Q: Do I need to have X-rays?
A: No. Not every patient needs x-rays, however it will depend on your condition and the information obtained from your exam and history.
Q: Are all chiropractors the same?
A: No. Depending on the school and their training there is a significant difference. I am a principal based practitioner. Incorporate a variety of techniques to insure I correct the problem. I also teach my patient’s home stretches and spinal re-molding to help speed the healing process.
Q: Is chiropractic safe?
A: Yes. Chiropractic is designed to help strengthen the body from the inside. The nervous system controls and coordinates all structures, functions and systems of the body. Celebrities, professional athletes and performing artists all use chiropractic to help them achieve their optimum performance. Chiropractic also helps to build the immune system.
Q: Can I see a chiropractor after I had back surgery?
A: Yes, many patients find relief from a chiropractic treatment after surgery. It is an unfortunate fact that half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms' months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too-common occurrence is known as "failed" back surgery.
Q: What causes the sound of an adjustment?
A: Actually not all adjusting techniques produce the sound of "popping knuckles". Some create no sound at all, some a little. Many techniques however, do create the sound of popping. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated.
Q: Can I go only once?
A: Of course. Once is better than never. Be sure to ask your chiropractor what treatment program suits your needs.
Q: How long will it take before I see a difference?
A: Every patient heals at a different pace. Chiropractors focus on health not pain. If your goal is to be out of pain, typically it will take between 15-20 visits. If your goal is vitality and better health it will take 80-100 visits. Spinal correction is similar to dental braces as it takes time to rebuild the body to a higher health level.
Q: At what age should chiropractic begin?
A: There is no age limit. Many health problems started with the birthing process itself, but does not show up until later in life. I check newborns as well as patient’s in their 90’s.
Q: Do chiropractors believe in medicine and surgery?
A: Yes, however all other avenues should be explored before medicine or surgery should be implemented. Chiropractic first, drugs second, surgery last.
Q: Is it bad to "Pop" your neck or back, a lot?
A: The desire to "pop" the neck or back is an indicator there is an underlying problem. When people continually “pop” the joints they can become loose which could lead to other serious problems. When the chiropractor adjusts the spine there is a specific goal in mind which is to stabilize the spine and the sensation for popping will subside.
Q: Can I tell if I have spinal stress without consulting a chiropractor?
A: No, however if you have pain, something is wrong. Back problems are like cavities, they can be there before you feel the pain. A spinal check is the only true way to know.
Q: Is chiropractic care additive?
A: No, however it is likely you will to get use to feeling more balanced, less stressed and more energetic following chiropractic care. Patients usually become more in tune with their bodies and know when they are out of alignment.
Q: Is chiropractic similar to massage?
A: Chiropractors are considered primary care physicians dealing with the musculoskeletal systems and supportive structures. Massage therapist work exclusively with the muscular system making them a great compliment to chiropractic.
Q: Do chiropractors work in hospitals?
A: Today chiropractors have privileges in many hospitals, using their facilities (X-ray, MRI, and CAT scans) quite extensively.
Q: Can a person who has a broken spine see a chiropractor?
A: After the break heals, yes. Once the bone heals a callus is formed making that part of the bone stronger.
Q: If I am under medical care can I see a chiropractor?
A: Yes. The chiropractor’s main objective is to assist the body’s natural healing abilities. It will not affect the medication that a patient may be taking, and in many cases the patient is able to stop the medication sooner with the help of chiropractic care.
Q: Can the spine automatically correct itself?
A: There are occasions when people have had a trauma in which the spine was corrected restoring hearing and eyesight. Even a good night sleep, occasionally, can cause spinal realignment. Having chiropractic adjustments are a lot safer than a fall and quicker than eight hours of good sleep.
Q: Does every patient get an adjustment?
A: No. Patients only receive treatment when it is necessary.