FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic overview: Chiropractic is non-surgical, drug-free therapy that seeks to treat the "total person". It includes spinal manipulation and non-manipulative therapies such as electrical stimulation, massage and ultrasound. If a patient's spine is unstable with nerve root impingement, chiropractic care may be the best option.
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC PHILOSOPHY?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) believe that good health is dependent on a normal, well-functioning central nervous system. The central nervous system includes the spinal column, spinal cord and nerve roots. Chiropractic philosophy includes:
- The central nervous system (CNS) is critical to the body' overall health.
- It is essential to treat the cause of illness, not just the symptoms.
- Prevention and early intervention (e.g. diagnosis) is crucial.
Chiropractic emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition, daily exercise and lifestyle modification to promote good physical and mental health.
DO CHIROPRACTORS DO EXAMINATIONS?
Chiropractors follow the same diagnostic course as medical doctors. The consultation includes a thorough review of the patient's history, current symptoms, physical examination, and x-ray or other imaging studies, and lab tests. In addition, mobility and positioning of spinal joints, muscle function, posture, and over all range of motion are evaluated.
WHAT ARE MANIPULATIVE THERAPIES?
By hand, the chiropractor applies specifically controlled pressure directly to adjust the spinal joints to correct dysfunction, e.g. pain, numbness, dizziness, a feeling of pins and needles.
Flexion Distraction combines chiropractic manipulation with gentle movement while the patient lies on a specialized treatment table.
WHAT NON-MANIPULATIVE THERAPIES MIGHT BE PRESCRIBED FOR ME?
Electrical Stimulation delivers current through the patient's skin to specific nerves. The current produces a nerve signal that works to relieve stiffness and pain and helps to improve body function.
Massage is performed by qualified therapists trained in acupressure, and special therapeutic trigger-point and deep myofascial work to benefit patients with muscle imbalance and stress.
Ultrasound promotes circulation and healing, relaxes muscle spasm, decreases inflammation and helps to alleviate pain.
Inversion/Decompression Traction relives pain and over time helps with the remodel of Disc Bulging, Herniations, Sciatica, and Degenerative Arthritis.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON SPINE CONDITIONS?
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Adult Degenerative Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Neck Pain/Strain
- Cervical Disc Herniation
- Cervical Stenosis
- Ischemic Spondylolisthesis
- Low Back Strain
- Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Lumbar Stenosis
- Whiplash
- Joint Pain: Shoulders, Wrists, Hands, Hips, Knees, Feet