What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system as well as the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on the general health of the body.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic is most frequently used to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints including:

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome
• Sprains or strains
• Joint pain/bursitis/tendonitis
• TMJ/Facial pain
• Sciatica
• Arm and leg pain
• Shoulder and knee pain
• Whiplash/Auto injury
• Work injury
• Sports injury
• Nervous tension/fatigue

What is the education of a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are primary health providers with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates complete nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college before being accepted into an accredited chiropractic college where four to five years of graduate level study and clinical training are standard. In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical training to ensure a comprehensive knowledge of all body systems and diagnostic procedures that enable a chiropractor to thoroughly evaluate and treat disorders relating to the neuromusculoskeletal system.

How do I select a doctor of chiropractic?
Talk to your friends, family and co-workers. The best referrals come from satisfied patients. Web sites are another good source of information. Make sure the chiropractor has attended as accredited chiropractic college and is licensed to practice in your state. You can also locate a doctor of chiropractic through the American Chiropractic Association, just go online and click on the Find A Doctor page. When you find a chiropractor, talk to him, he should be willing to answer your questions and discuss your concerns and a course of treatment.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
The majority of insured employees have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans.  We participate with most healthcare plans and we will call to verify your coverage as well as bill your insurance for you.  If we are not listed as a provider under your health care plan, many insurance companies do provide for out of network benefits.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is one of the safest drug-free non-invasive therapies available for treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.  Many patients feel immediate relief following a chiropractic adjustment though some may experience mild soreness that typically fades within 24 hours.

Is chiropractic treatment suitable for children?
Yes, children are physically active and may experience a fall or a sports injury that may cause back pain neck pain, stiffness, soreness and /or discomfort. Chiropractic care is adapted to children and is very gentle.

What can I expect on my first visit?
The chiropractor will take a complete a total health profile including your family history, your individual health history, dietary habits, your job, stress level, fitness level, and any major complaints you are experiencing.  A physical examination will occur, which may include x-rays, lab work, and other diagnostic procedures. A spinal examination will be performed to detect any abnormalities that may be contributing to your condition.  A diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan outlined.

Is chiropractic care ongoing?
Individual’s health care goals differ. A patient may require acute pain relief or chronic chiropractic care, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits necessary. Your chiropractor should discuss with you the extent of your recommended treatment plan and how long it may take to achieve your individual goals to live pain free, strengthen your body immune system, and increase your body’s performance to improve your quality of life.

When should I see a chiropractor?
Everyday events such as improper lifting, sleeping the wrong way, poor posture can put a strain on the spine and cause subluxation, which leads to your body being unbalanced and causing back or neck pain. Regular visits to a chiropractor can help to keep your spine, which has over 24 moveable vertebrae, properly aligned and healthy which is vital to maintaining health and fitness. Pregnant woman can benefit from chiropractic care, which can help to reduce the pain in the lower back and between the shoulder blades. Infants should be checked by a chiropractor to detect any spinal problems that may occur or resulted during birth.

What is vertebral subluxation?
A vertebral subluxation is when one or more of the vertebrae in your spine move out of position and create pressure on or irritate the spinal nerves causing obstruction of nerve energy transmission. Interference with the signals traveling over the nerves creates pressure and stress on the blood vessels and surrounding muscles causing an imbalance in the body’s normal processes as the nerves in the spinal column extend to the entire body and its organs. As time goes on and the uncorrected subluxation settles, the damage to the nerves gets progressively worse and different stages of subluxation degeneration set in. To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be free of interference from subluxations.

What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the specific manipulation of vertebrae, which has abnormal movement patterns and fails to function normally. The adjustment is usually given by hand and consists of applying corrective pressure to the areas of the spine that are out of alignment or do not have proper range of movement. A chiropractor can restore the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the spinal column by applying manual force or thrust in a specific direction and location. In some cases, the chiropractor my use instruments to detect a subluxation and adjust the spine.

What are herniated discs?
Pads of cartilage called discs separate the vertebrae of your spine from one another. These discs have a tough outer layer with a soft interior that provides a cushion against the shocks and strains experienced as you put stress on your spine through various movements. The discs are subject to injury, disease, and degeneration with use over time. When the soft interior material of a disc pushes out through a tear or weakening in the outer covering, the disc is said to be herniated. Fine distinctions of herniated discs determine whether the herniated discs are referred to as protruding, bulging, ruptured, prolapsed, slipped, or degenerated discs. Herniated discs cause pain by intruding upon, irritating, pinching, and even injuring nerves in the spinal column.