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| Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQ) |
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1.
What is chiropractic?
2. How does chiropractic work?
3. What do chiropractic doctors do on each visit?
4. What type of education do chiropractic physicians
get?
5. What is an adjustment?
6. What is a subluxation?
7. Does everyone need to be X-rayed?
8. Are all patients adjusted the same way?
9. Is it bad to pop your neck and back?
10. Is chiropractic safe?
11. Is chiropractic good for kids?
12. How old is too old for chiropractic help?
13. How long will I need to see a chiropractor?
1. What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is that science, philosophy, and art which deals with the inherent
recuperative powers of the body to heal itself. Chiropractic deals primarily with
the structure and function of the nervous system. Chiropractic is supported by
science, which proves that bodies were designed for self-regulation and self-healing.
The function of the nervous system is controlled by the brain and spinal cord.
These structures are protected by the skull and spinal columns (vertebrae). When
there is impairment in the function of the nervous system there will be a malfunction
of tissues and organs throughout the body. This can be seen with pain or without
pain.
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2. How does chiropractic
work?
Chiropractic works by restoring the natural function of joints, muscles, organs,
and tissue that have malfunctioned due to impairment of the nervous system. When
your body’s nervous system functions at its best with no impairment then
you are capable of functioning at your maximum level of health. A common impairment
seen within the nervous system is a subluxation of the spinal column. As subluxations
are removed from the body, often the nervous system will function at a much higher
level.
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3. What do chiropractic doctors do
on each visit?
Chiropractic is the detection and correction of subluxations (see #6) within the
body. Chiropractors use skilled techniques in the diagnosis of subluxations within
the human body. After the chiropractic physician has located these areas of concern
he/she will correct the structural subluxation in order for the body to function
at a higher level. Today's chiropractor looks for the underlying problem within
the nervous system in order to improve the functionality of the body as a whole.
A high functioning nervous system can lead to the restoration of health and a
full life.
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4. What type of
education do chiropractic physicians get?
The chiropractic physician of today has a very good education based on science,
skills, and philosophy. Doctors of chiropractic have a comprehensive background
in anatomy, physiology, pathology, roentgenology (X-rays), spinal adjusting techniques,
biomechanics, and other related subjects. To be a doctor of chiropractic one must
graduate from a CCE-accredited school. To practice as a doctor of chiropractic,
one must pass parts I, II, III, and IV of the National Board Examinations and
a State Board Examination. A chiropractic education never really ends. Doctors
of chiropractic have to take postgraduate studies in order to renew their license.
Dr. Williams has completed extra postgraduate studies to become a Board
Certified Sports Physician.
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5. What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the use of specific forces in a precise direction applied to
a joint that is subluxated (fixated). An adjustment properly aligns two adjacent
bones and soft tissue so that they may function correctly. An adjustment helps
to improve spinal function, neurological function, soft tissue function, and thus
promote better health.
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6. What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a decrease in the normal position and motion of the spinal bones
(vertebrae). The subluxation is made up of five components: kinesiopathology,
neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology, and pathophysiology. Kinesiopathology
is the loss of normal motion and position. Neuropathophysiology is the impairment
of the nervous system. Myopathology is the impairment of surrounding muscles.
Histopathology is the swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels around the
area of complaint. Pathophysiology is pathology directly related to the impairment
of the subluxation. The subluxation can cause pain but not always. Subluxation
is often the underlying cause of many problems.
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7. Does everyone
need to be X-rayed?
Not everyone needs to be X-rayed. Chiropractic physicians practice with this principle
in mind: “Above all, do no harm.” The benefit must outweigh the risks.
The benefit of taking X-rays must outweigh the risk of not taking the X-ray and
potentially doing harm to the patient. X-rays are taken only when they will help
the doctor understand more clearly what will benefit the patient. X-rays are a
great way to gather information without being invasive. Many times X-rays help
in diagnosing what is the actual cause of the problem.
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8. Are all patients
adjusted the same way?
No. All patients are not adjusted the same way. Each patient is evaluated for
his or her specific complaints and problems. The doctor of chiropractic treats
each patient based on how they present on that particular day. What was good for
you yesterday may not be the best for you today. We are always trying to give
the best service possible to our patients. Each adjustment is specific to each
patient.
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9. Is it bad to
pop your neck and back?
Yes. It is bad to pop your own neck or back. Many times you can turn or twist
in such a way to create a popping sound, but this is usually counterproductive.
By popping yourself you could actually be doing your body harm, rather than good.
Damage can be seen to the ligaments and discs in the area being popped if not
under the care of a chiropractic physician. Many people go to all kind of lengths
to adjust themselves, but it is impossible to adjust yourself correctly with accuracy.
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10. Is chiropractic
safe?
Chiropractic is extremely safe. Chiropractic has an extremely successful track
record with regard to safety. Time has proven the safety of chiropractic. The
education, experience, history of the patient, and examination of the patient
help to make chiropractic safe and effective. There are many articles in peer
reviewed journals which support the efficacy of chiropractic.
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11. Is chiropractic
good for kids?
The reality is that most kids experience some sort of trauma that may cause spinal
concerns. Learning to walk, ride a bike, play a sport, bang a knee, slip and fall—can
cause spinal problems. Only a chiropractor can examine children for subluxations
within the spine. Many times childhood complaints are brushed off as growing pains
yet in fact are more than that. Chiropractic is good for children of all ages;
many patients who understand the effects of chiropractic get their newborns checked
by their chiropractor because of the trauma experienced in many births. Chiropractic
adjustments are modified for children of different ages. A child’s spine
is smaller and more delicate than an adult, and measures need to be taken to prevent
further injury.
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12. How old is
too old for chiropractic help?
You are never too old to benefit from chiropractic care. Newborns are adjusted
as well as 98-year-old men and women. Chiropractors are taught different adjusting
techniques in order to benefit all patients regardless of age and frailty. Naturally,
we take special precautions with patients with special needs such as older patients
with osteoporosis and/or newborn babies. Patients of all ages benefit from chiropractic
care.
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13. How long will
I need to see a chiropractor?
There are three levels of chiropractic care: relief (soothing symptomatic) care,
corrective care, and preventative care. How long you need chiropractic is determined
by how well you understand chiropractic. How long do you need to keep your teeth
healthy? Relief care is short and gets you out of pain, yet doesn’t correct
for the structural problems that caused the pain in the first place. Corrective
care is several months long and is used to correct the structural problem and
strengthen the area of complaint so that the problem doesn’t come back. Preventative
care is once every few months in order to prevent small problems from becoming
larger ones. Preventative care is much like check ups to a medical doctor and
dentist. You only get one set of teeth and one set of spinal bones, but unlike
teeth, you can’t get replacements without causing further damage. Take care
of the one you have.
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