Frequently Asked Questions
about Chiropractic Care

Q. Who benefits from chiropractic care?

A. Almost everyone benefits from modern, safe, effective chiropractic care, infants to the elderly. Chiropractic not only helps muscle and joint pain, but also can have an affect on many other conditions. A spinal adjustment can relieve the effects of nerve pressure, thereby allowing the body to return to its natural state. We do not accept a case unless we believe there is a good chance that chiropractic can help you.

Q. Why is the spine so important?

A. Your spine is designed to support your weight and protect your spinal cord (the vital link connecting your brain to the rest of your body). The spinal cord travels through your spine, which is made up of 24 moving vertebrae. When these vertebrae become malpositioned, they can put pressure on the spinal cord and irritate the nervous system. Since the nervous system connects to every cell in the body, a problem in your spine can cause a problem with any tissue or organ. This is why chiropractors locate and correct these areas of spinal dysfunction.

Q. How long will it take?

A. How quickly you respond to chiropractic care can vary greatly depending on factors such as your condition and its severity, though many feel immediate improvement. Newer injuries, if treated immediately and appropriately, tend to respond in fewer visits. However, conditions that have been present for longer than 3 months or are recurring tend to be more difficult to manage. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

Q. Do I have to keep coming back for appointments?

A. Sometimes it may take a number of adjustments over several weeks before the muscles and ligaments are stable enough to prevent the spinal misalignment from recurring. It is important to keep in mind that pain is usually the last symptom to appear and the first to go away. Your symptoms may decrease significantly in a few visits, but the underlying cause of the pain is not usually completely resolved.

Once we have eliminated your pain and rehabilitated the involved tissues we recommend you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal checkups. Prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of conditions and minimizing future injuries.

Q. I have heard Doctors of Chiropractic use the term subluxation. What is this and how do I know if I have one?

A. A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more vertebrae in the spinal column, which causes irritation of the associated spinal nerves and soft tissues. Decreased or painful spinal range of motion is a certain indication of a spinal subluxation.

Q. What is that "cracking" noise that is heard during an adjustment?

A. The "cracking" or "popping" noise heard is generated from carbon dioxide and other gases being released from the joint during rapid distraction of the joint surfaces (an effect much like opening a can of soda). Although "popping" is often heard, it is not required to deliver an adequate and effective adjustment. This in no way harms you or your joints.