Frequently
Asked Questions
Q. What is a subluxation?
A.
A vertebral subluxation is an area of altered spinal motion, tension or misalignment that interferes with the flow of information
and energy along spinal nerves and throughout your nervous system.
Q. How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?
A. You can have subluxations
and not even know about it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before the warning
signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Q. Are Chiropractic Adjustments
Safe?
A. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are
“remarkably safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys and excellent track record.
Chiropractic care is 250 times safer than taking an anti-inflamatory drug!
Q. Will Adjustments Make
My Spine Too Loose?
A. No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments.
This allows the muscles and ligaments to stabilise and heal.
Q. Can The Bones Move Too Much?
A. Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy,
delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal
joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments
specific and safe.
Q What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?
A. 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.
Q How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
A. The number of adjustments
varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent
visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilises. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Q Why Do Newborns Get Adjustments?
A. Even
today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that
colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric
adjustments are gentle.
Knowing exactly where to adjust, the chiropractor applies no more pressure than you’d
use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Q. Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?
A. Yes.
Rest assured that your chiropractor 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.
Q. Can Patients With Osteoporosis
Get Chiropractic Care?
A .Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers
the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be suited to your
age, size and condition.
Q. How Long Until I’ll Feel Better?
A. Some patients experience
almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How
long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition?
Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully
carry out their doctor’s recommendations.
Q Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
A. No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense
drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice and/or heat packs to control painful symptoms. When
properly applied, ice/heat can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
