Most Asked
Questions
We listed the questions we are asked most often.
If you should have a question that is not answered here,
please call or email your
question to Dr. Karen
Is chiropractic care safe?
Absolutely. Compared to other medical treatments, which include medication
and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest. It is estimated that 140000
people in the USA die each year from drug-related reactions and nearly
100.000 people die as result of medical errors. Insurance companies who
evaluate the risks of all professions, and charge a premium based on the
risk the profession poses. Chiropractors have by far the lowest insurance
premium of all medical providers. Even though thousands of chiropractic adjustments are
made each year, only a few complaints are registered.
What is an adjustment?
A gentle, carefully placed thrust which moves vertebrae into their proper
position. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but
occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the adjustment is to
correct a spinal subluxation.
What is a subluxation?
Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebrae) that is not in its right
position or not moving in its normal range of motion. Misaligned vertebrae
are irritating nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the way your
body communicates with your spine. Subluxations are the cause of many pains
and dysfunctions in muscles and organs. The body’s natural ability to heal
itself is greatly improved with the subluxation removed.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic
adjustments are not only virtually painless, they actually feel great and relieving.
In cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to adjustments and
cause some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment may soothe
any irritation.
What causes the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?
The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the
bones themselves. It's coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that's
found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the
adjustment the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position.
This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gasses and creates a
“pop” similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off a bottle of
Champagne. Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce
the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even if
you do not hear any noise.
Will repeated chiropractic adjustment lead to arthritis?
There is no evidence to suggest that manipulation of the spine or other
chiropractic care can lead to arthritis. On the contrary, chiropractors
often care for people with arthritis by maintaining joint health. Motion is
life when it comes to joint health.
Is it safe to crack my own back or neck?
This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised
over its safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve
pressure on the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's back or neck is
not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming
back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real
adjustment. The cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed
vertebrae, has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust
him/herself. You should not try to do it yourself, either.
Is there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have
subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In Denmark, for example,
Chiropractic Doctors are part of the birthing team. Children's subluxations
should be treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control
developing muscles and organs. of the body consist of cartilage growth
centers that the bone grows from. Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing
spine and other bones and joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your
chiropractor can detect these problems while they're easy to correct.
Can chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Chiropractors are part of a network of health-care professionals. Like other
doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors
are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside
their scope of treatments and they will not hesitate to make a referral when
it's in a patient's best interest.
Can chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Chiropractors believe in the body’s ability to heal itself and for that reason they don't prescribe
medication or perform invasive procedures. They focus on providing your body
with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring free-flowing
communication between all parts of your body.
Should chiropractic care continue even after I feel fine?
Chiropractors are trained to detect problem areas in your spine before they develop into
problem conditions or symptoms. Just because symptoms disappear, does not
mean your subluxations are corrected. Regular adjustments help to maintain
or support a healthy spine and nervous system. Maintenance or wellness
spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition and
exercise, can effectively prevent pain. However, how you choose to use
chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. a nice smile. If your spine wears
out, there is no solution. Because your spine directly influences the
function of your nervous system, spinal decay permanently damages the nerves
and spinal cord. Nearly everyone flosses and brushes their teeth even though
their teeth don't hurt. Spinal adjustments are like flossing the spine.
Lifetime care of the spine should be a priority!
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