How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a “subluxation” can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

When was chiropractic founded?
Chiropractic as we know it today was founded in Iowa in 1895 by Dr. David Palmer.

I’ve heard that chiropractors aren’t real doctors.
Chiropractic doctors complete about the same number of college classroom hours as medical practitioners. Chiropractors complete at least two years of undergraduate education plus at least four years of specialized chiropractic training. Chiropractors must pass both national and state board exams before practicing. Like other types of doctors, chiropractors meet stringent licensing requirements and follow a strict code of ethics.

Is chiropractic based on science or folklore?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system in your body. Specific techniques are used to determine underlying causes of pain or imbalance and to treat them. Extensive medical research and patients experiences confirm that patients get measurable results from chiropractic.

I’ve heard chiropractic causes strokes.
There have been no strokes reported from chiropractic treatment by a chiropractic doctor.

What is subluxation?
Subluxation, also known as vertebral subluxation complex, is what happens when spinal bones lose their normal motion or position due to stress, trauma or chemical imbalances.

How does a chiropractor treat subluxation?
Your chiropractor uses a series of safe adjustments, stretches, exercises, heat or ice to restore normal spinal function. A chiropractic “adjustment” is a carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to a more normal position or motion. Chiropractic doctors receive years of training to become experts at using the right amount of force in the right direction.Each chiropractic adjustment is tailored to the patient’s age, size and unique spinal problem.

What’s an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that are not moving right. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table, the force of gravity or extremely light contacts. There are many ways to adjust the spine, each adapted to an individual’s needs and comfort levels.

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 unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints “pop” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilising a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

How many adjustments will I need?
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.

Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors do not 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 medications.

Am I Too Old For Chiropractic Care?
More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity everyday of the week. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often falsely attributed to aging. Your chiropractor will modify their adjusting technique for maximum comfort and results.

Why do newborns and children get adjustments?
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 doctor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato in the kitchen. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee; but the unseen damage to the child’s spine is the unique speciality of your chiropractic doctor. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as growing pains can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.

Will I ever be pain free again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their life. Those who have neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse. Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system of your body. Your nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and all the nerves of your body.