Chiropractic Health Questions Answered
How do I find a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are “primary contact” health care providers, which means you don’t have to be referred to them by a physician or anyone else. You can select your own chiropractor. As with any other professional, referrals from friends and acquaintances are an excellent way to find a good chiropractor.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are experts trained in the neuromusculoskeletal system . They diagnose and treat disorders of the spine and other body joints by adjusting the spinal column or through other corrective manipulation. Chiropractors provide conservative management of neuromusculoskeletal disorders including, but not limited to, back, neck, arms, legs, knees, shoulders, hips, and head pain (over 80 percent of conditions treated). They also advise patients on corrective exercises, lifestyle and nutrition.
Is Chiropractic manipulation a safe procedure?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a drug-free, non-invasive approach to common musculoskeletal conditions such as headache, neck and back pain. As such, it is a low risk therapy. Complications arising from adjustment are rare.
Is every patient’s treatment the same?
The treatment a patient receives is related to the specific condition diagnosed by the Chiropractor, and will vary from person to person depending on each person’s unique situation. Like M.D.’s, Chiropractors follow generally accepted protocols and guidelines.
Can Chiropractic treatment provide a preventative function?
Clinical experience suggests that individuals with chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or recurrent neck pain, back pain or headaches may experience less frequent and less severe symptoms when under regular Chiropractic care. This also applies to individuals in highly stressful situations and those who experience repetitive physical and postural strain from their daily activities. Whether ongoing Chiropractic treatment can prevent back pain from occurring in the first place, or prevent a previous condition from re-occurring, requires further study.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. It is not painful. It is caused by the change of pressure within the joint resulting in gas bubbles being released.
Is Chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from Chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
