Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic?
According to The Association of Chiropractic Colleges, "chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health." "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand."

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Does Chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Is Chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?
Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?
Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?
Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture, massage and orthotic consulting and fitting.

What conditions are treated with acupuncture?
Any type of pain problem can be treated with acupuncture. Neck, back, knee, shoulder and foot/ankle pain as well as headaches/migraine can all benefit. We have also had great results with fertility problems and other female problems. Some conditions are treated with acupuncture alone, but many benefit from a combined chiropractic and acupuncture approach.

How does acupuncture work?
The Oriental philosophies believe that there are energy pathways in the body called meridians. Energy (called Chi) flows up one meridian and down the next. Blockages in the energy flow create problems/conditions. Stimulation of points along the meridians releases the energy flow, allowing normal health to return. Stimulation can be done with needles (acupuncture), electricity (electroacupuncture), finger pressure (acupressure), and heat (moxibustion).

Western medicine has researched acupuncture and found that there is release of a potent pain control hormone called endorphins. This is a hormone produced by the body that has properties similar to morphine.