We're glad you asked! Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-surgical approach to healing and wellness. Chiropractic care restores health and helps prevent injury by improving the structural integrity of the body, primarily the spine. The brain communicates with the rest of the body via the spinal cord and nervous system. When functioning perfectly, this communication is uninterrupted, and the messages go to and from the brain without interference.

Addressing the Root of the Problem

The nervous system serves as the body's wiring. If this wiring is inhibited, the signal does not reach the intended body part, and illness may result. Such interferences can manifest anywhere along your spine. Pain in your arm or hand may actually be caused by a problem in your neck, where the nerves connecting to that hand originate. A qualified chiropractor can examine the spine for interferences and remove them through controlled techniques.

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.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might  be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about  100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliver.

Will Adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that need adjusting will receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required will depend on many factors – for example, how long you have had the problem, how serious your condition might be, your age, and your overall level of health and fitness. Every person reacts differently to treatment so it is impossible to predict exactly how many treatments will be needed. It generally takes a series of treatments for long-term changes to occur. Your chiropractor will be able to give a guide to the number of treatments required after your initial examination.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

I have heard that once I start chiropractic care, I'll have to continue with it for the rest of my life. Is this true?

Before we answer that question, ask yourself how many times you have visited a dentist? Like most people, you've probably gone dozens of times. Why? Quite simply, to prevent your teeth from literally rotting out of your head. Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that the best time to go to the dentist is before your teeth hurt, that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true of chiropractic care for your spine. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Like your dentist and like many of the medical experts are now recognizing, prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, helps prevent new injuries from developing, minimizes degenerative processes, which enhances overall health and wellness. You can stop anytime you choose. What tends to happen, though, is that most people like the benefits of regular chiropractic care so they choose not to quit.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints "pop" but that's not an adjustment. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Why does my chiropractor teach and encourage exercises even after my pain has gone?

Without addressing the surrounding musculature around the spine many conditions will continue to reoccur. Failure to properly strengthen the low back and core muscles significantly increases the risk of re-injury following successful chiropractic treament. Additionally, proper posture along with flexibility and strengthening techniques has a significant impact on many conditions, such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, as well as arm and hand pain, numbness, and tingling.