What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on your body's self-regulating, self-healing nature. Your body is a living organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.As the skull protects the brain, the spinal cord is protected by the bones of the spine. If the nervous system is blocked or impaired, it causes malfunction of the functions controlled by the nerves involved. This happens when spinal bones are misaligned, a condition called "Subluxation."  Chiropractic is a science and art of locating and correcting these conditions to allow the body to regulate and heal itself naturally.

How does Chiropractic work?
Simply by restoring your body's own ability to be healthy. Every part of your body is designed to resist ill health.

The 24 bones of the spinal column can commonly lose normal motion and interfere with the body's nerve control, resulting in organic malfunction.  The Chiropractic approach is to locate and correct interferences to this ability so the body can return to health on its own.

This is why Chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions that don't seem to be "back" problems.

What does a Chiropractic doctor do?
Your Chiropractic care begins with a thorough case history.  The doctor reviews your health background - onset of your condition, accidents, surgery, and other health details.

After this interview, the doctor will perform a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination.  X-rays will be taken if needed - "To see is to know; not to see is to guess."

Then the doctor will explain the findings clearly and propose a plan of Care - including referrals to other kinds of doctors where appropriate. Chiropractic care will be monitored with periodic follow-up examinations and changes

The word "doctor" is Latin for "teacher."  Your Chiropractic doctor is strongly committed to patient education.

What's an adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is an art of using specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is not moving properly.  This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to normal motion and position.

Usually the doctor will use his hands or a special instrument to deliver a brief, accurate thrust.  Other adjusting methods require slow, accurate pressure

There are literally hundreds of ways to adjust the spine.  Your Chiropractic doctor will decide based on examination, experience, and training, which is best for your unique needs.

My unique needs?
Yes. Chiropractic is not a "one-formula fix-all" approach.  The treatment is as individual as the patient because no two problems are exactly alike. One patient may have headaches, where the real problem is in the low back, causing the neck to compensate.  Another may have digestive problems caused by a misalignment of the spine where the affected nerve emerges. 

Each visit builds on the one before. The Chiropractic doctor is making many adjustments that add up to improved health.

Can I adjust myself?
Even your Chiropractor goes to another Chiropractor for adjustment.  Chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, in a specific direction, applied to a specific spinal joint - it is virtually impossible to adjust yourself.

It is possible to bend or twist in certain ways to cause a familiar "popping" sound. Unfortunately, this often causes harm as it can make an unstable area of the back even more misaligned.

Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs! Chiropractors receive lengthy, extremely detailed training in their art and science.

What kind of education does my Chiropractor have?
An extremely thorough education. Becoming a Chiropractor is a major educational undertaking, which never ends. The demanding curriculum is followed by stringent tests, governmental licensing exams, and continuing education.

Is Chiropractic care safe?
Yes. To quote the New Zealand government's inquiry, "remarkably safe."  Chiropractic has an impressive safety record because it is a conservative approach that avoids invasive procedures and drugs.

Chiropractic care is far safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even common aspirin. Chiropractic is natural, proven safe and effective.

Can I speed up my own Chiropractic healing?
Yes - in many ways, you can. There are no shortcuts to healing chronic problems that took years to build, but you play a major role in determining how long healing will take.
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Learn proper sitting and lifting methods.  Your Chiropractor will also suggest specific exercises tailored to retraining your muscles.
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Proper rest is very important. Get the right amount of rest, avoid sleeping on your stomach, and try to arise at the same time every day. 

You will find it helps to set aside time each day for complete relaxation - just say it's "doctor's orders!"
During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever.  Think about the food you eat and "adjust" your diet. This is also a good time to slim down (slowly, gradually) to relieve excess stress on your spine. Most important, keep your Chiropractic appointments and follow the doctor's recommendations.

Do I have a pinched nerve?
Possibly, though an examination is necessary to be sure. Actual pressure of bone on nerve accounts for only about 15% of spine related problems. This can be felt as numbness, burning, or "pins and needles."  More often, nerves are irritated when nerve tissue is scraped, rubbed, or stretched by a loss of spinal curve or malfunctioning spinal joints.

Do I have a slipped disc?
The discs between your spinal bones act as a connector, connector, and shock absorber.  A disc is like a tough, fibrous sack containing a soft, jellylike center.  Discs allow you to turn and bend.
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Since discs are  attached to the vertebrae above and below, it can't "slip." But trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or even rupture.  This is painful, because the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord.

Why do children need Chiropractic care?
Spinal trauma can occur at birth.  Many parents bring in newborns to check for healthy spinal alignment and ensure proper growth.
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As the child grows, regular checkups make sure that the minor injuries of learning to walk, ride a bicycle, play sports, and sit in school chairs, do not impair spinal health.  Chiropractic checkups can help prevent many chronic problems later in life.
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Your Chiropractor uses different procedures for children than adults.  Children seem to enjoy visiting us, and reap a benefit of improved health in the bargain.

How about Senior Citizens?
Many people are concerned about overmedication, prescription combinations, and a decline in mobility. Chiropractic care can be key to healthful, enjoyable later years.
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Many patients report improvement with chronic ailments, and improved mobility, virility, endurance, and appetite.   Chiropractic is a safe, natural, cost-effective boon to quality of life for senior citizens.

How long should I continue Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a "long-term" cost-effective approach to health care.   Prevention is always cheaper, less painful, and more effective than "crisis management." Some patients only visit a Chiropractor when they are in pain, but this is like visiting a dentist only when you have a toothache.  In the long run, you would have more toothaches!
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Chronic problems that took years to appear will take time to heal - and you want to make sure they don't return. A schedule of preventative visits helps maintain good health.

How long you choose to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you - our office is ready to help you whatever your health goals.

This page condenses content from "Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic," from Back Talk Systems, Inc. For a free copy of the original (very detailed) handout, stop by our clinic.