We realize that Chiropractic care is a new concept to many. Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) we’ve addressed over the years, along with answers that will help you better understand Chiropractic care.
Does Chiropractic Treatment Hurt?
No, not generally. There are certainly times when correction of a posture is uncomfortable. Much like working out, or performing a strenuous task of which you are unaccustomed. However every effort is made to work within your tolerance, to make as much change as possible, in as short a time as possible, with minimal discomfort. Many times, patients have had an abnormal posture for many years. When this is the case, the muscles, ligaments, and joints are accustomed to their current position. Changing that position is important, and at times uncomfortable. However again I stress, never in such a way as to be intolerable to the patient.
How is Chiropractic Biophysics ® (CBP®) different from other chiropractic techniques?
A: Chiropractic Biophysics ® (CBP®) is the most scientific and highly researched chiropractic technique. As a CBP® doctor, I concentrate not only on alleviating pain through adjustments but also on correcting abnormal spinal postures. Abnormal spinal posture has been shown to place pressure on the bones of the spine, thereby affecting the discs, muscles, and ligaments and causing pain. I use my training as a CBP® doctor to design a specific treatment plan for each of my patients that includes exercise, adjustments and traction. This specific protocol is designed specifically to correct abnormal posture and to reduce mechanical stress on the bones, muscles, discs and ligaments. My patients not only feel better but also enjoy the long-term benefits of a healthier, stronger and more stable spine.
What kinds of things does a chiropractor treat?
A: In our office, patients present with a variety of conditions ranging from lower back pain, to childhood ear infections. Regardless of the type of condition presented by the patient, the spinal analysis is the same. I am concerned about how your spinal and postural structure is affecting your nervous system, your muscles, joints and ligaments. The greater majority of the time, structural problems are the cause of musculoskeletal pain, and often, the root cause of other problems as well. By finding the cause of your problem, we are able to assist your own body in healing itself.
That said, the most common types of problems we see are; neck pain, back pain, headache, problems associated with automobile, work or athletic accidents or injuries. In addition, there are patients who are looking for a conservative approach to an athletic injury or extremity (arms and legs) problem. There are also more and more people who present for examination simply because they have learned that in order to be as healthy as possible, they must have normal structure. Therefore, they want their spine and posture checked and corrected if it is found to be out of alignment from normal.
When should someone have their spine examined?
A: I am asked this question quite often by patients who attend my Spinal Care Class. The answer is quite simple. As soon as possible after birth.
This answer occasionally startles people because they think if they do not have pain, why should they be examined?
If this philosophy was applied to dental evaluations and treatment, the condition of your teeth would be quite nasty. You could have multiple cavities, and possibly gum disease before you ever had any symptoms. What a shame! Why not be proactive and find out early if you have a spinal problem, and then correct it or improve it as much as possible. You then have the option of maintaining a better quality of life, and enjoying optimum health.
Why should I care about my posture?
A: Your posture is an outward representation of how your spine is built. Research into what makes a body healthy has demonstrated without a doubt that normal posture is essential for your body to function optimally. The majority of the afflictions which plague mankind have as their root, abnormal structure. By making certain your posture is as good as possible, you ultimately enable your body to be as healthy as possible, and even avoid many if not all of the problems associated with an aging spine. There is substantial evidence published in peer reviewed journals showing poor posture can have an effect on your mobility, balance, health, and spine pain.
