Answers to the Questions Patients Ask About Chiropractic Care & Treatment
How does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right.
Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called spinal misalignments can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body. With regular chiropractic care you may notice reduced stress and tension, as well as increased flexibility and energy allowing you to reach your fullest potential in life.
What is an Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
Who can Chiropractic help?
Improved nerve communications between your brain and your body may help everyone. So, if you have misaligned vertebrae and pinched nerves you could be a good candidate for chiropractic care. Most people see a chiropractor to relieve pain and discomfort. What they often find is that their overall health improves as well as their pain, and conditions that they have had for many years often disappear. More energy, restful sleep and stress reduction may also be a welcome benefit. Modified adjusting approaches may help children, the elderly or those with special needs. An instrument (pictured) can be used for certain individuals as Dr. Turner deems necessary. This provides a slightly different approach to care.
Are Chiropractic adjustments Safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify any individual for whom chiropractic care may not be recommended.
How do you get misaligned vertebrae?
There are three basic causes. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger, fear and especially stress may cause misaligned vertebrae. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How do you know if I have misaligned vertebrae?
You may not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, misaligned vertebrae can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of any misaligned vertebrae you may have.
Do I have a slipped disc?
The disc is a soft “shock absorber.” It has a fibrous outer ring which encases a jelly-like material. A “slipped disc” is a common way to refer to a wide variety of problems. However a disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out and it can collapse. Chiropractic may help you.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
Nerves can be stretched, chafed and irritated. Dr. Turner is trained to detect these nerve distortions and on your first visit will advise you of any nerve interference.
How long will it take to get better?
Since chiropractic care depends on the healing abilities of each patient, results can vary from patient to patient. Everyone responds differently. Some detect changes in a few short days or weeks. Others may take weeks to months before showing progress.
Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.
Will I have to go for the rest of my life?
Like Dr. Turner and her staff, some patients opt to continue with some type of regular chiropractic checkups. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. Their interest in wellness and prevention helps make sure that once they get well, they stay well.
What if my insurance company doesn’t cover Chiropractic?
Each of us has the freedom to place a different value on our health. Ultimately, good health is about personal responsibility. While an insurance company or other third party may be helpful, be careful. Don’t allow an insurance company or the government to make decisions about your level of health. Come in and talk to us. We have special rates for children, seniors, etc.
