The purpose of your first appointment is to analyze the health of your spine using various tools. Whether your symptoms are severe, mild, or non-existent, we must first determine the presence or absence of subluxations in your spine, which are misaligned vertebrae that cause compression, tension, irritation, and damage to the central nerve system.

The central nerve system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, and gives rise to the spinal nerves. The central nerve system totally controls all functions of healing in the human body. Spinal subluxations cause the organs, muscles, and soft tissues of the body to malfunction and heal poorly, due to the interference they create in the central nerve system.

Symptoms are the body's warning signals that something has been malfunctioning for some time and has needed attention. In most cases, subluxations are present without symptoms or warning. Quite often, subluxations have existed for many years by the time a symptom arrives.

If any subluxations are detected in your examination, we can help you.

How do you get subluxations?

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

 

How do I know if I have a subluxation?

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

 

Will I have to have X-rays taken?

X-rays can be helpful, but are not required in every patient's case. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm other findings and make your care more precise. We will determine if X-rays are necessary once we review your health history and examine your spine. Our office only takes those X-rays which are absolutely necessary.

 

Can subluxations clear up on their own?

Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as well as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a doctor of chiropractic.

 

What's an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving properly. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity.

 

Does the adjustment hurt?

Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are painless. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden decompression of the affected nerve root.

 

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.

 

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for their age, condition and health goals.

 

What if chiropractic doesn't work?

If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other practitioners who may be able to help.

 

How long until I feel better?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process, including:

• The severity of the structural misalignments causing your problem.

• How long you have had them.

• How rapidly your body responds to chiropractic care, influenced by age, mental attitude, elasticity of the muscles and ligaments

• Your ability to avoid additional stress and strain while your body is healing.

• Healing time is almost as individual as finger-prints.

How long will I need chiropractic care?
After symptomatic patients get the relief they seek, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that we 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.

 

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, we consider the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Do I Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?
Absolutely not Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers, meaning you do not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.

Will My Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
Insurance coverage varies for chiropractic care.  However, most have a limit on what they will pay, and do not pay for full corrective care programs.
 

In our office, we do not base your care plan on your availability of insurance, but offer you a number of payment options to best suit your budget. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.