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Most commonly asked questions
1. How many adjustments will I need?
2. Will my Doctor give me exercises?
3. Who should be checked for subluxations?
4. Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to see a chiropractor?
5. What if my problem is not one that required chiropractic?
6. Is chiropractic safe?
7. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
8. Isn't some back pain normal?
9. Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
10. Can I adjust myself?
11. Why would a newborn get adjusted?
12. Still have questions? Don't see the information that you were looking for?
1. How many adjustments will I need?
It is impossible to predict exactly how many visits a new patient will need to resolve their initial condition because each injury is different and each individual's healing response is different. We give each patient an estimate on how long their recovery may take after the initial exam and will have an even better idea after 2-3 visits Once we have improved or resolved their initial complaint(s), most patients decide to come in for monthly checkups for maintenance of their spine to reduce future episodes and for better overall health.
2. Will my Doctor give me exercises?
YES. The doctors will give you exercises specifically for your condition and if they feels you need an evaluation by a therapist or exercise physiologist, he will refer you to the appropriate professional. Exercise is not recommended until the motion of the spine has been restored to at least 50% of its normal movement. Prior to that the muscle will not receive the exercise well and the therapy may even cause pain.
3. Who should be checked for subluxations?
EVERYONE. If you have a spine and a nervous system, you should be checked. The doctors at chiropractic solutions have experience in treating infants to the elderly.
4. Do I need a referral from my medical doctor to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary health care physicians, however, we are happy to accept referrals as we work well with medical doctors in the community.
5. What if my problem is not one that required chiropractic?
We know when to refer you to another appropriate provider. Chiropractors are trained in organ systems diagnosis along with musculoskeletal diagnosis and refer accordingly.
6. Is chiropractic safe?
Yes, chiropractic is extremely safe. No significant risk of complications from receiving a Gonstead Method chiropractic adjustment is known to exist... none. Considering that the Gonstead Method has been widely used for over 50 years, this fact is quite impressive. In comparison, 16,000 - 20,000 people in the US die each year from complications (bleeding ulcers and heart attacks) caused by over-the-counter pain relievers. Roughly 7 out of 1000 people will die from "routine" neck or back surgery. Many others suffer long lasting side effects of scar tissue build up and structural instability caused by surgery. In extremely rare circumstances, some treatments of the neck may damage a blood vessel and give rise to stroke or stroke-like symptoms (approx 1 in 5.85 million neck manipulations. Haldeman, et al. Spine vol 24-8 1999). Whilst this has never happened in this practice, we are still required to warn. If any adjustments (manipulations) are required you will be tested beforehand, as has always been our practice. Chiropractic adjustments (manipulations) of the spine are internationally recognised as being far safer in dealing with neck and low back pain than medication and many other alternatives. (A Risk Assessment of Cervical Manipulation, JMPT, 1995. Manga Report, Ontario Ministry of Health, 1993).
7. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. This will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
8. Isn't some back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn't right. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem can slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
9. Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Of course. your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each client. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
10. Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and must only be applies to the joint that is subluxated. It take years to master and even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.
11. Why would a newborn get adjusted?
Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Colic, unusual crying, poor appetite or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato is involved.
12. Still have questions? Don't see the information that you were looking for?
Don't hesitate to contact us, we'd be happy to help.
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