Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions:

Does an adjustment hurt?

For most chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients may involuntarily stiffen or guard against the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling of relief, improved mobility, and a sense of well being after an adjustment.Top

 

 

What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?

When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, making a "popping" noise. It's the same sound you hear when your knuckles pop. However, contrary to the beliefs of many, the sound is not an indicator of whether or not the adjustment "worked" or occurred, it is merely a byproduct of the motion put into the joint.Top

 

 

Are adjustments safe?

Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. Adjustments are significantly safer than taking medications or having spine surgery and research shows complications from chiropractic adjustments are rare and random. Which is why chiropractic malpractice insurance is very low compared to other healthcare professionals, due to the low rate of negative side effects from chiropractic care. Click here for summaries regarding research on chiropractic. Top

 

 

Should I adjust myself?

No. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled professional. Self-adjustments may seem to provide relief, but over time continued self-adjustments will increase the chance of creating hypermobility. Self-adjustments won't typically address the vertebral segment that is causing the decrease in function, just the segment most mobile. Top

 

 

Can other types of professionals also perform adjustments?

Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques, however, Chiropractors perform 95% of all adjustments in the world. Be careful of physical therapists, massage therapists, or "healers" who make similar claims but do not have the credentials, qualifications, education and experience of a chiropractor. Top

 

 

What types of conditions do chiropractors use adjustments for?

Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are very useful in correcting:

      • Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet
      • Certain types of headaches
      • Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash
      • Leg pain and nerve disorders
      • Sports injuries and musculoskeletal injuries such as tennis elbow, strained muscles, and sprained joints and ligaments
      • Bursitis and Tendonitis (conditions involving inflammation of soft tissues)
      • Repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome
      • Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness)

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How often do I need to come in for treatment?

Treatment frequency is related to the severity and duration of the injury or condition. You will not be "signed up" for life. Your treatment protocol and frequency will be based on the patient history, physical exam, objective findings and previous history and care.Top

 

 

What if I need surgery?

Our staff is educated and trained to discern the difference between what we can treat in our clinic and what needs to be referred to an appropriate medical care facility. You can be assured that if your injury or illness requires treatment or evaluation outside of our scope of practice you will be referred to the appropiate medical facility. Top

 

If you have any additional questions concerning chiropractic care, please contact us either by phone or email.

 

 

 

 

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