Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

If you have a question that we have not touched on - please call our office and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about chiropractic care.

How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing and self-regulated by your nervous system. Electric impulses flow from your brain down your spinal cord. Pairs of spinal nerves branch off from between each spinal joint. These nerves link your brain with every cell and tissue of the body. Because their close proximity to the moving bones of the spine, improper motion or position of the vertebrae can cause irritate and compromise nerve function. As a chiropractor it is my job to locate these areas of your spine and reduce their effects with a spinal adjustment.

Will my health insurance cover chiropractic benefits, and do I need a referral from my primary doctor first?

Today, most insurance companies cover chiropractic benefits from 70%-100%. Most insurance companies do not require you to obtain a referral depending on the type of insurance coverage, ex. PPO POS, EPO, HMO, but we advise you to check with your health plan first.

Do I have a slipped disc?

A disc cannot slip because it has connective fibers that attach it directly to the vertebra above and below it. However, a disc can bulge, herniated, tear, dehydrate, or thin which can cause nerve irritation and even refer sensations into the extremities.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

It is more likely that a vertebrae in your neck or back is stretching or irritating a nerve tissue. This is called subluxation which can affect the nerve messages between the brain and body, and cause a lot of health problems.

What is that "cracking" noise I hear when I get adjusted?

The "cracking" noise is a liberation of synovial gases as the articular surfaces of the vertebral joints are adjusted (e.g., "cracking" your knuckles).

What are other causes of low back pain?

There are many other conditions that can cause back pain. Some of these are congenital, such as scoliosis. Most causes of back pain, however, result from an injury or trauma. Common causes of back pain include:

  • Muscle Strain
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Sciatica or pinched nerve
  • Sacroiliac Joint Inflammation

There are also many other conditions that can contribute to back pain. These conditions are almost always treated non-surgically, resulting in a successful outcome the vast majority of the time.

How long until I feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others find it can take weeks or months. Factors such as age, occupation, health, and daily activities can have a major effect on the healing process. Most patients see results within two to three weeks of care.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

Some patients rely on chiropractic to help manage episodes of spinal problems. Others use chiropractic as a means of preventative care. It is up to you.

How does the chiropractor arrive at a diagnosis?

After studying your health history and examination is performed. Physical, orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic testing help us locate the cause of your problem. If needed diagnostic images (X-rays, MRI, Ctscans and EMGs) can be used to further evaluate your problem.

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the health care profession whose primary concern is the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral subluxations.

Chiropractic relies heavily on the concept that the body is a self-healing, self-regulating mechanism. The body is able to accomplish this via the nervous system, which links the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and spinal nerves) with every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. This life giving force of the nervous system is used to build, organize, and replace cells and tissues throughout the body. The nervous system is responsible for coordinating your health.

What is subluxation?

The nervous system can lose its ability to control and monitor the tissues and organs of the body if a subluxation exists in the neck or back. Joint, nerve, muscle, soft tissue, and degenerative changes are common findings around a sublaxated vertebrae. A subluxatated vertebrae is malpositioned and/or not moving correctly and can irritate delicate nerve tissue, cause muscle spasms, referred pain into extremities and result in ill health.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

An adjustment is the use of an applied force in a specific location, and direction to an area of the spine that is subluxated to help normalize function.

What causes subluxations?

Occupational hazards such as sitting all day, lifting all day, repetitive movements, answering phones or weed eating, vacuuming and many other activities that require maintaining an out of position posture.

Past history of trauma - ie; slip and fall, auto accident, sports injuries, and lifting injuries. It is not uncommon for old injuries to cause subluxations without symptoms until several years have passed.

Poor muscle tone, lack of fitness, overweight and working overtime.

New mothers are especially at risk after having a baby - ie; breast feeding, carrying baby in and out of cars, lack or sleep and the list goes on!

Genetic factors such as a poorly formed vertebrae, anatomical short leg, scoliosis, and there are many others.