Q and A about chiropractic care

What causes the sound of an adjustment?

Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with "popping knuckles". Some create no sound at all, some a little. Many techniques, however, do create the sound of a spinal "release". What causes it? The mystery has been solved by a British research team that took x-ray movies of people "popping" their knuckles. The sound appeared to be caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints were slightly separated.

Is it bad to "crack" your neck or back a lot?

The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and "popping" a lot. The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and stop being so movable and noisy.

So I'm not "adjusting" myself?

Cracking or popping your neck gives relief for a while, but soon the urge to pop or crack reappears, because the cause of the spinal tension hasn't been corrected.

Do chiropractors have medical (M.D.) degrees?

Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees granted from chiropractic colleges. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in some respects and different in others, because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs and medical doctors do not correct the vertebral subluxation complex.

Can I tell if I have subluxation without consulting a chiropractor?

Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity; you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal check-ups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't. An occasional spinal check-up is always a good idea.

At what age should chiropractic begin?

Even newborn babies may receive spinal adjustments especially after a difficult or traumatic birth. There are reported cases of infants close to death who were adjusted in hospitals with seemingly miraculous recoveries.

Is chiropractic care addictive?

If only it were (just a little!), there would be a lot less sick people around and chiropractors wouldn't get patients who last saw a chiropractor "a few years ago when my back went out". It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed and more energetic as a result of periodic chiropractic care. You may become more sensitive to your body and know when another treatment is needed.

Can I go only once?

Of course. Once is better than never. But chiropractic can help in so many ways. Why not ask your chiropractor about your personal spinal care needs?

What will happen if I stop going?

Spine and nerve stress will continue to build up as before, but it won't be reduced or eliminated. If the stress is not relieved, your body and overall health will suffer.

Is chiropractic similar to massage?

No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column, nervous system, meninges and body structure. Massage therapists deal with muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drainage.

Do chiropractors work in hospitals?

Today chiropractors have privileges in many hospitals. Ideally, doctors of chiropractic would go through every ward and check all patients' spines; after all, who needs a healthy spine more than people facing life-threatening diseases? The presence of D.C.'s in hospitals is a welcome start. Hopefully this will pave the way toward making drugless, natural methods of care available to all hospital patients.

Is it possible to see a chiropractor after having back surgery?

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who have had spinal surgery experience a recurrance of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of repeat surgery. This common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome". Chiropractic may help prevent repeat operations.

Can chiropractic prevent back surgery?

In a majority of cases the answer is a resounding "Yes".

Can a person with a broken back or neck see a chiropractor?

After the break heals, yes. In fact, a broken bone forms a callus or bone scar when it heals which is stronger than the rest of the bone. This should dispel any concerns about the safety of an adjustment. People who have had broken bones need chiropractic check-ups, because accidents usually cause spinal subluxations.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.

Can I go to a chiropractor if I am under medical care?

Yes. Having subluxations corrected is important, no matter what other type of health care you are receiving. Today many D.C.'s and M.D.'s are working together in clinics and on joint research projects. M.D.'s are quite likely to have patients who are under chiropractic care; in fact, many medical doctors see a doctor of chiropractic themselves.

Do chiropractors believe in medicine and surgery?

Certainly. There are times when intervention in the form of medicine or surgery is absolutely necessary, but there is never a time when the nourishment one puts into one's body or one's mind is not essential to health, as well as spinal care.

Can spines automatically go back in place?

Yes. There are verified instances of blind people recovering eyesight after a fall, of individuals able to walk again after their wheelchair was thrown an of amnesiacs who remember their past after receiving a trauma. These are examples of "accidental adjustments". A visit to the chiropractor is a lot safer. Also, many types of therapy, including massage and various body work, can reduce musculoskeletal stress, sometimes permitting the spine to automatically realign, as will a cathartic emotional release. Occasionally, even a good night's sleep can correct a subluxation. 

I'm not sick. Should I see a chiropractor?

Yes. Symptoms are not a good way to judge health. They sometimes surface after years of body malfunction.

How often should I get a spinal adjustment?

As soon as you develop subluxations. But since subluxations are often painless, it's good to get your spine checked periodically, as you get your teeth checked periodically for "painless" cavities.

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