What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those affecting the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal adjustments and other techniques to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote overall well-being.
What conditions can chiropractic care help with?
Chiropractic care is known to effectively treat a wide range of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, joint pain, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more. It can also contribute to improved posture, enhanced nervous system function, and overall wellness.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Yes, chiropractic treatment is considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to ensure the safety and efficacy of their treatments. They use gentle and precise techniques tailored to each patient’s needs.
Does chiropractic care hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. However, some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness after an adjustment, similar to post-exercise soreness. This discomfort is usually temporary and resolves within a short period. Chiropractors prioritize patient comfort and will adjust their techniques accordingly.
How long does a chiropractic appointment take?
The duration of a chiropractic appointment can vary depending on the complexity of your condition and the treatment plan. Initial consultations typically involve a detailed assessment, including medical history and physical examination, and may take 30-60 minutes. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter, ranging from 15-30 minutes.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
The number of chiropractic sessions required depends on various factors, including the nature and severity of your condition, your overall health, and your response to treatment. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others may require ongoing care for chronic or complex conditions. Your chiropractor will discuss a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Do I need a referral from a medical doctor to see a chiropractor?
No, you do not need a referral from a medical doctor to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are primary healthcare providers, and you can schedule an appointment directly with them. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so it’s advisable to check with your insurance provider.
Can chiropractic care be used alongside other medical treatments?
Yes, chiropractic care can often be used in conjunction with other medical treatments. Chiropractors collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, to provide comprehensive care and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
Is chiropractic care suitable for children and older adults?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for people of all ages, including children and older adults. Chiropractors can adapt their techniques to suit the specific needs and conditions of different age groups. Pediatric chiropractic care can address issues such as colic, ear infections, and postural problems, while chiropractic care for older adults can help manage age-related joint pain and mobility issues.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific plan. It is advisable to check with your insurance company to understand your coverage and any limitations or requirements, such as the need for a referral or pre-authorization.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nerve system. Trillions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of the affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control
Do I Have a Slipped Disc?
Between each pair of spinal bones is a disc. Its fibrous outer ring holds in a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a “ball bearing” for joint movement. Because of the way it attaches to the spinal bone above and below it, a disc can’t actually “slip.” However, a disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can’t slip.
Do I Have a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves. In fact, the weight of a dime at this vital area of the nerve root can reduce the function of that nerve up to 60%! This is truly the focus of the chiropractor’s work.
How Do You Get Subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How Do I Know If I Have a Subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?
Sometimes. Today’s hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve, a chiropractor is the only trained professional that can remove them.
What Is An Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a light, quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Some methods use doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the forces of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Most chiropractors specialize in scientific, specific and painless adjustments. At New Life, we work with patients to determine which technique would be best for them.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuitable. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Will Adjustments Make My Spine Too Loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Can The Bones Move Too Much?
A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. And if you don’t like the noise, just tell the chiropractor. There are many ways to give the adjustment without any noise.
Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?
No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom-tailored for his or her age, condition and health goals.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague for an adjustment to benefit from chiropractic care.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Why do newborns get adjustments?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Can I have Chiropractic care after back surgery?
Absolutely. Rest assured that your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus your chiropractic care.
Can patients with Osteoporosis Get Chiropractic Care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
How Long Until I’ll Feel Better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor’s recommendations.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.
Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
No. Chiropractors don’t dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
Why Don’t Medical Practitioners And Chiropractors Get Along?
That’s changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring patients to our office.
What If My Policy Doesn’t Cover Chiropractic?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It’s convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don’t allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make your health decisions for you. Call us and we’ll show you how you and your whole family can afford chiropractic care.
How Much Will It Cost?
Every case is different and the costs may vary, however we are dedicated to helping you reach your health goals while keeping the costs down. We offer very competitive pricing and have other discount programs available.
