Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractors have been trained to detect and correct postural, muscular, and skeletal abnormalities that lead to pain, disability, and decreased health. After a brief history and exam, your condition will be explained, and your questions answered. Based upon the exam findings, recommendations will be made to correct any problem.
Treatment will include an adjustment (if indicated), to correct any subluxations. Physiotherapy, such as interferential current, moist heat, ultrasound, or massage may also be applied. Home care, such as stretching and/or specific strengthening exercises, when appropriate, will also be recommended to increase long term benefit.
A subluxation is minor “mis-alignment” of the bones of the spine. Tight muscles, decreased range of motion, pain and stiffness are common signs and symptoms that a joint is not functioning properly. This mal-function can lead to dehydration of the disc and joints which can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis. Toxins and inflammatory products build up around the joints and can damage surrounding nerves and tissues causing pain and eventually, degeneration.
Chiropractors correct the malfunction by adjusting the affected joint. Certain physiotherapies may also be used to reduce muscle spasms, pain and inflammation. He/she may also discuss stretching and exercise techniques to enhance long term benefits.
An adjustment is a technique used by chiropractors to correct a subluxation. It is a scientifically researched method used to restore function to the joint and flexibility to the muscles and ligaments surrounding it. When the muscles and joints do not function properly, inflammation and toxins build up in the surrounding tissue causing cellular damage and pain. The adjustment, while improving the joints mobility also flushes out the inflammatory products which helps to restore health to the joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves.
Chiropractic adjustments are no more addictive than a healthy lifestyle is “addictive”. People who exercise regularly become “addicted”, in a way, to the exercise, just as people who eat healthy tend to crave wholesome food.
It is true that there are chemicals released during an adjustment. These chemicals, endorphins, are the same chemicals that are released during aerobic exercise, and while they do promote a sense of well being, or “natural high/runner’s high”, they are not addictive.
Many people have heard that chiropractors always keep you coming back. While it is true that some problems require several visits, the patient will receive an honest evaluation and a reasonable treatment plan before beginning care. On average, a condition will call for 1 to 3 treatments. Once pain is diminished and range of motion is within normal limits, the patient is released from active care.
A monthly adjustment is often recommended to keep the joints and muscles healthy and functioning at their best. Of course, some conditions that involve trauma, or are chronic, may require more frequent visits at first, tapering off as the condition improves. The goal is to return a patient to full, pain-free function as soon as possible, and to help them stay that way.
