 |
Commonly asked Questions & Answers
Q: How long does a treatment last?
A: Typically a treatment will last between 10-20 minutes, depending upon the complexity of
the condition a patient has. Not every patient is treated the exact same way.
Q: Does it hurt to have your spine adjusted?
A: No. Our treatment is gentle, but firm enough to re-establish proper mobility to the spine.
Because we loosen the muscles before adjusting, we do not have to "force" anything to
move back into alignment.
Q: Are Chiropractors "real Doctors"
A: Chiropractors are licensed Doctors, earning a "Doctorate of Chiropractic" degree or
"D.C.", instead of an "M.D." We are Portal of Entry health care providers, so unlike
Physical Therapists, we can see a person without a referral from a Medical Doctor. Our
license does not allow us to prescribe drugs or do surgery, but we can diagnose and treat
any condition related to spinal mechanics and spinal dysfunction.
Q: What is the noise I hear coming from the spine?
A: Spinal adjustments often result in an audible "pop" or "snap" when gentle pressure is
applied to the joints or surrounding tissue. This sound is nothing more than a release of
suction between the two smooth surfaces of the joints, similar to the noise a suction cup
makes when it is pulled away from a smooth surface. This is a natural process which is
supposed to occur from time to time in the spine and other joints of the body, but
sometimes our bodies need a little external help.
Q: I have heard that once you go to a Chiropractor, you always have to go. Is this true?
A: No. We see patients on both an acute basis (which is usually between 1-8 treatments),
and patients who come in for monthly or bi-monthly maintenance. The choice is ultimately
up to the patient if he or she desires to maintain spinal alignment on an ongoing basis.
Many patients choose to do so because they have much better range of motion, less pain,
and even sleep better when they are in good spinal alignment. We also have patients who
choose to be on an "as needed" call in basis.
Q: Is Chiropractic safe?
A: Chiropractic care is extremely safe. A thorough evaluation including history and
examination is performed prior to any spinal adjustments. If we feel x-rays are necessary,
we will send you out to a medical facility for these or any other tests we deem necessary to
protect you and your health. In fact, Chiropractors often find and diagnose conditions
missed by other health care providers, because of our outstanding knowledge of human
anatomy and physiology.
Q: How many years of school does it take to be a Chiropractor?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic have a minimum of seven years of college. They are required to
take a minimum of two years of undergraduate study, similar to a "premed" curriculum.
(Recently, this has been increased to a three year program). Upon completion, there are
five more years of graduate school training, consisting of a minimum of 25 credit hours per
week of classes each semester. After completion of the formal training, there is an
internship period, and four parts of national board examinations that must be passed prior
to being licensed.
Q: I have heard cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis. Is this true, and if so, does it do
the same thing to the spine?
A: Cracking your knuckles will not cause arthritis in you hands. Actually, studies have
shown that it actually reduces the risk of arthritis if performed properly. Years ago,
parents and teachers would tell children it caused arthritis in order to avoid hearing the
noise created by mobilizing the joints. Factually speaking, cartilage does not have a blood
supply, and therefore requires constant movement of fluid in the joint space to prevent the
cells from dying prematurely. Mobilizing the joints increases lubrication and oxygen to the
cartilage in the joints, and reduces the risk of arthritis if performed properly. This also
holds true for the spine. Patients who receive regular Chiropractic treatment have more
flexibility and better range of motion in their spine than those who do not.
Q: How long does a treatment last?
A: Typically a treatment will last between 10-20 minutes, depending upon the complexity of
the condition a patient has. Not every patient is treated the exact same way.
Q: Does it hurt to have your spine adjusted?
A: No. Our treatment is gentle, but firm enough to re-establish proper mobility to the spine.
Because we loosen the muscles before adjusting, we do not have to "force" anything to
move back into alignment.
Q: Are Chiropractors "real Doctors"
A: Chiropractors are licensed Doctors, earning a "Doctorate of Chiropractic" degree or
"D.C.", instead of an "M.D." We are Portal of Entry health care providers, so unlike
Physical Therapists, we can see a person without a referral from a Medical Doctor. Our
license does not allow us to prescribe drugs or do surgery, but we can diagnose and treat
any condition related to spinal mechanics and spinal dysfunction.
Q: What is the noise I hear coming from the spine?
A: Spinal adjustments often result in an audible "pop" or "snap" when gentle pressure is
applied to the joints or surrounding tissue. This sound is nothing more than a release of
suction between the two smooth surfaces of the joints, similar to the noise a suction cup
makes when it is pulled away from a smooth surface. This is a natural process which is
supposed to occur from time to time in the spine and other joints of the body, but
sometimes our bodies need a little external help.
Q: I have heard that once you go to a Chiropractor, you always have to go. Is this true?
A: No. We see patients on both an acute basis (which is usually between 1-8 treatments),
and patients who come in for monthly or bi-monthly maintenance. The choice is ultimately
up to the patient if he or she desires to maintain spinal alignment on an ongoing basis.
Many patients choose to do so because they have much better range of motion, less pain,
and even sleep better when they are in good spinal alignment. We also have patients who
choose to be on an "as needed" call in basis.
Q: Is Chiropractic safe?
A: Chiropractic care is extremely safe. A thorough evaluation including history and
examination is performed prior to any spinal adjustments. If we feel x-rays are necessary,
we will send you out to a medical facility for these or any other tests we deem necessary to
protect you and your health. In fact, Chiropractors often find and diagnose conditions
missed by other health care providers, because of our outstanding knowledge of human
anatomy and physiology.
Q: How many years of school does it take to be a Chiropractor?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic have a minimum of seven years of college. They are required to
take a minimum of two years of undergraduate study, similar to a "premed" curriculum.
(Recently, this has been increased to a three year program). Upon completion, there are
five more years of graduate school training, consisting of a minimum of 25 credit hours per
week of classes each semester. After completion of the formal training, there is an
internship period, and four parts of national board examinations that must be passed prior
to being licensed.
Q: I have heard cracking your knuckles will cause arthritis. Is this true, and if so, does it do
the same thing to the spine?
A: Cracking your knuckles will not cause arthritis in you hands. Actually, studies have
shown that it actually reduces the risk of arthritis if performed properly. Years ago,
parents and teachers would tell children it caused arthritis in order to avoid hearing the
noise created by mobilizing the joints. Factually speaking, cartilage does not have a blood
supply, and therefore requires constant movement of fluid in the joint space to prevent the
cells from dying prematurely. Mobilizing the joints increases lubrication and oxygen to the
cartilage in the joints, and reduces the risk of arthritis if performed properly. This also
holds true for the spine. Patients who receive regular Chiropractic treatment have more
flexibility and better range of motion in their spine than those who do not.
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |