Once I go to a chiropractor, do I have to keep going?
Only if you want to continue receiving the benefits. It is really up to you and how proactive you are about your health. This question gets asked all the time because once someone goes to a chiropractor, they usually keep going. When you feel better you generally want to stay that way. Everyday life, stressors, too much or too little physical activity, disease, trauma, etc. puts stress on your skeletal system and muscles. People are not always able to keep their spine in alignment or muscles relaxed. This causes problems with the nervous system which runs everything in our bodies. Once your main problems are corrected, you may opt to do maintenance adjustments to keep from sliding back into dysfunction and discomfort. Maintenance visits are generally once a month, but that can vary according to conditions.
Analogous examples of maintenance: exercise, diet, dental care, tune-up for your vehicle. Chiropractic isn't just about eliminating symptoms, it's about maintaining health.
How long does it take to get corrected?
There is no one answer to this question, but it is worth asking. The answer depends on how long you have had problems, the number of injuries in your life, etc. For a 20 year old or someone with a recent issue, it can be one visit. For someone who has had 40 years of abuse, it could take 4 years. The average time is around 3 months.
"I can crack my own neck or back, so I don't need to go to a chiropractor."
When you self-adjust, you are moving the joints that are already hyper-mobile, not the restricted joints that need to be moved. It feels good, but usually only briefly, which is why you want to crack your back many times a day. Chiropractors move the hypo-mobile joints and bring your skeleton back into balance.
What ages do you treat?
I treat newborns to elderly. There is no age requirement on either end.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Not usually. There can be some pain with adjustments if you have moderate to severe arthritis or an acute problem with muscle spasms.
Do you only adjust the back?
No, any joint in the body can be adjusted. Most extra-spinal joints can be helped by adjustments to the joint itself and the associated spinal segments which frees up the nerves to that area.
Does it matter what I wear?
No, but loose fitting clothing is best.
What is the popping sound?
It is a cavitation, which is defined by gas releasing from a fluid space. We have CO2 and NO2 gases that build up in our synovial fluid, which is the fluid within our joint spaces. When the joint moves beyond its normal range of motion and the gas is released or "pushed out" of that space and we hear a pop. It is not bones coming in contact with each other or "bone crunching."
Does insurance cover the treatment?
Most insurance companies do cover chiropractic. Please call our office to check on yours.
