Is Chiropractic Safe?

Questions & Answers*

How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation? Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?
What's An Adjustment? Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment? Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?
How Many Adjustments Will I Need? Why Do Newborns Get Adjusted?
Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery? Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
What If My Policy Doesn't Cover Chiropractic? What if Chiropractic Doesn't Work?

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, you need a chiropractic doctor.

What's An Adjustment? Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

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.

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.

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.

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 Adjusted? 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? Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor 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 of your chiropractic care.

Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain? No. Chiropractic doctors 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 medication.

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 the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

What if Chiropractic Doesn't Work? If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.

 


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Information provided by Patient Media.