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Although most people seek out chiropractic care for its safe and highly effective approach to the treatment of pain arising from the muscles, joints and nerves, they are delighted to find that chiropractic offers a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Chiropractic is a refreshing, natural approach to total health care, which acknowledges the human body's innate healing potential.

Chiropractic is:
  • A science which recognizes that interference with normal nerve transmission and expression will lead to an imbalance of normal body function resulting in the loss of one's optimum health potential. 
  • An art which pertains to the skill and judgment required for the detection, location and correction of spinal malfunction, known as the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC), which is a primary source of nerve system interference. 
  • A philosophy which recognizes that health is a natural process, a process of "balance" for which each individual must take personal responsibility. Balance of mind, body and spirit is regulated by a master control system, the nerve system. Regular chiropractic care will help restore and maintain normal nerve system function, thus restoring the balance of nature.
         
     
 
         
     

1.What does a Chiropractic Physician actually do to relieve my pain?
The chiropractic physician is the only physician trained to diagnose and treat the "Subluxation Complex." Current research shows that the subluxation complex may be the single most important factor causing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. In fact research is presently linking the Subluxation Complex with other, distress related, disorders such as hypertension, colitis, ulcer & and hay fever. The subluxation complex is represented by at least 4 components:

  a. Abnormal motion of joints; usually a lack of motion. (hypomobilty or fixation)
  b. Abnormal nerve function; pinched or irritated nerves. (neuritis or neuropathy)
  c. Abnormal muscle function; stiff and sore muscles. (spasm & trigger points)
  d. Abnormal function of soft tissues; congested and swollen, soft tissues. (inflammation)
 
     
     

2.How many adjustments will my condition require?
There is no "recipe" which gives the amount of treatments necessary to heal a condition. Every individual case is unique. The doctor will make treatment recommendations based on sound scientific principles including orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests as well as the degree of pain and disability experienced by a patient as determined by scientifically valid disability questionnaires. Most acute cases will begin with a visit frequency of 3-4 visits per week with decreasing frequency as the condition improves. Chiropractic care is like an exercise program for the joints of the spine. Each visit builds on the previous one to aid in restoring normal joint mobility, reduce nerve initition, relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Ultimately, how long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is up to YOU.

     

3. Is the therapy used with my adjustment absolutely necessary?
The most important part of your treatment is the chiropractic adjustment. Therapies such as massage, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and hot or cold packs will aid in relaxing the muscles and controlling pain and inflammation, however, in some cases the therapy is not absolutely necessary. Some patients feel they benefit greatly from therapy while others choose to have adjustments only. Feel free to discuss your feelings regarding the use of therapy with the doctor.

      4.What is the sound I sometimes hear when the doctor adjusts my spine?
The sound that is sometimes heard with the adjustment is often referred to as a "release." This pop or crack results from a sudden pressure change within the joints when the joint surfaces are separated allowing an increase in mobility of the joint. Think about separating two wet dishes which have become adhered together by a thin layer of water between the surfaces. Like the joints, this too, often results in a pop or cracking sound. The adjustment procedure which may result in the release is almost always painless. In fact most patients remark- that it feels good.
      5. What should I expect after my first adjustment?
Reaction to the first adjustment can be quite varied depending upon the individual patient and their specific condition. It is not unusual however, to have some soreness after your first few adjustments. Spinal manipulation increases mobility in the joints by stretching muscles, tendons and ligaments and may even break up adhesions or scar tissue left from an old injury. Most patients, however, feel a "euphoric" feeling or a feeling of deep relaxation. Some patients comment that their body "feels lighter" after the adjustment.
      6. Should I be using heat or ice on my injury?
Perhaps the most commnon question asked is should I use heat or ice? Whenever in doubt use ice! Ice, when properly applied, can never harm you. However heat applied too early in the acute stage of an injury may actually increase inflammation and prolong healing.Use ice packs when:
  a. Attempting to reduce pain and inflammation
  b. After any injury caused by physical trauma resulting in a sudden or gradual onset of pain.
  c. When pain is intense, sharp and localized to a specific area.

Use moist heat when:
  a. Attempting to relax muscles, increase blood flow and speed healing.
  b. Pain is of a dull achy nature and occurs without physical trauma.
  c. Pain that is intermittent and covers a broad area, (diffuse or poorly localized).
  d. Pain accompanied by high levels of stress, anxiety, anger or a feeling of fatigue.

Any pain that is continuous and progressive must be evaluated by a physician. For specific direcfions on how to apply the ice or heat treatments ask the doctor or his staff for the instructions for home care.

7. Are there exercises I should be doing along with my chiropractic treatments?
Exercises are often given to accompany chiropractic treatments. Specific exercises may be prescribed to aid in strengthening the muscles around the area of injury. Thle Doctor often will not introduce exercises itmmediately, instead he may wait until your condition is no longer in the acute stage. 

Recent studies have shown that the best form of exercise to aid in the reduction of pain originating from the musculoskeletal system is regular aerobic exercise. Such a program should include exercises such as brisk walking, jogging & swimming, cycling or cross-country skiing., An aerobic exercise program should cause an elevation of your heart rate to approximately 80% of the recommended maximum for your age. This should be sustained for 30-40 minutes four times a week. If your lifestyle has lacked sufficient exercise, or if you have any history of cardiovascular disease, be sure to have a cardiovascular examination by a qualified physician before initiating such an exercise program.

8. What type of activity should I avoid after an adjustment?
After the adjustment muscles are relaxed, motion is restored to joints and neurological function is normalized. It takes time for the body to adapt to these changes. It is recommended that any strenuous activity be avoided immediately after an adjustment. 

The latest research suggests that back and neck pain sufferers often avoid more activity than they should. In fact it is important to regain normal levels of activity as soon as one can after an injury. Use pain as your guide. Keep activity levels to the point where they do not cause any significant increase in your pain. However, don't be overly concerned with every little, "twinge" you feel as it is normal to have these feelings when recovering from an injury. When recovering from a significant injury we are often "tuned in!' to our bodies and many times over- react to these sensations.

      9. Would aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen help?
After the adjustment muscles are relaxed, motion is restored to joints and neurological function is normalized. It takes time for the body to adapt to these changes. It is recommended that any strenuous activity be avoided immediately after an adjustment. 

The latest research suggests that back and neck pain sufferers often avoid more activity than they should. In fact it is important to regain normal levels of activity as soon as one can after an injury. Use pain as your guide. Keep activity levels to the point where they do not cause any significant increase in your pain. However, don't be overly concerned with every little, "twinge" you feel as it is normal to have these feelings when recovering from an injury. When recovering from a significant injury we are often "tuned in!' to our bodies and many times over- react to these sensations.

      10. Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatments?
Most insurance companies cover all or part of chiropractic treatment. Our office staff will be happy to check with your insurance company for you. Please present your insurance information card to us and we will follow up on it and advise you as to your coverage. If your medical plan covers chiropractic care, our office will file the necessary paper work and await payment directly from your insurance company. The patient will be expected to make payment of any uncovered portion at the time of service. 

In cases where patients have no insurance coverage we are able to offer the patient a substantial discount. This is largely due to the fact that the normal 4 to 8 week wait for paytment from an insurance company is avoided when a patient makes payment in full at the time of service.