FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chiropractic Basics
Q: How does chiropractic work?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic treat patients by using manual adjustments to parts of the body, especially the spine. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific manipulation of the spinal vertebrae or other areas of the body that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning properly. These abnormal patterns are often referred to as subluxations.
We refer to chiropractic as a whole person approach because it targets the root of the issue, not just the symptoms, and also because it provides a foundation for healing by helping you tap into your body’s incredible self-healing potential, this is known as vitalistic or innate healing. Regular chiropractic care, along with practicing healthy habits such as exercising, proper nutrition, and getting plenty of rest, can help you maintain a healthy, optimally-functioning body. Your chiropractor will help counsel you on these behaviors and support you in making the changes that will support your care and health.
Q: How can the nervous system affect someones health?
A: Consider the spinal cord your body’s “information super highway.” Every nerve in your body is linked to the spinal cord, which is housed in the series of bones that make up your spine. If one of the bones is improperly positioned or restricted in movement at all, it compromises communication between the brain and body. When a bone puts pressure on a nerve in your spinal cord, it can cause pain as well as dysfunction with associated organs and tissues. The purpose of chiropractic care is to locate these misaligned areas and adjust them, restoring the flow of information and allowing for your body’s optimal functioning.
Who uses chiropractic care?
Q: Can children benefit from chiropractic care?
A: Yes! Children tend to be very physically active and often experience injuries such as falls, strains, and blows, which can affect their nervous system. If your child displays symptoms of discomfort, headaches, changes in behavior or movements, they could be experiencing back or neck pain, or other misalignments that can cause stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Many of these symptoms can best be treated with chiropractic care. There are doctors who specialize in pediatric chiropractic care. Many DCs take extra pediatric training. Chiropractic care can help restore your child’s nervous system function.
Q: Is it safe for pregnant patients to have chiropractic care?
A: Absolutely! In fact, during pregnancy is one of the most important times to have a healthy, well-functioning nervous system. Many women who have chiropractic care during pregnancy report having a faster, smoother delivery experience.
Q: Can newborns get chiropractic care?
A: Birth is a stressful process and spinal subluxations can cause a wide variety of issues, even in newborns. By realigning the spine after birth, chiropractic care can help alleviate a multitude of short- and long-term health problems associates with the birthing process. Often times chiropractic care can reduce colic and promote healthy digestion, as well as alleviate symptoms related to spinal distress including ear infections, problems with crawling, unusual crying, poor appetite, and erratic sleeping habits. Of course, chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics are highly knowledgeable and very gentle with your little one—using no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
What to expect?
Q: How many adjustments will I need?
A: There is no magic number—it varies widely from patient to patient, depending on your unique condition and specific health goals. Patients tend to report improvements after just one or several visits depending on your condition, health, age or injury. Often times you can expect to go less often as your spine and muscles stabilize to hold the correction. In some chronic cases, however, complete healing can take months or even years. Wellness or maintenance care is recommended to maintain your level of wellness once the original issue, injury or condition is abated. Of course, regular periodic visits help to detect and correct issues before they become serious.
Q: How long until I will feel better?
A: It depends. Sometimes patients report instant relief, while others find it takes weeks or months. Factors such as the time-frame since the incident and severity of the condition can affect the healing process. You can maximize the effects of chiropractic care by maintaining healthy habits such as proper exercise, nutrition, and rest, keeping regular appointments, as well as not smoking.