FAQ's & Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help me with my problem?
A doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) will perform a thorough examination to diagnose the cause of your problem. This will determine if chiropractic treatment can help you. If necessary, he/she may order special tests such as x-rays or lab tests. Your D.C. will then explain your diagnosis, recommend a treatment plan and discuss treatment options. If at any time it is discovered that your condition requires treatment by another specialist, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate physician.

Do I have to have x-rays taken?
X-rays are sometimes necessary to make a diagnosis or to be sure that you do not have a more serious disease. This decision is made on an individual basis, based on a patient’s age, medical history, type of symptoms, etc. However, in many cases of low back and neck pain, x-rays are not required. A prudent chiropractor will not routinely take x-rays of every patient.

What kind of treatments do chiropractors use?
Chiropractors are best known for using spinal manipulation or adjustments. However in addition to manipulation, chiropractors employ a variety of other treatments including: soft tissue therapies (such as or trigger point therapy), physiotherapy modalities (such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation), therapeutic exercise (such as lumbar stabilization and proprioceptive training). Some chiropractors also use holistic therapies such as nutritional treatments, stress management, and herbal therapies. In any case, the appropriate treatments should be determined based upon your specific condition.

How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Some conditions can resolve in one or two treatments. Others may require weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation. A general guideline for an acute episode of low back pain of mild to moderate severity with no complicating factors is 6 to 10 treatments over 2 to 4 weeks.

Will I have to keep coming back forever?
No! The goal of appropriate chiropractic treatment is to get you out of pain and on your own as soon as possible. Some cases may take longer than others, but every case should have a clear end point. For most acute episodes of simple back or neck pain, it is inappropriate for treatments to be carried out indefinitely.

7 Reasons to Continue Your Care

1. Continue Your Progress
When your symptoms are gone, you feel better. You may even be tempted to believe that your recovery is complete. However, research indicates that ligaments and discs, because they have a poor blood supply, heal very slowly. Muscles damaged by nervous system interference may have formed fibrotic scar tissue and lost their natural elasticity. There is no way to hurry the natural healing of these soft tissues. Chiropractic wellness care monitors and encourages the progress of your healing. Continuing care combined with lifestyle modifications will assure you of a more lasting recovery.

2. Prevent a Relapse
Muscle and connective tissue damaged by improper spinal function often adapt to stress in unhealthy patterns. Even after the bones of your spine are restored to a more position and morion, these tissues still “remember” those unhealthy patterns. Without continuing chiropractic care, they are predisposed to slip back into those old patterns. For a simple comparison, think about what happens when an orthodontist takes the braces off teeth. Even though the teeth look great, they are not yet fully stabilized in their new positions. That’s why a retainer is prescribed to maintain alignment. Without it, teeth may again begin to shift. Like teeth that have been straightened, your spine also needs additional time and care to achieve lasting results. Rehabilitative care strengthens and restrains your spine, supporting muscles and tissues, helping prevent relapse.

3. Prevent Future Problems
Many everyday activities can stress your spine. Even very slight, easily-forgotten trauma can case improper spinal function. Worry, accidental falls, improper lifting, environmental toxins, sports strain, or even sitting too long can turn into spinal problems that grow over time. And in turn, this can cause the brain and nervous system to miscommunicate with other parts of the body, damaging your good health. Regular chiropractic checkups and maintenance care manages small problems before they develop into big ones.

4. Save Money
Numerous studies by government and private agencies indicate that chiropractic care is not only more effective than conventional medical management for most back-related health problems, it is also less costly. While some patients seek chiropractic care only when pain is unbearable, this “crisis” approach often costs more in the long run–in time, stress, and dollars. Most people are wise enough to know it costs less to stay well than get well. Like regularly changing the oil in your car can save your engine, or brushing and flossing can save you from major dental work, regular chiropractic checkups help you avoid preventable health problems and costs. The investment you make in you own good health makes sense.

5. Feel Good
When you are at your best physically, other things seem to go better, too. Your job, your relationships, and especially your enjoyment of life. That’s why the chiropractic lifestyle encourages regular checkups to maintain optimum health. Chiropractic patients often report higher energy levels and better concentration than they’ve ever experienced before. Based on his or her clinical experience, your chiropractor can recommend a preventative care schedule that will help keep you at your best.

6. Your Own Health Resource
Think of your doctor as a partner and a resource in building good health. The more you understand about the role of your spine and nervous system in your health, the better your decisions are about your own care. So ask questions. Take an active role in learning more about your recovery and wellness. Your chiropractor will be glad to take the time to thoroughly explain all recommendations and procedures. In addition to chiropractic checkups and maintenance, your doctor is available to talk with you about lifestyle and behavior modifications that can help you achieve better health.

7. Assure Your Safety
Chiropractic care is not only remarkably effective, it is also remarkably safe. We all know that prescription drug and medical mishaps are all too common in the news. However, chiropractic patients seldom report an unfavorable result from treatment. The chiropractic approach to better health is to find and correct interferences to your body’s natural state of good health, not just to treat symptoms. This conservative, natural approach avoids the dangers associated with invasive procedures such as surgery and addictive drugs. Isn’t good health for you and your family your most valuable possession?