What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are whole-body physicians who
specialize in diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the
musculo-skeletal and nervous systems, with a focus on the spine and surrounding
soft tissue. Chiropractors use non-invasive techniques to make sure the joints
in the body are moving the way they are supposed to, and to search for any
factors that may be contributing to acute or chronic issues. Chiropractic care
can help reduce pain without the use of pharmaceuticals, and help the
body to heal itself.
Why does my pain keep coming back?
Chiropractors understand the importance of finding
the cause of your symptoms. Your Chiropractor will explore and address factors
in your life that may be contributing to your pain, including:
- Physical: Hidden muscle tightness or
imbalances, gait or posture issues, joint fixation, weakness or
instability.
- Nutritional: food intolerance or allergy,
nutrient deficiency
- Emotional or psychological: physical symptoms
associated with stress, anxiety and depression.
- Environmental: workplace and home activities,
hobbies
- Injury: trauma to the body from an accident that happened recently or long ago
What will my first visit be like?
The first Chiropractic visit typically lasts one
hour. This will give us enough time for:
- A focused but thorough discussion of your
medical history and current complaints.
- An examination to find out why you’re feeling
what you’re feeling. This may include assessments of whole body and joint
motion, gait and posture, orthopedic and neurological function, and
muscle, ligament and tendon integrity.
- A treatment! This may include
adjustments, soft tissue work, and modalities such as electric stimulation
and ultrasound
- A concise and individualized treatment plan,
based on the information collected during your visit. Rehabilitative
stretches and exercises may also be utilized based on your needs.
Any visits after the first will typically last up
to 30 minutes.
What is an adjustment?
At the beginning of each visit, your Chiropractor
will perform an assessment to the joints in your spine and/or extremities, to
locate any impediment to your body’s natural mobility. When your joints are not
moving properly, there can be pain, muscle tightness, and decreased
flexibility, as well as numbness, tingling or pain in the hands or feet. To
correct this, your Chiropractor will restore proper motion with an adjustment.
This is a quick, low force movement that frees the joint so it can move again.
Will I have to be adjusted if I see a Chiropractor?
Feeling nervous about adjustments? That’s ok. You don't have to have adjustments if you're not comfortable! There
are plenty of techniques that can be used to restore motion to that joint.
What conditions can be improved with Chiropractic
care?
- Recent or ongoing pain in the neck, back,
shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, hand, hip, knee, leg or foot
- Headaches, including migraines
- Tingling, weakness or numbness in arms, hands,
legs and feet (Carpal Tunnel, Sciatica, Thoracic Outlet, etc)
- Pain or injury associated with activities such as computer/desk
work, teaching, playing instruments, exercise, sports, or child care.
- Whiplash Injury
- Pain or injury resulting from automobile
accidents or workplace injuries.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor?
Most insurance plans do not require a referral for
you to see a Chiropractor. Check with your insurance company to get the details of your plan.
What training does a Chiropractor typically receive
before becoming licensed?
The path to becoming a Chiropractor includes
completion of a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, followed by four
years of education in a Chiropractic graduate school. Areas of study in the
health sciences mirror those taken in all medical schools, including anatomy,
physiology, rehabilitation, radiology and nutrition. This is followed by a
one-year clinical based program with a focus in patient care. Finally students
must pass a rigorous four part national board examination to obtain licensure.
