Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

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.

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 and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic. However, our main goal is to maximize the ability of your nervous system to send messages from the brain to all the organs and systems of your body without interference. This leads to a healthier, more vibrant person with reduced stress and better able to protect against the multitude of environmental factors that damage our health.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is very low and when compared to medical intervention our malpractice rates are one of the lowest in Health Care. It is estimated that taking Advil or other antiinflammatory medication is 300 times more likely to cause harm then Chiropractic care.

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.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Many studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic. The federal government released a study recommending spinal adjustments as one of the most effective ways to treat back pain. There was more scientific and controlled studies for this intervention then physical therapy, most medication, spinal injections and surgery. Studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic, migraine headaches, vision disturbances, abnormal menstrual bleeding, ulcers and a multitude of other organic conditions.

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.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, 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.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture and nutritional consulting.