Chiropractic is the science of applying a controlled and specific force to a joint within the body to restore motion. This is often done in the spinal column, but is also important in other joints of the body such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. When your body is put through the rigors of every day life, sometimes the joints become "stuck" (subluxated) or move incorrectly. A chiropractic adjustment can help restore this motion which in turn helps to alleviate any pain or discomfort associated with the subluxated joint.
Common questions:
Does it hurt? Simply put, no. A chiropractic adjustment is painless and quick. However, some soreness is not uncommon after the first adjustment, but will dissipate shortly afterwards.
Do I have to come often? Think about this: You brush your teeth, bathe, exercise, sleep, and eat on a regular basis. All of those things help to keep you healthy. Why not take care of your vertebral column (spine) on a regular basis too? Your vertebral column contains your spinal cord- the lifeline of your body. The spinal cord relays every single message from your brain to the rest of your body- arms, legs, heart, lungs, stomach, reproductive organs, etc. The vertebral column surrounds the spinal cord and has passage ways for the nerves to exit through in order to reach the rest of the organs of the body. If your vertebral column doesn't allow for proper movement, these messages can become altered and may not reach their intended destination. When messages don't reach their target, you may feel a variety of sensations such as pain, discomfort, soreness, tiredness, etc. The longer that this goes on for, the harder it is to restore proper biomechanics. By seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis, they can help to ensure that the vertebral column is moving correctly and all the nerves are reaching their destinations.
Who can benefit from chiropractic? Anyone! Infants, teenagers, maternity patients, middle aged adults, geriatric patients, hunters, and even our animal friends. If you have a spine, or any joint for that matter, a chiropractor can help!
What is the "crack" that I hear? The "crack" or "pop" that is associated with an adjustment is similar to what you hear when you "crack" your knuckles. The adjustment causes a change in pressure within the joint. As the pressure changes, a gas is released and this causes the sound you hear. We refer to this sound as a cavitation. Not all adjustments result in a cavitation, but the end result is the still the same-restoring joint motion.
Will I get treated at the 1stvisit? YES!! You came into the office in pain and we believe in starting care right away! If we feel that further imaging is needed for us to get a better understanding of your condition, then we will delay the first treatment until we have the imaging. Otherwise, be prepared to receive your first treatment during your first visit! During the first visit we will educate you on your condition, how chiropractic works, the treatment you will be receiving, and how you may respond to it. Instead of making you come back another day for your first treatment, we streamline it all into your first visit. We encourage you to ask questions along the way- it makes for a better first visit!
