What is a Subluxation?
A subluxation literally means: sub—less than, luxation—joint dislocation. In chiropractic it means a misalignment of a spinal joint which is interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses either along spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Subluxations can have small or large misalignments, be fractures, disc bulges to herniations. You can have misalignments without nerve interference.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a force delivered by hand into a subluxation or other misaligned joint of the body. An adjustment is performed with the intent of reducing the misalignment, introducing motion to a fixed joint and lessening tension and inflammation at the joint.
What is the popping sound?
The most accepted theory is the quick movement of the joint creates a vacuum in the joint and nitrogen from the surrounding tissues rushes in to fill the vacuum.
How can chiropractic help with things like fibromyalgia or asthma or hemorrhoids etc.?
Your body is a self healing organism run by an innate intelligence. Your nervous system expresses that intelligence when nothing interferes. The most common interference is nerves exposed to swollen spinal joints causing too much function or too little function of the organs, tissues and cells they control. Chiropractic adjustments reduce the misalignment, decrease the swelling thus decreasing the interference to the nerves allowing your body to restore order and proper function.
Are adjustments painful?
Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and effective movements of your joints by the chiropractors hands , performed for the purpose of restoring normal position and movement of those joints. Once these bones or vertebrae are restored to their proper position and movement, the spinal cord and its nerves are no longer irritated and so can work as they should. Remember that the nervous system makes EVERYTHING in your body work, once the spine is simply “in line” and no irritation is on the nerves or spinal cord, the body has the ability to be strong, healthy and if injured… heal
How many visits will I need?
That depends on your unique situation. Each injury/situation is different and each individual’s healing response is different. I will 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. This office does not have the same “3x a week for 6 weeks” approach for every patient. When beginning Chiropractic care in an acute condition, you may need to be adjusted more often in a short period of time to begin the healing process. Each visit builds on the next, so remain hopeful… we are! Visits will be spaced out based on your individual needs and the rate of improvement.
Once your initial complaint has improved or resolved, you may choose to maintain periodic checkups to reduce future episodes and for better overall health.
If you begin chiropractic care, will you always have to see a chiropractor?
Each person has a choice in the type of care they want. It is the individual’s responsibility as to how they are going to live life. Just as people visit a dentist and other health care providers for regular checks, regular spinal checks by your chiropractor ensure a properly functioning nerve system- the most important system in your body. After an adjustment we continue to lead active lives and continue to injure ourselves in the process. Chiropractic adjustments can maintain your spine which protects your nervous system. This protection allows your nervous system to function at a high level. We recommend everyone stays subluxations free. We encourage everyone to think for themselves and give them the information to make informed decisions.
Are neck adjustments dangerous; can they cause strokes?
An adjustment does not cause harm. Strokes have been caused by excessive neck rotation on a person with plaques in the arteries going to the head. Most documented cases were not caused by chiropractors but by people not trained to adjust. At our clinic, we adjust your neck with very little to no rotation.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Absolutely! In fact, a New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” It is the result of biologically sound, specific adjustments without the use of drugs or surgeries that has given Chiropractic care an excellent safety record.
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 buildup and structural instability caused by surgery.
Can children be adjusted too?
Yes! It is best to have children checked for subluxations as early as possible. This will ensure that they are fulfilling their own potential to live and grow as healthy as they can.
Why do newborns get adjustments?
The birth process, no matter how natural, can affect an infant’s spine. Some studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infection or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Newborns also become subluxated in the same physical, emotional or chemical ways an adult does as well. An infant is also examined very carefully to determine if there is a subluxation and, if needed, receives a gentle Gonstead adjustment involving very little pressure
Does it matter whether I see Dr. Claudia or Dr. Quincy?
Which doctor you see is your personal preference as both are skilled Gonstead doctors. It will not offend the doctors in any way if you choose one or the other or decide to switch in the process. Dr. Claudia typically handles pediatric and pregnancy cases. Dr. Quincy typically handles the big guys, extremity injuries and sports injuries. Both handle spine injuries and provide general wellness care. If you have a preference between male or female, you may choose that way too
