the area of concern that for the most part does not cause any pain, unless the area is already tender or painful to the touch.

Q: What is that “cracking noise?"

A: Between each bone in your body is fluid that keeps the joint lubricated. The fluid contains gas that is released when the adjustment is performed. Sometimes when the gas is released it causes an audible sound to be heard and other times no noise is heard, like when you open a can of pop and the carbonated gas is released.

Q: How safe is it?

A: Any health care procedure carries some risks; but the procedures used by doctors of chiropractic are relatively safe. Recent medical research has linked a particular chiropractic treatment, in extremely rare cases, with stroke. This most commonly occurs with inappropriate neck manipulation. However, a number of peer-reviewed neurology journals have reviewed reports of strokes following head and neck manipulation that had been performed by chiropractors and untrained providers as well. A study published in a peer-reviewed chiropractic journal, The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, found that the incidence of stroke following manipulation was low, but concluded that "there seems to be sufficient evidence to justify a firm policy statement cautioning against upper cervical rotation as a technique of first choice." (Neurology journals warn that any patients with neck pain or cerebrovascular problems should see a doctor.)  The most common side effect of chiropractic adjustments is slight soreness, which you can usually relieve by icing the sore area.

Q: Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

A: Yes.  Rest assured that your doctor will avoid the surgically modified area of your spine.  Surgery often causes instability above and below the involved area.  These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.  It's important to rehabilitate the spine following surgery and chiropractors are experts in spinal strengthening and stretching.  

Q: How does chiropractic care help a pregnant woman?

A: Due to the additional weight and stress on the framework of the body in pregnant women, many expecting moms experience pain and pressure in the lower back, sometimes shooting into the legs.  Chiropractic adjustments can help lower the incidence of pain in the low back, legs, and between the shoulder blades.  In some cases, fewer headaches and problems with nausea may result.  This practice is safe for both the mother and the baby and specific techniques are available to provide the most comfortable adjustment.     
                                                                                                   
Q: Why do my children need chiropractic care?                                                         

A: The birth process is often the cause of your child's first injury. A very soft and undeveloped spine of an infant can suffer trauma during delivery. It is estimated that as much as 80 lbs of pulling pressure can be exerted to remove a baby from the birth canal. Then, as children grow up and become more adventurous, the number of injuries to their spines become countless. The repeated falls as children learn to walk, the running, jumping, twisting, bumping and falling all over the place while playing in the yard or on an athletic field will often cause your child to develop dysfunctional joints and muscles. However, often children do not show any signs or symptoms of concern until later on in life. Chiropractic care offers your child a more responsive body, a more balanced flow of energy and overall increased performance as she/he passes through their windows of development.

Q: Can chiropractic help improve athletic performance?