How can a chiropractor help me?
Chiropractic is a conservative, safe and natural form of health care that concentrates on keeping people well. In fact, research has shown that patients under chiropractic care have stronger immune systems—they don't get sick nearly as often as the majority of the population.
Doctors of chiropractic address the cause of a health problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. The primary focus of chiropractic is the detection, reduction and correction of spinal misalignment (subluxations) and nervous system dysfunction.
Chiropractic is the fastest growing and the second largest primary care profession!
Why do I have a problematic spine?
There are four basic causes of spinal dysfunction.
1) During birth: many times the delivery is assisted by forceps or vacuum extraction, this has been shown to cause tearing of the nerve fibers and can create a spinal problem.
2) During childhood: kids bump and fall all the time. Of course, not every fall causes a subluxation, but they can potentially cause spinal trauma.
3) Macro trauma: i.e. a car accident or a lifting/twisting injury will knock spinal bones out of alignment and cause dysfunction. Cumulative micro trauma is probably the most common cause of spinal dysfunction: improper sleeping positions, poor posture, and occupational hazards can also cause spinal dysfunction.
4) Stress and tension can cause muscles to tighten and can actually pull the bones out of alignment. Most of my patients have a combination of all these factors.
Is a chiropractor a real doctor?
Yes, to receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. A doctor of chiropractic receives an education on par with medical doctors or dentists.
Before they can practice, doctors of chiropractic must pass the National Boards, as well as the a state licensing exam. Most states require the doctors to attend continuing educational programs for annual re-licensure.
Why doesn't my primary physician recommend a chiropractor?
Many medical doctors have come to realize the benefits of chiropractic and do refer patients to chiropractors. When medical doctors don't recommend chiropractic it has been my experience that they don't understand or are not even familiar with what we do.
Although medicine has come a long way, I'm still amazed that doctors don't receive training about neuromusculo-skeletal problems, just like they don't receive training for nutrition, which of course we all know to be a better solution than drugs when possible.
Also, in our culture drugs are big business: spending billions on advertising alone. This brainwashes people into thinking that when they have pain they should take a drug to get rid of the symptoms. In fact, the third leading cause of death is Iatrogenic Disease, which literally means: doctor induced.
Can chiropractic care help everyone?
If you have misaligned vertebrae, then chiropractic care can help. If that's not your problem, we will refer you to an appropriate health care professional.
Do all chiropractors use the same methods?
No! Chiropractors use many different techniques for the treatment of their patients. These techniques may include adjusting with the hands or the use of an instrument, use of therapeutic devices such as electrical therapy, ultrasound or heating and cooling methods, and nutritional and exercise education. A skilled chiropractor will tailor their methods to the necessity of each individual patient.
Are procedures painful?
Some patients may experience a slight soreness when first starting care. This is similar to starting a new exercise program. However, since most patients are experiencing relief from their pain, they look forward to their visits.
What is the cracking noise?
The cracking noise is gas that escapes from a joint when it's moved quickly: an adjustment takes the joint just past its normal end-range of motion for a fraction of a second—releasing a buildup of nitrogen gas.
How long before I feel results?
Every situation is different. The length of your care depends on the severity of the condition(s) you have. We can give you an estimate after your initial examination and consultation. For most patients pain relief occurs within the first few weeks.
Patient results vary depending upon many factors: How long have you had your problem? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Are you in otherwise good health?
Within a short period of time, most patients experience relief.
How long/often do I need to get treatments?
After a patient's initial examination, a program of care is established. This may run anywhere from 1–9 months and may initially be 2–3 times a week, depending on the patient's condition.
Most patients choose to maintain a check-up program to keep their spine healthy, free from pain and to prevent a relapse.
What if my insurance won’t pay for chiropractic care?
Insurance companies make two mistakes by limiting or denying coverage: 1) they ignore current research showing the superiority of chiropractic care in many cases; 2) they overlook the lower cost and higher patient satisfaction enjoyed with chiropractic care. Hopefully, insurance companies will realize the benefits in the near future. Until then, we will work with you to make chiropractic care affordable.
How did chiropractic care begin?
The principle of chiropractic was discovered on September 18, 1895 by Dr. Daniel Palmer of Davenport, Iowa. Palmer was carrying on a shouted conversation with the nearly deaf building janitor, Harvey Lillard. Lillard was telling Palmer that 17 years earlier, while working in a cramped, stooped position, something had popped in his neck and his hearing loss had become progressively worse since then.
Dr. Palmer, a curious man, examined Lillard's neck and back and found a painful, misaligned vertebra. Suspecting a connection between this vertebra and the hearing problem, he repositioned the vertebra with a gentle thrust—Lillard's hearing improved immediately. With continuing daily care (adjustments), Lillard's hearing was nearly restored within one week.
