Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for many types of conditions. It is based on a powerful premise - with a normally functioning spine and healthy nervous system, your body is better able to heal itself.  That's because your spine is the lifeline of your nervous system.  It controls feeling, movement, and all functions throughout your body.  If the nervous system has interference, then it can't work properly. 

When a joint becomes restricted, it causes interference in the nervous system.  Chiropractic involves the science of detecting these abnormal joint restrictions (or subluxations), and restoring proper joint motion & neurologic functioning through manipulation (or adjustment).

In our practice, we assess & treat many other contributing factors of your problem including the muscles and other soft tissues, as well as your lifestyle, diet/nutrition, exercise, ergonomics, and posture. Since chiropractic physicians also receive extensive diagnostic training, we can help you to decide if you would be likely to benefit from chiropractic care, or if you should consult a medical doctor or another health care provider.

Why Is Chiropractic So Different?

Most back and neck pain is caused by mechanical problems. That is, some sort of disruption in the normal way the spine functions. Taking medication such as Tylenol may numb the pain somewhat, but it does not address the root cause of the problem. Chiropractic treatment is aimed at the cause of the problem, not just the symptoms.

A good analogy would be a stone in your shoe. If you get a small stone in your shoe, it can make walking very uncomfortable. What are your options? You could limp and try to avoid putting pressure on the stone. You could strap a thick piece of foam to your foot to act as a cushion. Or, the most obvious choice would be to remove the stone!

Essentially, that is what Chiropractic is all about. We try to find 'the little stone' that is bothering your spine, and then we remove it.

What Causes These Joint Restrictions Or Subluxations?

Unfortunately, so many factors of modern living can cause joint and muscle overload, and make your body "stress out."

Physical stress can occur as the result of a car accident, poor posture, tight muscles, old mattresses, birth trauma, poor form during exercise and at the gym. 

Emotional stress can be the result of significant emotional trauma or the inability to adapt to a stressful situation. 

Chemical trauma can result from the use of prescription or illicit drugs, inadequate nutrition, or environmental toxins.  These subluxations impede your body's natural ability to heal itself.

What Is An Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment, or manipulation, is a procedure in which a specific force is applied by hand at a precise location and direction to a joint that is restricted, or not moving properly. The purpose is to restore normal joint motion, which often results in decreased pain through improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

Our chiropractors have become highly skilled in several different adjusting techniques, and will select the one most appropriate for your condition in order to provide gentle, safe, and effective results.

What Is The Noise Associated With An Adjustment?

The adjustment may cause a noise similar to "popping your knuckles". This is not the bones cracking. The noise is the pressure (air) being released from between the misaligned vertebrae- much like the built up pressure being released from inside a can of soda when you open it.

Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?

Each adjustment is tailored individually to the patient's specific case. Adjustment technique is tailored depending on whether patients are children, pregnant women, adults, seniors, or have special needs.

What Will Chiropractic Do For Me?

The chiropractic goal is to normalize function.  By correcting vertebral subluxations, the chiropractor removes a significant impediment to nature's inborn ability to heal.

Chiropractors use joint manipulation, or adjustments, to correct these subluxations, and in turn, restore motion, decrease pain, and restore function.  Staying on track with the goals set by you and your doctor will not just relieve your pain, but help you obtain total wellness.

What Type of Education Do Chiropractic Physicians Receive?

Government inquiries have affirmed that today's chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard to medical training in all preclinical subjects. Chiropractic education includes special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, pathology, biomechanics, radiology, nutrition, and spinal manipulation. Four years of postgraduate study and completion of an internship are required, followed by National and State Board examinations, before entering practice. Continuing postdoctoral education is also required to maintain current licensure and keep abreast of the current scientific literature. 

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

Several factors are considered when determining your treatment plan, including the results of your examination (and x-rays if taken), when your symptoms began, your daily activities, and your level of stress. Every case is different, but most patients begin to respond favorably within the initial weeks of care.

It is important to realize that just because you don't have any pain does not mean that the problem is fixed - that simply means that your symptoms are gone.  This is where patient education comes in.  By emphasizing patient education, you become as self-reliant as possible because you understand the cause of your problem.

Can A Person Who Has Had Back Surgery Or Fracture Still See A Chiropractor?

Definitely! Conditions such as these often place extra stress and tensions on the spine and tissues. To leave this extra stress unchecked leads to further problems in other areas.

Do You Accept Insurance?

Yes. Almost all plans include some chiropractic coverage. We will file your insurance claims for you electronically and await payment from your insurance company. Before charging you directly, we will be happy to call your insurance company to obtain a detailed verification of your benefits. You will only be charged initially what we would expect your share or percentage to be.

We realize that dealing with insurance companies can be time-consuming, confusing, and at times stressful. We make every attempt to make this process as easy as possible for you, so that you can focus on getting well again. If your policy does not cover chiropractic, call us to find out how we can make chiropractic care affordable for you.