Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Trillions of bits of information flow to and from your brain every second to all the cells, organs and tissues in the body. Interference of this innate life flow caused by subluxations (improper motion or position of vertebra) impair health, performance and over the long term cause spinal decay. Chiropractic adjustments restore the body’s inborn healing potential.
What is a subluxation?
A vertebral subluxation, also known as the vertebral subluxation complex, is the improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine causing nervous system interference, thereby compromising the body’s innate self-healing and self-regulating potential. The five components of a subluxation are:
1. Joint malfunction (spinal kinesiopathology): spinal bones have abnormal position or motion.
2. Nerve Irritation (neuropathophysiology): Delicate spinal nerves can be irritated by chemicals, swelling or pressure from inflammation or degenerative spinal changes. You may notice pins and needles, numbness and tingling, burning, pain or electric shock-like pains.
3. Muscle Impairment (myopathology): Nerves control your muscles. Muscles can either waste away (atrophy) if the nerve supply is choked or become too tight leading to spasm.
4. Tissue Injury (histopathology): Subluxations cause supporting spinal connective tissues to become inflamed, stiff and weak over time. Disc herniations can result.
5. Spinal Degeneration (pathophysiology): Decreased spinal movement causes degenerative changes within the spine over time. Vertebrae try to protect themselves by growing excess bone. This process worsens over time if left untreated.
What causes subluxations?
The three basic causes of subluxations are:
1. Physical causes are acute trauma to the body or repetitive motions that affect the spine. These could include slips and falls, accidents, poor posture, improper workstation habits, repetitive motions, poor sleep positions and improper lifting.
2. Emotions causes refer to stresses such as grief, anger, anxiety and fear. Excessive stress or inadequate stress management have been shown in research to have significant effects on the immune system.
3. Chemical causes include poor diet and nutrition, alcohol or drug use, pollution and/or chemical toxins ingested in foods, air, and water.
How do I know if I have a subluxation?
Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before pain or warning signs appear. Only the results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have. This is why we recommend that individuals seek periodic spinal evaluations to check for the presence of subluxations and other spinal abnormalities, even in the absence of pain. The following are common signs and symptoms:
· Back and Neck pain or stiffness
· Headaches
· Dizziness or balance problems
· Muscle spasm, tightness or weakness
· Pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities
· Low energy
· Poor overall state of health
· Poor tissue healing
· Poor posture
Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Yes. When developing a care plan, your doctor of chiropractic considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the joints of the body. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
Do I have a slipped disc?
The disc is a "shock absorber." It has a fibery outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A disc can't slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniated. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse.
Do I need X-rays?
We will determine if films are necessary and if so recommend them. X-rays help establish a diagnosis and let us know if damage is present and how long it has been there.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This produces unhealthy brain function and alterations to the organs and tissues connected to that nerves.
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Most lifestyles are a constant bombardment of stress leading to subluxations. Our bodies have the ability to self-correct some of these problems. However most subluxations have been present long before symptoms and therefore need chiropractic adjustments to fix.
What's an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle specific movements aimed at restoring proper position and movement of your spine and joints throughout the body. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, or a special table that uses gravity for assistance.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows inflamed hardened connective tissues to heal and discs between the vertebra to be nourished.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No! You can continue your care as long as you want to receive the health benefits of being adjusted.
Can the bones move too much?
Not unless the supportive connective tissue of your spine has ruptured.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine and about 100 joints, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Damage occurs by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within one adjustment. Absence of pain doesn’t mean the problem is fixed as healing can take months or even years. Spinal correction can take 50 to 60 adjustments for chronic problems.
Do children need chiropractic care?
Yes. Even "natural" childbirth can damage an infant's spine. Children are also exposed to countless traumas. Most spinal problems date back to childhood or teenage years.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Your doctor of chiropractic will avoid the surgically altered areas of your spine if clinically indicated. Surgery often causes excessive stress above or below the involved levels. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Other 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 implementing changes to your lifestyle that involve attitude, diet and exercise?
Is it normal to be sore after an adjustment?
Yes. However not everyone will experience this. Approximately one in five experience muscle soreness following an adjustment that may last for a couple days.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Doctors of chiropractic don't dispense drugs. We remove interference from you spine allowing your body to heal itself.
Will my chiropractor work with my medical doctor?
The goal of any health care professional is to help you reach your health goals, and oftentimes the best path is through multidisciplinary care. Chiropractic is not the answer for everybody, just as drugs or surgery aren’t.
Common Conditions Treated
1. Musculoskeletal: Chiropractic provides effective relief for millions of individuals suffering from back and neck problems, work and sports injuries and many other musculoskeletal complaints ranging from knee and ankle to carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow. Most people with pain or discomfort in any area of the spine are excellent candidates for chiropractic care.
2. Non-Musculoskeletal: Chiropractic care has been shown to benefit more than just back and neck pain. Some of the non-musculoskeletal conditions treated include:
Allergies
Asthma
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Dizziness
Menstrual Problems
Ear infections
Frequent colds
Colic
Fatigue
What education and training do doctors of chiropractic receive?
After completing the same prerequisites for medical school, chiropractors attend Chiropractic College for 4 years. A minimum of 7 years are spent preparing the chiropractor for their role as health care leaders.
Have studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?
There are many published studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for many conditions. Contact your chiropractor for specific research.
Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. One of the largest misconceptions out there is that chiropractic care is dangerous. The profession is based on anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and most importantly, research!
What can I expect on my first visit?
First a history of your problem/s will be taken. A physical examination may include x-rays, nervous system analysis (thermography, surface electromyography) and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a spinal examination and analysis of posture will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.
Does everyone need to see a chiropractor?
Yes. Everyone needs to have their spine and nervous system checked regularly if they value their health. Verterbal subluxations have devastating short and long-term consequences.
Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
It may depending upon what is causing spinal curvature. It almost always will help.
Does BC Medical or Extended Insurance cover chiropractic?
BC Medical no longer covers essential forms of treatment such as chiropractic other than those who qualify for “premium assistance”
Is chiropractic safe for pregnant women?
Yes. Your doctor of chiropractic uses different techniques depending upon the circumstances. Chiropractic helps the mother and baby and allows for a smoother pregnancy.
What is active release technique?
Active Release Technique (ART) is a registered trademark for a technique that assists in removal of myofascial lesions. Your doctor of chiropractic must take training outside of chiropractic college to use this technique.
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom-made inserts that you put in your shoes. Orthotics help stabilize the lumbar and pelvic areas decreasing wear and tear and allowing for a healthier spine.