 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic
1) What does a Chiropractic Physician do to actually
relieve my pain?
2) What exactly is a “chiropractic adjustment”?
3) What causes the sound of an adjustment?
4) What should I expect after my first adjustment?
5) How many adjustments will my condition require?
6) Can pregnant women be adjusted?
7) Should children be adjusted?
8) What types of conditions do chiropractors treat?
9) What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
10) Does my health insurance cover chiropractic care?
1) What does a Chiropractic Physician do to
actually relieve my pain?
The Chiropractic Physician is the only physician trained to diagnose
and treat the “Vertabral Subluxation Complex” (VSC), which is the
primary source of nervous system interference. Our bodies require
uninterrupted nervous system function for optimal body performance, just
as a light requires proper electrical wiring to receive maximum wattage.
Our nervous system is the electricity to our body systems. The
subluxation complex is represented by at least 4 components.
A. Abnormal motion of joints; usually lack of motion. (Hypomobility
or Fixation)
B. Abnormal nerve function; pinched or irritated nerves. (Neuritis or
Neuropathy)
C. Abnormal muscle function; stiff and sore muscles. (Spasm and Trigger
Points)
D. Abnormal function of soft tissues. (Inflammation, Swelling or Strain)
The chiropractor uses manual treatments such as spinal manipulation
or “adjustments” to restore mobility to joints, remove nerve irritation,
relax muscles and reduce pain. The chiropractor doesn’t just treat the
symptoms; instead, the cause of the pain is located and corrected. Any
condition found to be beyond the scope of chiropractic care would be
referred to the proper specialist.
2) What exactly is a “chiropractic adjustment”?
A chiropractic adjustment is specific and gentle. A gentle thrust is
applied to a specific area of the spine or extremity where function has
been compromised. Muscles and tendons are attached to bones, therefore
when motion is induced into a locked joint the muscle tends to
reflexively relax. Pain relief comes from the relaxation of the involved
muscles, increased motion in the joint, as well as the stimulation of
complex nerve pathways that aid in decreasing the perception of pain. In
summary, the chiropractic adjustment can positively affect the body’s
nervous system, increase range of motion, decrease pain and ultimately
improve function. Many people describe a sense of lightness, like a
weight was lifted off their shoulders and notice significant relief
after receiving an adjustment.
3) What causes the sound of an adjustment?
The sound that is sometimes heard with the adjustment is often
referred to as a “release”, “pop”, or “crack”. This pop or crack results
from a sudden pressure change within the joints when the joint surfaces
are separated allowing for an increase in mobility. A gas is released
from the joint capsule at this moment just as when you open a soda.
Imagine suction on a wet surface and the noise it makes when you release
the suction. An adjustment is very quick and is almost always painless.
In fact most people remark that it feels good.
4) What should I expect after my first adjustment?
Reaction to the first adjustment can be quite varied depending upon
the individual patient and their specific condition. It is not unusual
however, to have some minor soreness after your first few adjustments.
Spinal manipulation increases the mobility of joints by stretching
muscles, tendons and ligaments and may even break up adhesions or scar
tissue. This soreness should resemble that of the feeling you experience
after not working out for a while. Most patients, however, experience a
“euphoric” feeling or a feeling of deep relaxation. Some patients
comment that their body “feels lighter” after the adjustment.
5) How many adjustments will my condition require?
There is no magic number of treatments for any condition. Everyone
heals at different rates and responds to treatment in their own way.
Every individual case is unique and requires case specific
recommendations. Treatment recommendations are based on palpation,
orthopedic and neurological tests, as well as degree of pain and
disability as experienced by the patient. Most acute cases require 2-3
visits per week with decreasing frequency as the condition improves.
Chiropractic care is like an exercise program for the joints of the
spine and the nervous system, which both need to be retrained. Each
visit builds on the previous one to aid in restoring normal joint
motion, reducing nerve irritation, relaxing muscles and reducing
inflammation. Ultimately, how long you decide to benefit from
chiropractic care is up to you.
6) Can pregnant women be adjusted?
Unfortunately aches and pains are a common occurrence during this
time due to the increased weight load and hormonal changes taking place.
Fortunately, chiropractic care is non invasive and completely safe
throughout the entire pregnancy. A chiropractic table in which the belly
section drops down makes getting adjusted very comfortable. The
chiropractor will ensure that the patient’s pelvic and spinal joints are
all moving correctly to help ease the delivery process.
7) Should children be adjusted?
Children respond very well to chiropractic care. In fact, getting
adjusted as a child or teenager can be beneficial in preventing many
common adult problems. Developing good lifestyle habits at an early age
is the ultimate in preventative medicine. Proper nutrition, correct
posture, appropriate exercise, and stress reduction can all have a
profound effect on the life of an individual. It is never too early to
instill health conscious ideals.
Children abuse their bodies just as much, if not more than adults. Think
about all the jumping, bouncing and falling that kids endure. Yes, they
bounce back much quicker, but what are the ramifications of these things
later in life? Only time can tell. Chiropractic can help to maintain the
balance of a child’s spine, nervous and musculoskeletal system.
Research suggests that chiropractic treatment can boost the body’s own
immune system. Less frequent colds and ear infections, as well as
shorter healing times are seen with regular chiropractic treatment.
8) What types of conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic has successfully helped treat many patients with
musculoskeletal conditions as well as several other seemingly
“non-spinal” conditions. These are some common conditions treated by
chiropractors.
Headaches
Sciatica
Pregnancy related pain
TMJ Dysfunction
Neck Pain/Stiffness
Shoulder Pain/Stiffness
Muscle Spasms
Muscle Weakness
Back Pain/Stiffness
Tennis/Golf Elbow
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Numbness and Tingling
Sprains and Strains
Decreased Range of Motion
Hip, Knee and Foot Pain
Postural Imbalances
Menstrual Cramps
Ear Infections
Asthma
Arthritis
Dizziness
Scoliosis
9) What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic has many benefits, some of which include:
Spinal and extremity pain relief
Headache relief
Increased mobility and range of motion
Decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
Arthritic joint pain relief
Increased joint health
Increased performance and energy
Increased sense of well being and relaxation
Increased balance and coordination
Reduced degeneration and risk of injury
Enhanced tissue healing
Reduced risk of re-injury
Decreased tissue inflammation
10) Does my health insurance cover chiropractic
care?
Most insurance plans do cover chiropractic treatment, however, if you
do not have health insurance Dr. Flynn’s rates are very reasonable, as
she believes in affordable healthcare. Please call the office to find
out more information on your particular coverage.
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