Frequently asked questions

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a unique healing discipline that concerns itself with the bodies’ own inborn, or innate, ability to heal itself. The body is built with the ability to communicate, run, and heal on its own through the pathways of the nervous system.

When your spinal bones (vertebrae) misalign, they can impinge upon the nerves that exit through each of these vertebrae. The compression of these nerves can cause irritation thus causing a disruption in the messages being sent through that nerve pathway.

Chiropractic uses the art of adjusting the spine into alignment to remove the compression to the nerves exiting the spine. When compression is removed the nerve function is restored and the body can then heal itself through proper communication.

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How does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your bodies’ natural ability to heal itself.
Your body communicates along the pathways of the nervous system. This path connects your brain to the rest of your body through an intricate pathway of nerves and your spinal cord. If these nerve tissues are impinged or compressed by your spinal bones, then the right messages are unable to be sent. It is similar to squeezing a hose and not as much water is coming out.

When we realign your spine and remove the interference to your compressed nerves, your body is able to communicate more efficiently and is thus able to heal itself, naturally. Chiropractic locates the cause of your ailment rather than just masking the symptoms with medication.

Chiropractic goes well beyond just treating your neck and back pain. The same nerves that were affecting your low back can now communicate to the rest of the tissues and organs they supply…such as your bladder, reproductive organs, muscles, kidneys, etc. Your body will be able to heal and function to its fullest capabilities by the removal of nerve interference.

What to expect at your first visit?
After reviewing your case history and discussing your current condition, a thorough orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to see any underlying bone conditions and/or biomechanical misalignment. These exams help us find areas of spinal misalignment and nerve impingement.

After the exam, we will explain to you our findings and what we can do for your current condition. We will also answer any questions you may have at this time. A treatment plan will be given to you to follow. The series of visits to our office varies for each condition and the patient’s ability to heal.

What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is not moving properly. This motion helps the bone gradually return to a more normal position.

Through a series of tests, range of motion, and palpation (movement) of your spine, a Chiropractor finds which area of your spine is the cause of your specific ailments. Usually the doctor’s hands or a specifically designed instrument will be used to adjust the spine. Chiropractic care is tailored to each patient’s age, condition, and spinal problems.

Note: Chiropractors can also realign the joints of your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.

What is a subluxation?
When the bones in your spine misalign, they can impinge the nerves that exit in between these bones. This is called a Vertebral Subluxation. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. A subluxation inhibits the communication of impulses between the brain, nervous system, and the rest of the body. Without correction of these vertebral subluxations, the nervous system is unable to work properly and therefore a person cannot perform at his or her optimum.

Can chiropractic help health problems other than back and neck pain?
Your nervous system supplies your entire body with messages on how it needs to function. If the messages become skewed due to impingement from the spine, then cells, tissues, organs, and bodily functions are unable to be carried out properly.

People seek Chiropractic care predominately for headaches and pain. However, everyone could benefit from Chiropractic care! By keeping your spine aligned you can ensure that your body is able to carry out the functions it is instructed to carry out.

The cause of health conditions is not only traced to nerve impingement, the cause is also due to genetics, diet, habits, environment, and health consciousness. While medications are sometimes needed, Chiropractic focuses upon healing the body, naturally. Health comes from within and your body speaks to you of ill-health through the signs and symptoms you experience.

Chiropractic is a healing philosophy that focuses upon finding the cause of your health conditions rather than treating the symptoms through the use of drugs or surgery. Asthma, ADHD, heartburn, bedwetting, high blood pressure, panic disorders, chest pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, carpal tunnel, irritable bowel syndrome, organ failure, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, colic, menstrual pain, constipation, pregnancy, migraines, stress, TMJ, earaches, dizziness, infertility, and impotence, to name a few, have all been treated and improved through Chiropractic care.

The power that made the body, heals the body-all you need is no interference. –BJ Palmer

Am I too old for Chiropractic care?
You are never too old for Chiropractic care. As you age, your spine begins to degenerate. Many older individuals experience pains associated with the degeneration of their spinal joints, arthritis, or degenerative disc disease. The more degenerated your spine becomes, the more difficult it is to treat.

Many elderly patients find that regular Chiropractic care increases range of motion and reduces arthritic aches and pains. Others find an increase in overall vitality, healing potential, and quality of life.

Why do kids need Chiropractic?

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for vertebral subluxations. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. Regular spinal checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child’s spine. Children are healthier and more resilient than adults; therefore they are able to heal faster.