What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, quick thrust to a particular joint, typically in the spine, intended to restore normal joint position and movement. Usually done by hand, it can also be done with instruments or other specialized equipment.

Will adjustments hurt?

Some individuals may be sore after being adjusted, or experience temporary discomfort in the parts of the body that were treated. This, however, is the exception and most people feel better very quickly after being adjusted.

How many adjustments will I need?

The total number of adjustments you need depends on five main factors. 1) your age 2) your overall health 3) the severity of your condition, 4) how long you have had your condition and 5) what your ultimate goals are. If you are young, in good health and have a mild condition that occurred recently, you will need far fewer adjustments than if you are older, in poor health and have been struggling with a problem for many years. The total number of adjustments you will need also depends on whether you are just interested in reducing the pain you are currently experiencing, or are interested in creating long-term health.

Do I still need to see the chiropractor if my pain is gone?

It is very common for pain to disappear long before the total correction of your condition is attained. Pain is often not a very good indicator of health. Often times people are completely unaware of problems that are developing in them because there is no pain associated with the condition. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, can not have any symptoms at all until they have become very advanced. The same is true with cavities in your teeth. There is usually no pain until the cavity becomes severe. The point is that just because you are no longer experiencing pain, does not mean that your problem no longer exists. It is important to continue being treated so that the underlying cause of the pain can be corrected.

Routine chiropractic care is one of the simplest ways to maintain the health of your body. Numerous research studies have shown that people who receive regular chiropractic care suffer fewer illnesses, injuries and degenerative diseases, and they report a better overall quality of life.

The bottom line is that chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment for a wide range of physical complaints, such as headaches, neck pain, low back pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hop, knee and ankle pain, scoliosis and a host of other problems. While most of these disorders resolve within a few weeks or months, routine chiropractic care will help ensure optimal health for life.

Are chiropractors real doctors?

Chiropractors are licensed as medical health care providers in every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the world. While the competition to attend chiropractic school is not as fierce as medical school, the chiropractic and medical curriculum are very similar. In fact, in certain subjects, chiropractors actually have more hours of education than their medical counterparts. Chiropractors also complete approximately nine hundred hours of work in a clinical setting. Once chiropractic students graduate, they have to pass four sets of national board exams as well as state board exams in the states they want to practice. Just like conventional medical doctors, chiropractors are medical professionals that are subject to the same testing, licensing and monitoring by state and national peer-reviewed boards. Federal and State programs, such as Medicare, and Worker’s Compensation cover chiropractic and all federal agencies accept sick-leave certificates signed by doctors of chiropractic.

Once you go to a chiropractor, will you have to keep going the rest of your life?

This is a statement we frequently hear when the topic of chiropractic care comes up in conversation. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist or eating a healthier diet. As long as you keep it up, you will continue to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. It is important to remember that just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift and bend. Regular chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime.