Q: How Does Chiropractic Work?
A: Chiropractic philosophy says that the human body is self-healing, and has an inner intelligence which is controlled by your nervous system. The improper motion or position of the vertebrae, called a subluxation, can cause an interference between the exchange of information from the brain and nervous system to the organs and tissues. This interference can then result in compromised function of those tissues. Adjustments can help this communication and restore health.
Q: What Is An Adjustment?
A: Chiropractic adjustments typically involve a quick, gentle push on the spine with the doctor’s hands to help restore motion that has been lost to certain places in the spine. Adjustments can also be made using a special table or an instrument.
Q: Can I Adjust Myself?
A: No. Occasionally people hear their bones make a “popping” noise, like the sound that sometimes is heard during an adjustment. Sometimes people try to make their own joints do this. This can be damaging to the spine, and can actually make your problem worse. Even Dr. Josh must see a colleague for his own adjustments, which he does quite regularly.
Q: How Do You Get A Subluxation?
A: They can be caused by physical, emotional or chemical means. Examples of physical causes would be a fall, accident, poor posture, poor lifting techniques or repetitive motions. Emotional stressors, poor nutrition, alcohol/drug use are other ways that we get subluxations.
Q: How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?
A: You could have one and not know. If you do, your doctor will find it. Similar to early stages of cancer, your spine can have subluxations without any warning signs.
Q: When Will I Feel Better?
A: Many people feel some benefit after a few visits, and more significant benefit after 2-3 weeks of treatment. Your visits will become less frequent as you heal and your spine stabilizes. In some cases, complete healing may not occur for months or years, but this depends on how old and chronic your problem is.
Q: How Many Times Will I Need To Be Adjusted?
A: This will vary based on many factors and is based on each individual’s case. We help you identify your health goals, and then make an action plan together to reach them. Healing rates vary from one person to another, and everyone responds differently to their treatment. One plan certainly does not fit all!
Q: Why Do Babies and Children Get Adjustments?
A: The process of childbirth can affect the infant’s spine. Young children and toddlers tend to have many small accidents and falls, which may seem harmless, such as jumping on a bed and falling, but can cause spinal stress. Recurring infections (ear infections, strep throat), colic, and excessive crying could all be related to spinal stress. Adjustments for children and infants are extremely gentle, and involve very light pressure.
Q: Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?
A: Yes. The doctor will take special care to avoid the exact spinal area of the surgery, and will focus treatment to the regions just above and below.
Q: Can Chiropractic Care Prevent Back Surgery?
A: Sometimes, in the case of disc problems. When a patient first learns they have a disc injury, they may decide to try a conservative approach to treatment, such as chiropractic care, prior to undergoing surgery. Chiropractic can help the disc and spine heal, and then surgery may become unnecessary. Often, a surgeon will recommend conservative treatment for about 3 months prior to seriously considering surgery for someone with a disc herniation or injury.
Q: Is Chiropractic Safe?
A: Yes. As the largest, drug free, non-surgical type of health care, chiropractic is among the safest of all health care practices.
