Frequently Asked Questions
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism
controlled by your nervous system. Millions of messages and instructions flow
from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out to every cell, tissue, and organ
in your body. Then signals are sent back to the brain to help the brain make
the minor adjustments necessary to maintain optimal health. When one or more
of the moving bones of the spine is misaligned or in an improper position, the
vital exchange between the brain and body is disrupted. Nerves become irritated,
stretched, or chafed, and the messages that these nerves relay to and from the
brain become distorted. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the tissues
and organs connected by the affected nerves. Chiropractic seeks to restore proper
alignment to the spine and remove nerve interference. Health often returns with
improved nervous system control of the body.
How do I know if I have a misalignment in my spine?
You can have these misalignments and not even know it. Like the early stages
of tooth decay or heart disease, misalignments in the spine can be present for
years before warning signs appear in the form of symptoms. A thorough chiropractic
exam can determine the location of spinal misalignments.
What's an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in the areas of spinal
misalignment that works to restore proper motion and position of the vertebrae.
There are many different ways to adjust the spine. Some methods use the doctor's
hands. Other ways involve the use of a specialized instrument or table.
Are adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand study concluded that spinal adjustments are "remarkably safe."
Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record, and in our office we use
extremely low force adjusting techniques that are comfortable and effective.
Taking an over-the-counter medication is about 100 times more risky.
I can hear my neck popping a lot. Does that mean I am adjusting myself?
No. Some patients can make their spinal joints "pop" just like they do their
knuckles, but that is not an adjustment. Even chiropractors have to consult
a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
Can chiropractic help my insert health condition here?
The truth is that chiropractic doesn't cure anything. It sets up the conditions
that allow the body to heal itself. Chiropractic can help the body heal itself
of a number of conditions, which is why I have patients with a variety of health
problems.
How long will it take?
There is no way to say for sure. Some patients enjoy results quickly. Others
notice a slow decline in their symptoms after several weeks or longer of chiropractic
care. It's impossible to predict. We usually like to start our patients out
on a 12-visit schedule and then re-evaluate with a progressive exam at the 12th
visit. We then make a decision on future care after that.
Do you accept insurance?
Of course we take insurance. The question usually is, "Does insurance take us?"
We are in network providers for some insurance companies and out of network
providers for others. There are usually benefits for the patient either way.
One thing I've learned: every insurance plan is different. As a service to our
patients, we call and check what your insurance benefits would be through our
office.
What if my insurance doesn't cover Chiropractic?
Your health is your best investment. It affects everything you do and everyone
you know, so invest wisely. Each of us is free to place a different value on
our health. It is convenient when an insurance company or third party helps
pay the bill, but be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a corporation
to dictate what's best for your health. Find out how make chiropractic care
affordable for just about anyone.
Will you have to take X-rays?
Unless you are pregnant or very young, it will be extremely helpful to take
X-rays. Pictures of the spine, especially after a trauma, can confirm our findings
and make your care more precise. Not having a clear picture of the spine is
much like asking an architect to fix a structure without giving him the blueprints.
I think I have scoliosis. Do you help that?
If scoliosis has never been officially diagnosed, then most likely you don't
have it. You may some abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, and that is
still abnormal. If left untreated, it may steadily worsen to the point where
it causes more serious symptoms.
I had an accident recently. Why do I have pain in my arms and hands?
Because the nerves to the arms and hands exit the spine through an area of the
neck that has been injured, numbness and tingling are common.
What if chiropractic doesn't work for me?
Every condition has a cause. I seek to find that cause by locating problem areas
of the spine. Often, our patients report significant relief and improved health
after several weeks of chiropractic care. But if chiropractic adjustments to
your spine don't help your condition, we can refer you to other specialists
who may be able to help. Your health is our number one goal.
What should I expect on my first visit?
We must first determine if you're a candidate for care in our office. There
will be some questions to fill out, after which I'll ask you a few more questions
about your condition. Next will be an evaluation that will combine chiropractic,
orthopedic, and neurological tests to determine if X-rays are necessary and
if so, how many. After the exam, X-rays will be taken. The first visit usually
takes about 90 minutes.
To schedule an appointment or ask your questions call us today at 1-770-894-4950, or click here to contact us online.
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Osteoarthritis, commonly known as Degenerative Joint Disease, affected 43 million people in 1997, and by 2020 will likely affect over 60 million. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, typically attacks two types of joints: those that bear weight (the lower back, the hips, and knees) and those involved in repetitive motions (the hands, wrists, shoulders) Osteoarthritis can also develop in injured joints, including the spine (for example, the vertebrae in the lower neck after a whiplash or in football players' knees. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of a joint breaks down faster than it can be rebuilt; therefore the amount of cartilage to cushion and absorb the stress on joints during movement is worn away until it starts to cause great amounts of discomfort. Most of the drugs taken to deal with the pain of osteoarthritis are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, or prescription drugs such as Celebrex and Vioxx. These drugs may help relieve the pain associated with Osteoarthritis, but research reveals that these over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs have a little-known side effect of inhibiting cartilage production, which will actually accelerate the progression of osteoarthritis in joints. The fact is Americans are spending upwards of $5-10 million dollars per year on the drugs that actually further contribute to the condition they're supposed to be helping. Rather than spending your money on quick fixes designed solely to relieve symptoms, try to begin a gentle exercise and stretching program. Remember, inactivity leads progression of osteoarthritis. Try taking a supplement that has glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfylmethane). Finally, remember that a balanced joint has the best opportunity for longevity. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help provide for optimal alignment and longevity of arthritic joints.
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