Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find an answer to your question here, or if you would like to discuss your question in greater detail, please contact us. We’d be happy to help!
Chiropractic care helps to restore proper structural alignment of the spine through the use of chiropractic adjustments. Improper motion or position of the spinal joints can lead to nerve irritation, muscle tension and compromised movement patterns. Chiropractic care helps to improve the function of the nerves, muscles and joints with the aim of optimizing overall health.
A chiropractic adjustment is a very specific treatment usually delivered by hand. It involves a precise thrust to a spinal joint to improve the motion or position of a misaligned spinal segment. This helps to reduce nerve irritation, improve joint movement, and decrease muscle tension or spasm in the area.
Your chiropractor will often use hands-on methods to perform an adjustment but we may also use an instrument, specific pressure contacts or special equipment to achieve the desired effect. There are many ways to adjust the spine, each adapted to an individual’s needs, preferences and comfort levels.
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. The sound is interesting but isn’t a guide to the quality or success of the adjustment and doesn’t occur with all types of adjustments.
No. Each patient’s spine is unique and treatment methods used may differ from person to person. Treatment is customized to a patient’s age, health condition and patient preferences. You are unique and your care should be too. Your chiropractor will talk about all of the treatment options before starting with your plan.
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients see improvements immediately or within a week or two. For others, especially those with chronic long-standing issues, improvements may take longer. Your chiropractor will discuss your treatment plan with you and give you an idea of what you can expect on your road to recovery.
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. The risk associated with chiropractic care is far less than that of common over the counter or prescription pain medications and anti-inflammatories. Chiropractic care is safe for all ages – from infants to the elderly. We will always tailor your chiropractic care with your comfort and safety in mind.
Yes, of course! Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of healthcare for expectant mothers and their children. It is a natural, drug-free, non-invasive treatment approach that addresses many health issues while promoting proper growth and development of the spine and nervous system. Your chiropractor will use specific, individualized techniques to release spinal tension with as little amount of pressure as a finger touch. Special pillow supports assist the pregnant mother for comfortable care. Infants and children relax and enjoy their adjustments. Chiropractic care is a safe, natural treatment option for the entire family.
Yes! Chiropractic care is a safe and gentle treatment option during all stages of pregnancy. During the first trimester, adjustments can help balance your spine and pelvis prior to the increase in weight gain to prevent prenatal back pain as well as help you adapt to all the changes such as fatigue, nausea and headaches. In the second trimester, proper alignment continues to assist in the stability of your spine so that you can stay active, sleep well and handle ergonomic strain. As you move through the third trimester, specific techniques help with common occurrences such as sciatica, rib pain, ligament tension, sacroiliac and tailbone pain.
More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, chiropractic care is growing in popularity as a safe and natural option. Restoring spinal function can help improve mobility, flexibility, vitality, and endurance. After starting chiropractic care, many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often falsely attributed to aging. Your chiropractor will modify their adjusting technique for maximum comfort and results.
Back pain is extremely common. It is estimated that over 80% of the population will have an episode of back pain in their lifetime. It is easy to trace some spinal problems to an event such as a slip and fall or car accident. However, most of the time back pain is the result of cumulative damage. Years of bad posture, wear and tear from physical work or sports, poor muscle tone, excess weight or countless other factors can all contribute to your problem. Then, something simple like bending over to tie your shoes can trigger an episode.
Between each pair of spinal bones is a disc. Its fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. Because of the way a disc attaches to the spinal bones above and below it, it can’t actually “slip”. However, a disc can bulge, tear, or herniate. Spinal discs can also thin and deteriorate, but it can’t “slip”. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for many types of disc injuries. We will examine you to determine the cause of your back pain. In some cases, imaging may be necessary to determine the location and severity of your problem.
A pinched nerve (nerve compression) can occur and is often accompanied by significant pain and/or numbness, tingling or sharp pain that travels away from the spine. More common than a pinched nerve is when an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. This can be caused by improper spinal motion or structural misalignment of the spine. A thorough examination will allow your chiropractor to diagnose your problem and discuss treatment options to solve the issue.
Pain can often strike suddenly and without notice. When it does, you’re likely looking for help right away. Our chiropractors can often accommodate acute cases very quickly, either the same day or next day in most cases. We will always promise to do our best to accommodate your health needs. However, booking in advance is always the best option in order to ensure that you will secure the time that is most convenient for you.
Our chiropractors will conduct a thorough history of your current complaint, previous treatment, and relevant health history. A specific chiropractic examination will be performed, including joint, nerve, and muscle tests and a comprehensive spinal examination. Your chiropractor will take the time to listen to your concerns and discuss your diagnosis, your prognosis, and your treatment plan with you. We’ll start the process on the road to recovery to get you feeling better soon.
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes compensatory problem areas above or below the involved level over time. These areas will often be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Our initial goal is to get you out of pain as quickly as possible. Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take several days to weeks to see significant improvement. Healing takes time. Many factors can affect the healing process.
- How long have you had your problem?
- How old are you?
- Are you keeping your appointments?
- Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition?
- Do you smoke?
- Are you in otherwise good health?
Within a short period of time most patients find relief and continue to progress well throughout their treatment plan. Each patient’s road to recovery is different. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you and outline the expected time for healing to occur.
Following the acute phase of care, after patients get the relief they are looking for, many choose to continue with periodic visits to help protect the corrections we’ve made. These visits are much less frequent and can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become more serious.
More and more individuals are realizing the ongoing benefits of regular chiropractic care, even after they are feeling well again. We highly recommend it to most of our patients. Taking care of your spine is what we do. Just like preventative dental visits, eating properly or exercising regularly, wellness chiropractic visits help keep you moving well and functioning at your best! Our job is to offer the best care possible to optimize your health. How long you benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Of course! We have built extensive relationships with other healthcare practitioners in our community. Collaborative care is always in the best interest of our patients. Optimal health and wellness is our goal, and we’ll work with the rest of your health care team to achieve that. If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will be sure to refer you to other practitioners who may be able to help. Your health is our top priority.
Yes. The vast majority of extended health care plans have coverage for chiropractic services. The amount of coverage varies from plan to plan. It’s best to check with your particular insurance provider to determine your level of coverage.
No. A patient does not need a referral by an MD before visiting a chiropractor. We often receive referrals from medical physicians or other health practitioners, but it isn’t necessary to begin care with us.
Yes. In most cases if you have a workplace injury, our chiropractors will be able to accept your case. Please let our admin team know and we’ll get the paperwork filled out promptly so we can proceed with your care.
We treat a variety of health conditions from Athletic Injuries to Sciatica, Arthritis to Fibromyalgia and more! Visit Our Services page to see a more complete list of conditions treated.