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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a subluxation 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 communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.
Once you go to a chiropractor, don't you have to go forever?
Once the cause of the problem is corrected, many people feel better than they have in months or years. Because of this, some people do choose to come in for periodic check-ups to ensure continued good health and can be compared to a car tune up which still has to be checked periodically.
How well educated are chiropractic doctors?
Today's Doctors of Chiropractic are very well educated. In fact, the chiropractic school curriculum is very similar to that used in medical school. The difference lies in the emphasis. Chiropractic school emphasizes anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray, nutrition, and other related subjects. Medical school students receive more class hours in pharmacology and pathology. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate must pass the demanding National Board Examination. In order to be given the privilege to practice in various states, the State Board Examination must then be passed. Most doctors then continue their educations to stay current with the most recent research.
Is chiropractic care safe? Does it cause strokes?
Chiropractic care is very safe. Unfortunately, some people see certain karate films where someone is killed by the twisting of their neck. They then associate that with chiropractic care. Chiropractic doctors have been trained to help people. Part of that training includes hours of learning the art of the chiropractic adjustment so that it can be administered safely and effectively when indicated. Also, the incidence of stroke caused by chiropractic care is one in millions. Compare this to the incidence of injury or death caused by medicine every day and there is no comparison. By conducting a thorough history and examination, the best course of care for the patient can be determined. Chiropractic is a natural, conservative approach to health without the use of drugs or surgery.
Can you be too young or too old for chiropractic care?
No. More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors not only for themselves, but for their families. For example, many parents bring their children in to be checked due to problems caused by birthing trauma, childhood falls and accidents, “growing pains,” and ear infections. Older adults who are concerned about over-medication and the side effects of these medications are using chiropractic for its natural approach. Many also see chiropractors in order to restore better spinal function, improve arthritis symptoms, and improve over all mobility and vitality.
Can I adjust myself?
This is not recommended and is actually counterproductive. Though it is possible to turn your neck and hear “popping” noises, you are actually moving joints that are already moving too much. This will make them more unstable. The reason it may feel better afterwards is because of the nervous system input you are getting into your brain. However, the "Urge" returns because the true problem has not been handled. The bottom line is that you should only move the joints that are not moving correctly. This cannot be done by you and requires the skills of a Doctor of Chiropractic.
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