The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as "spinal manipulation," also called "chiropractic adjustment." The purpose of manipulation is to restore decrease nerve impingement and joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into motor units / vertebrae that have become subluxated. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores neuromuscular conditions and mobility, thereby alleviating pain.
What causes the sound of an adjustment?
Not all adjustments produce a "crack" or "pop" sound (I, as a chiropractor hate those terms). However, the sound of a spinal joint release is somewhat of a mystery. A British research team may have solved it when moving x-ray studies were done on "popping" hand joints (knuckles). The sound appears to be caused by gas rushing in to fill the vacumn created when the joints are separated.
Is chiropractic similar to massage?
No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column and nervous system. Massage therapists are dealing with muscle tension and circulation. Some chiropractic techniques may use massage or muscle trigger points to help support the adjustment by relieving or improving muscles and circulation.
Can a person with back surgery be seen in our office?
Yes. A number of our patients have had back surgery. We recommend surgery as a last resort of treatment for spinal condition. We attempt to do all we can before that recommendation.
Do you refer to M.D., D.O., Orthopedic Surgeon, Neurologist and Physiatrist?
Yes. Over the years we have established a good reputation with such physicians. If we feel it is in your best interest we send reports and refer to other professionals.
What age should chiropractic begin?
We have many children as patients for spinal correction from falls and trauma, posture, hyperactivity, fever, colds, colic, etc. Newborns have received spinal adjustments. These are different than adult treatment, especially after a difficult delivery.
Can I go only once?
Of course. Once is better than never but chiropractic can help in many ways. Often a spinal condition did not appear overnight and they are probably not repaired by one adjustment.
Do I see the chiropractor when I feel good?
Our patients respond with "I don't want that coming back!" I often use the example of my dentists' to explain this. Do I wait until I have a cavity to have it filled. "NO" We wish to prevent diseases/conditions from occurring. We don't wait for our children to get hit by a car before we ask them to look both ways. Good health practices and prevention is always recommended.
Do chiropractors go to school as much as medical doctors?
Below is a general chart of hours for both professions: |
