Q: What are the natural benefits resulting from Chiropraqctic Care ?
A: Typical observations that chiropractors see in their patients include:
- Faster, more complete recovery from injuries
- Better nervous system function - which controls every aspect of your body
- Better immune system function - fight off disease naturally
- Healthier moms - easier pregnancy and delivery
- Healthier babies - less in-utero constraint and subsequent scoliosis
- Healthier kids - less ear infections, asthma, bed-wetting, etc.
- Healthier adults - more energy and productivity
- Healthier seniors - better balance, less likelihood of falling that often causes hip fracture
- Overall natural vitality
- Better athletic performance
Q: What Can I Expect on My First Visit to Rosepoint Chiropractic?
A: The first thing a doctor of chiropractic (DC) will do is ask you about your current and previous health complaints. The DC will also ask about your family history , dietary habits, your job, other forms of care you have received (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating your problem. A physical examination will be performed 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.
An "adjustment," as doctors of chiropractic use the term, means the specific manipulation of vertebrae which have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Doctors of chiropractic spend years learning motion palpation (the art of examining by movement or touch) and other forms of spinal procedures, so that they can the administer specific and appropriate spinal adjustments required.
Once the DC has identified the problem, he/she will begin care by way of these adjustments or "manipulations." Particular attention will be paid to that area of your spine where a spinal derangement or "subluxation" has been detected. The adjustment is usually given by hand or "activator" ( learn more ) type instruments, and consists of applying pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or that do not move properly within their normal range of motion. Q: What is a free spinal health check?
A: Your no-cost, no-obligation initial exam includes:
- A relaxed consultation with one of our Doctors.
- An individual health and injury history.
- Blood pressure and temperature checks
- Spinal alignment test.
- Range of motion testing.
- Orthopedic and neurological tests.
A discussion of findings and recommended treatments.
Q: How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?
A: You can have subluxations and not even know about it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before the warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
Q: Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?
A: 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 we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
Q: Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
A: A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys and excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited.
Q: Will Adjustments Make My Spine Too Loose?
A: No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows the muscles and ligaments to stabilise and heal.
Q: Can The Bones Move Too Much?
A: Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
Q: What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?
A: Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Q: How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
A: The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilises. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Q: Why Do Newborns Get Adjustments?
A: Even today's “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are gentle.
Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Q: Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?
A: Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor 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.
Q: Can Patients With Osteoporosis Get Chiropractic Care?
A: Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be suited to your age, size and condition.
Q: How Long Until I'll Feel Better?
A: Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor's recommendations.
Q: Will I Receive Any Medication For My Pain?
A: No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice and/or heat packs to control painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice/heat can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
Q: Why Don't Medical Practitioners & Chiropractic Doctors Get Along?
A: That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office. Q: What If My Health Insurance Doesn't Cover Chiropractic?
A: Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you.
Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.
Q: Will I Ever Be Normal Again?
A: Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglect or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvements, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.
Q: What If Chiropractic Doesn't Work?
A: If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to another specialist who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal. |
