What is an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

What do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors are able to determine areas of your body (particularly the spine) that have lost their mobility. The result is often muscular tightness and nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are very useful in correcting:

• headaches
• backaches
• pain and stiffness in neck
• pain between shoulders
• pain in hips or legs pain, numbness in hands, feet
• pain in shoulders or arms muscular
• pains in chest and abdomen
• sciatica
• shoulder problems
• tennis elbow
• carpal tunnel

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes, a New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe". By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom the chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the counter pain reliever.

What makes the sound during the adjustment?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Do I Have A Slipped Disc?

The disc is a soft pulpy "shock absorber." It has a fibrous outer ring, which holds in a jelly-like material. A "slipped disc" is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can't slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can't slip.

How long until I feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor's recommendations.

What if chiropractic doesn't work?

If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal. Are adjustments painful? Most spinal adjustments are not painful at all and, as a matter of fact, patients feel very good and often free of pain almost immediately. Adjustments are very safe.

How are chiropractors trained?

Chiropractors are required to complete a minimum of four years of university, followed by four years at an accredited chiropractic college. A chiropractic student receives over 4500 hours of education, much of it in supervised clinical practice. Once students have completed their education, they must pass rigorous exams to gain licensure for the right to practice as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).

Do I need a referral from my MD?

Chiropractors are primary care providers and back care specialists. This means they can see you without a referral from another medical doctor. It also means no long wait for a medical specialist, just relief from your back pain.

Should I see a chiropractor?

Eight out of ten people will experience back pain at some point in their life. For many people, the pain can keep them from work, school, or even their day to day activities. Back pain will often go away on its own, after a week or so. However, left untreated, there is an 80% chance that your back pain will come back! If you have back pain, early treatment from a chiropractor can help get you on with your busy life. One of the reasons back pain is so common is that it can be caused by so many different things:

• Work-related injuries
• Sports injuries
• Poor posture
• Stress
• Car Accidents
• Improper lifting

Any of these things can cause your spine to shift from its normal position or affect your range of motion. This results in pressure on the joints, muscles, and nerves in that area.

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?

Most private health insurance covers a portion or all of your chiropractic visits.

Feel free to call us at (734) 437-7689 with any questions you might have with regards to your insurance coverage.