What type of Education do chiropractors receive?

Chiropractors are very well educated. The science of chiropractic requires doctors of chiropractic to put special emphasis on anatomy, biomechanics, neurology, pathology, physiology, spinal adjusting techniques, X-ray and related subjects. Chiropractors have spent 4,485 hours in the classroom, compared to medical doctor's 4,248 hours, by the time they graduate from chiropractic school.

What do Chiropractor's do?

Chiropractors are trained to ensure your nervous system is free of spinal nerve interference. they focus on whole body wellness. Wellness is the state of health where your body is free of spinal nerve interference, allowing you to be at maximum potential and enjoying life. Chiropractor's will discover any spinal nerve interference within your spine and with specific chiropractic adjustments, will correct them. Your body will then be free to heal itself, express itself and function at an optimal level. Chiropractor's teach you how you can live "subluxation-free." This is achieved through better posture, diet, attitude, exercise, and rest leading to a higher quality life.

What are subluxations?

The body depends on free flow of nerve communication from the brain, through the spinal column, to every part of the body. When any of these nerves become twisted, the vital communication system is interrupted. these neurological interruptions are called subluxations.

What causes vertebral subluxations?

With children, subluxations often occur during the birthing process. All of the pulling, pushing, and twisting on the newborn's neck and spine during the birth process often cause one or more of the vertebrae to be pushed out of place, resulting in subluxations. As we grow up, subluxations are caused daily by slips, falls, sporting activities, accidents, injuries, bad posture, physical and emotional stress, and many other things. By having your spine checked regularly through childhood and the rest of your life, your family can achieve an improved quality of life.

What are some warning signs of subluxations?

Subluxations can cause pain and muscle spasms. however, most of the time, you will not experience any symptoms. Often symptoms such as headaches, back pain, neck stiffness, carpal tunnel, pain in your shoulders, arms, or legs, numbness in your hands and feet and various other symptoms can be signs of subluxations.

How are subluxations corrected?

Chiropractors are specifically trained to detect and correct vertebral subluxations. chiropractors perform specific tests, as well as palpation, computer scans, and possibly x-rays, to determine if you are subluxated. They will then deliver a specific chiropractic adjustment to correct any subluxations.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of realigning vertebrae that are slightly out of alignment causing nerve pressure. once the vertebrae is properly aligned, this allows the nerve to flow properly to and from the brain. There are numerous ways to adjust the spine. The adjustment can be done by hands or a specially designed instrument. some techniques are quick while others require a slow constant pressure.

What is the popping sound you hear sometimes with an adjustment?

The sound is not actually the spine "cracking" or "popping" like most people think. The sound is created by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the tiny joints are realigned.

Does it hurt to get adjusted?

No. Chiropractic adjustments feel great. When you allow the vertebrae in your spine to return to their normal position, there is less stress and tension on your muscles and ligaments.

Once you get adjusted, do you have to keep getting adjusted forever?

No. However, it would be an advantage for you to speak with the doctor about lifetime wellness care. If you continue chiropractic care it is entirely up to you. Most people understand though that periodic check ups just like in dentistry, will allow your body to fight off sickness and encourage optimal health.

Why do children need chiropractic care?

The birthing process can be one of the most traumatic events of a child's life. The spine can often get twisted during delivery. Having your child checked by a chiropractor immediately after birth is a very wise decision as well as your "well baby check ups". Spinal nerve interference from the birth process often becomes more serious as your child grows up. Only a doctor of chiropractic is qualified to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations. Your child's posture is an important indicator of spinal problems. Scoliosis is often caused by improper posture. By having your child checked at a young age, these problems might be prevented. Children become involved in sports at a young age. These activities can often include minor injuries. When your children play, the are jumping, running, twisting, bumping, and falling all over the place. Often they will become subluxated during these activities. To minimize the chances of future health problems it is important to have your children checked by a chiropractor on a regular basis. Spinal hygiene should be part of your family's wellness lifestyle.

What typically happens on the first visit?

Typically, on the first visit, you will fill out a complete health history detailing past injuries or problems and present symptoms. Remember, your chiropractor is not asking about your symptoms because he/she is going to treat them. The symptoms help the doctor determine where you are subluxated and what technique to use. Your chiropractor will then review your case history and give you a recommended action plan to help you with your particular problem.

How many people are currently seeking care from chiropractors?

Over 25 million people have now experienced the amazing results of chiropractic care. This number continues to grow as more and more people take responsibility for their healthcare and choose noninvasive, drug-free healthcare. And chiropractic care is usually about half the cost of medical care.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. chiropractic care is definitely one of the safest types of healthcare. without the use of drugs, and surgery, chiropractors utilize a conservative approach when correcting spinal subluxations. One just needs to compare the malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors to that paid by medical doctors. Chiropractic premiums are about 1/20 the price of the premiums of medical doctors. Hundreds of thousands of people will die this year as a result of bad medicine. Of the millions of people under chiropractic care , only a handful will even make a complaint.