Chiropractors are Doctors who specialize in the detection and correction of misaligned vertebrae in the spine called subluxations. These subluxations cause pressure on the nerves that exit between the vertebrae (bones that make up the spinal column) causing pain, weakness, and dysfunction of the organs in which the nerves connect. Since these nerves originate at the brain and control every function of the body, the Chiropractor plays an invaluable role in keeping your body working correctly.

Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between Chiropractors and other health professionals. Chiropractic malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.

The Chiropractic profession was established in 1895. The word “chiropractic” was derived from the Greek words “cheir” and “practikis” meaning “done in hand.” Chiropractic is an approach to health care that relies on the body’s inherent and natural recuperative powers ~ a healing science that places emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity of the body. In addition, Chiropractic is a method of healing treatment that is conservative and that does not use drugs or surgery. Today, over 50,000 Doctors of Chiropractic serve millions of patients worldwide.

Doctors of Medicine (MD) and Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) both have similar education in terms of overall knowledge of the body. The MD attempts to treat the symptoms of a problem with medications, the DC looks to correct the cause of the problem to allow the body to eliminate the symptoms naturally. The Chiropractic Physician offers a natural, drugless, and non-surgical approach to health care and readily refers to the allopathic (MD) physician when drugs or surgery are indicated.

Your first visit to a chiropractor should be an enlightening and pleasant experience. As with any other healthcare provider you have chosen, finding the right chiropractor will be a personal decision and one you want to consider carefully. You’ll meet the doctor after filling out a health history form, similar to a health history form you receive when visiting any other health care provider. Below, a folder called First Visit Information has these forms that you can download, fill out, and bring with you to your initial consultation. If anything you read or hear prior to seeing the doctor is unclear, be sure to write your questions down on paper, so you can have them answered during your consultation.

Your chiropractor will discuss with you any specific pain or symptoms you may be experiencing. During the exam, you may be asked to bend and turn from side to side. Usually a standard orthopedic and neurological exam is performed and is followed by any other diagnostic testing the doctor feels may be necessary, such as X-rays. It is important to mention that not all Chiropractors recommend the use of diagnostic testing or use of “modalities” (specific therapies used before or after a chiropractic adjustment). During the interview, ask the chiropractor what techniques they use and what their practice philosophy is. After addressing these two questions, you should have a good basic understanding of chiropractic and how the doctor you are seeing plans on treating your problem or symptoms. Always discuss your expectations of care with the chiropractor. If you have questions regarding your plan of care or if you are not comfortable with what the doctor is recommending, discuss your concerns before leaving the office. New patients should anticipate roughly one hour for their initial appointment.

The ‘popping’ noise noticed during adjustments is merely carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas releasing from within the fluid of the joint. This painless noise also releases natural pain killers, Endorphins and Enkephalins, into the adjusted area.

In a majority of cases, the answer is a resounding YES

YES. It’s an unfortunate fact that half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms, months or years later and face the prospect of additional surgery. This too-common occurrence is known as “Failed Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic may help prevent repeated operations.

The answer is “as soon as you develop spinal nerve stress.” But since spinal nerve stress is often painless, it’s good to get your spine checked periodically as you get your teeth checked periodically for “painless” cavities.

The Chiropractic approach to human health is based on the premise that the relationship between structure and function in the human body is a significant health factor and the relationship between the spinal column and the nervous system contribute to the disease process. Again, a Chiropractor is a health care physician who considers the body an integrated being by giving special attention to the spinal mechanics, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular and nutritional relationships.