Common Questions

How does chiropractic work?

You are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nerve system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every single part of your body. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Subluxations can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind-body communication. Health often returns with improved nerve system control of the body.

 

Do I have a pinched nerve?
“Pinching” of nerves is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches or distorts a nerve. These subluxations alter the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body and can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves. [top of page]

How do you get subluxations?
There are three major causes of subluxation: physical stress including car accidents, falls and repetitive movements. Emotional stress like grief, fear and anger create subluxations and chemical stress such as environmental toxins, drugs and poor diet. [top of page]

How do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Just like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before the warning signs appear. A detailed examination by a chiropractor can determine the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
[top of page]

Can my subluxations go away on their own?
Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies are able to self-correct and adapt to many of these problems. When subluxations don’t resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor. Usually subluxations don’t resolve on their own and a check by a chiropractor is necessary. [top of page]

What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the removal of a subluxation (blockage) between the Nervous system and the body. The adjustment restores the mind-body connection resulting in the body being able to heal, run and regulate itself fully. You will fell less pain and discomfort, more energy and a better sense of wellbeing. [top of page]

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. Many studies, including a New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe”. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. Chiropractors are trained to identify rare instances where adjustments would not be recommended. Statistics show that adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking over-the-counter pain relievers. [top of page]

Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people are able to make their joints “pop” but that is not an adjustment! Actually, damage may occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are very specific and precise and it takes years to properly master the techniques utilized. [top of page]

Is everyone adjusted the same way?
No. Each person’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine and varying life experiences, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom tailored to their age, condition and health goals. [top of page]

How many adjustments will I need?
This varies with every patient and depends on their own goals and the severity of the condition of their health. Most patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine and Nervous System stabilize. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. [top of page]

Why do newborns get adjustments?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato. [top of page]

How long until I’ll feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Most begin to feel relief within several weeks. Many factors affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? All of these factors affect your healing and the doctor will discuss your specific needs with you. [top of page]

Does my insurance cover chiropractic?
We are on most insurance plans and we will be happy to call on your benefits and limits of coverage. Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us places a different value on our health. Although it is convenient when an insurance company helps pay the bill, don’t allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Ask us how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about everyone. [top of page]