Frequently asked questions

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC WORK?

Chiropractic works because you are a self healing organism controlled by the nerves in your body. Nerve impulses from your brain travel down your spinal cord. Pairs of nerve roots branch off from between each spinal joint. These nerves link your brain with every cell and organ of your body. Because of their close proximity to the moving bones of the spine, improper motion or position of spinal bones can irritate and compromise nerve function. Chiropractic care locates these areas and helps reduce their effect with spinal adjustments. Health often returns with restored joint and nerve function.

DO I HAVE A SLIPPED DISC?

A disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. However a disc can bulge, tear, herniated, thin, and dry out or collapse. As a result, nerve pressure and irritation is caused.

DO I HAVE A PINCHED NERVE?

Although a “pinched nerve” is a very common phrase, it is far more likely that a spinal bone is causing surrounding tissue to stretch, rub, or chafe a nerve. These subluxations or nerve impingement can distort the nerve message between the spinal nerve and the body, producing pain and unhealthy changes to affected organs and tissues.

HOW LONG UNTIL I SEE RESULTS?

For some patients, progress comes quickly. Others discover it can take weeks or months. Many factors affect the healing process. Within 1-2 weeks most patients see enough progress to encourage them to complete our recommendations.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Will I have to go to a chiropractor for the rest of my life?? This is a common question; the answer is “of course not.” Some patients rely on chiropractic to help manage episodes of pain and other spinal problems. Others include chiropractic care as part of a plan to support and enhance their body, like working out or eating right. How long you benefit from our care is totally up to you.

WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY?

Many patients arrive at their first physical therapy appointment expecting to receive hot packs, ultrasound and instructions on how to complete a series of exercises. These modalities are warranted in many instances and most therapists would agree that exercise is needed to help restore muscle imbalances. However, our office approaches the restoration of function from a different perspective. We are interested in why a muscle isn’t functioning properly and view other modalities as therapeutic but not curative. Exercise is not the driving mode of recovery but as a complement to making a joint and muscle function normally. We look to restore proper joint and muscle function rather than directly exercise a weakened muscle or injured joint. Our staff is highly trained in several manual physical therapy techniques with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. Our licensed therapists use their hands to put specific pressure on muscle and soft tissue to decrease pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension and joint dysfunction.

CAN THE BONES MOVE TOO MUCH?

Highly unlikely. A Gonstead chiropractic adjustment is specific and precise. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a very precise angle. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nerve pressure. Years of Doctorate level education make Gonstead chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

WILL ADJUSTMENTS MAKE MY SPINE TOO LOOSE?

No. The Gonstead spinal analysis is very specific. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened discs, muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

CAN I ADJUST MYSELF?

No, some people can make their joints “pop,” but that is not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even I must consult a colleague for an adjustment.

WHAT MAKES THE SOUND DURING THE ADJUSTMENT?

Lubricating fluids and nitrogen gas separate the bones of each spinal joint. When a joint is put in proper position and motion, the liquids and gas shift. It’s much like opening a can of soda, bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. When the excess pressure comes off the joint the interesting sound is made.

WHY DO I SEE INFANTS GETTING ADJUSTED?

Even today’s “modern” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections and erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal injury. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, we apply no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Some of our moms have their children adjusted shortly after birth.

CAN I HAVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE AFTER BACK SURGERY?

Yes. Rest assured that, if needed, we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care. In this office, we actually teach seminars to chiropractic students on how to safely analyze and adjust the post-surgical spine.

CAN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS GET CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Absolutely yes. In fact, proper motion of the spine will allow the spinal bones to better handle the forces of gravity. The Gonstead method has many ways to specifically and gently adjust the spine. Rest assured we will choose the best way suited to your age, body type and condition. At this time, our oldest patient is 94 years old with 70% bone loss!

WHAT IF MY INSURANCE POLICY DOESN’T COVER CHIROPRACTIC?

Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It is convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill.

But be careful; don’t allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Currently, over 40% of our practice has no insurance benefits. Simply ask us about our HEALTH CARE MADE AFFORDABLE (HMA) plans. Find out how we make spinal health affordable for just about anyone.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE “JOINT CLASS!”

The number one cause of disability in the United States is Spinal-Decay/Osteo-arthritis. The JOINT CLASS will teach you how to properly heal and maintain all of your joints for optimal health. In addition, it will teach you how to not undue your treatments for quicker relief and recovery. Currently the joint class is taught in the front office on Tuesday night at 6:30pm and Thursday afternoon at 12:30pm. The JOINT CLASS is free and you may bring as many as two guests.