What is an adjustment (spinal manipulation)?

Spinal adjusting is an art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked-up”, or not moving properly. The adjustment adds motion to the join, helping the bones gradually return to a normal position and motion. The purpose of the safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. Since the primary focus of case is to improve nervous system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as “back” problems (David Chapman-Smith).

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What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back back and neck pain, patients have found it to be safe and effective not only for a wide variety of musculuskeltal conditions, but others also. This includes such conditions as tension and migraine headaches, shoulder pain, disc injuries, sciatica, elbow pain (tennis elbow), fibro myalgia, ankle injuries, TMJ disorders, and infantile colic. Injuries like ankle sprains-strains may require re-treatment not only for pain relief, but rehabilitation with balance and sterngth training to reestablish proper communication between the ankle and brain to restore proper function and prevent future re-injury.

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Does Chiropractic Hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustment don’t hurt. A few patients may experience a minor amount of temporary discomfort during or following the adjustment (manipulation).

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Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. Millions are treated every day with no or few adverse side effects. Malpractice insurance rates are based upon risk and claims paid - chiropractors enjoy some of the lowest rates in the health care field due to the fact insurance carriers have experienced a low claim history.

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What kind of education and training do Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical, and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training. (See the American Chiropractic Association link for more details)

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Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

The U.S. Department of Health Agency for Health Care Policy Research panel gave the highest marks for two types of treatment for acute, uncomplicated, low back pain, one of which was spinal manipulation! There are now over 38 randomized, controlled trials of manipulation for low back pain which have demonstrated its’ benefits. Other recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic, tension and migraine headaches.

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What are you going to do to me when I come in for the first time?

The first thing we will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The doctor will also ask about your family history, lifestyle, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem. An exam of the area(s) off complaint will be done to see if yours is a problem that can be treated with chiropractic care. If it can not, you will be referred to the proper health care professional.

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Once I start, do I have to keep coming back?

No. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic case is entirely up to you. Treatments have different goals and durations - for example:

  1. Initial intensive care to reduce acute pain.

  2. Corrective or rehabilitative care to stabilize the spine/injury and promote complete healing.

  3. Elective or wellness care after maximum improvement is reached, as preventative care to preserve good health and function.

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I've had a personal injury (auto accident, slip and fall, etc.) - do you work with other health care providers or an attorney?

We believe that the patient’s interest should come first and we always want to respect his/her choices. Yes, we will work with the other health care providers and attorneys to facilitate resolution as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. If we can’t help you, we’ll always tell you so, and refer you to someone who best can.

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