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Q: What is Chiropractic?
A: The art, science and philosophy
of chiropractic emphasizes the nervous system's interaction
with the whole body. Rather than focusing on symptoms, chiropractors
have a holistic approach to wellness that utilizes therapeutic
techniques and lifestyle changes to correct neuro-musculoskeletal
disorders and promote the body's natural healing ability.
Q: Does Chiropractic adjustment hurt?
A: Most chiropractic adjustments
are painless; in fact, the adjustment may feel good and can
be relieving. If you've had a recent injury, however, adjustments
can irritate inflamed tissue and cause some discomfort. Some
people also experience odd sensations in their extremities
after adjustments. This is a normal reaction to the relieving
of pressure on nerves and is usually no cause for concern.
Q: How old should a person be before receiving chiropractic care?
A: While every chiropractor
has his or her own preference, people of all ages are candidates
for chiropractic treatment. Even babies can have subluxations,
due to the rigors of birth. In general, it's best to treat
children's subluxations early, as they interfere with nerves
that control developing muscles and organs. With an early checkup,
your chiropractor can detect these problems while they're easy
to correct.
Q:
Should I go to a chiropractor for preventative maintenance
even if I do not have pain?
A: Your chiropractor can
recognize and detect problem areas in your spine before they
develop into problem conditions. Chiropractic adjustments may
help to maintain or support a healthy spine, and maintenance
spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture,
nutrition and exercise, can effectively prevent pain. Regular
checkups will also ensure that small stresses on the spine
don't become major misalignments.
Q: How will the adjustment help me?
A: Chiropractic adjustments
help eliminate interference that prevents your body from healing
itself. Misaligned vertebrae interfere with your nervous system,
which affects organs and muscles throughout your body. Your
chiropractor treats the underlying problem, which can alleviate
painful symptoms.
Q: Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be effective?
A: No. While it's true that
patients often hear a "pop" during an adjustment,
similar to the sound you'd hear cracking your knuckles, it's
not related to the treatment's effectiveness. Instead, the
explanation lies in a lubricant called synovial fluid that's
found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases.
Separating joints creates pressure, which forces the gases
to rapidly escape, creating a "pop."
Q: How does chiropractic care help pregnant women?
A: Pregnancy places additional
weight and stress on women's bodies. Chiropractic treatment
can help relieve pregnancy-related low back, leg and shoulder
blade pain. It may also reduce incidences of headache and nausea.
Ask your chiropractor how much experience he or she has in
treating pregnant women.
Q: Is it true that chiropractors do not prescribe medication
or perform surgery?
A: Yes. Chiropractors do
not prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They
believe the body has the ability to heal itself, and therefore
focuses on providing it with the right elements for self-restoration.
This makes chiropractic one of the safest of all treatments.
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