1. 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 unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
2. Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal.
3. How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each practice member and their individual health goals. Many practice members sense some progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits are sometimes less often as your spine stabilizes. In difficult cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
4. Why would a newborn get adjusted?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Colic, unusual crying, poor appetite or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.
5. 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 chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
6. Can practice members with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each practice member. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
7. Isn’t some back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
8. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. This will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
9. How come I’ve never heard of subluxations before?
True, subluxations have not received the press that say, AIDS, cancer, cholesterol or heart disease have. However, subluxations are just as important and are often the underlying cause of a wide variety of health problems.
10. How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Stress, anger and fear are examples of emotional causes of subluxations. Alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet can be chemical causes of subluxations.
11. How can subluxations be corrected?
The primary form of care to reduce subluxations is a schedule of chiropractic adjustments. By applying a specific and precise force, in the right direction and at the right time, over time, changes in the position and motion of spinal bones can be made.
12. How can I tell if I have subluxations?
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 any subluxations you may have.
13. 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 minor problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor for an adjustment!
