Frequently Asked
Questions about Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic was founded in 1895. It is based on the
scientific fact that the nervous system controls the function of every
cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. The brain and the spinal
cord are protected by bones, the skull and vertebra. When the vertebra
lose their normal position or move improperly, they can irritate the
nervous system. The irritation can affect the nerves which supply the
tissues and organs causing a lack of function. This lack of function is
called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Chiropractors locate and correct the areas of the spine not
functioning properly. The correction is done through a procedure called
an adjustment. The word adjustment describes a specific movement that
is performed with careful pressure, using either the hands or a special
instrument. This pressure allows the vertebra to return to a more
normal position and movement.
Doctors of Chiropractic go through a 4 year graduate program after
completing medical school prerequisites. The training teaches
Chiropractors how to use just the right amount of pressure at the
proper time.
Chiropractors understand that the pain is just a
symptom your body uses to let you know you have a problem. Pain
is like a warning light in your car, there to alert you when something
is not working the way it should. Chiropractors
look past the pain to find the real cause of your problem.
An adjustment is the act of restoring proper motion and position to
a joint by the use of either the chiropractor’s hands or a
specialized instrument. While this is mostly done
to the joints of the spine, this is also frequently done to the joints
of the upper and lower extremities as well the joints of the jaw when
indicated. An adjustment is known in the medical
community as spinal manipulation, although the chiropractic adjustment
is performed specifically by chiropractors with 4 years of extensive
experience in this type of treatment.
Does the adjustment hurt?
The adjustment is usually a painless procedure, although when the
patient has a chronic condition or muscle spasms accompanying the joint
dysfunction, the spasms can be uncomfortable and cause temporary pain
with the adjustment. Many patients report that they
feel better immediately after the adjustment.
No. Chiropractic adjustments will not cure your back/neck pain. The adjustments will allow your muscles and joints to work in they way in which they are designed, but unless you are willing to follow through with the doctor’s recommendations for care, including stretches, exercises, and work/home modifications, there is a good chance the pain will eventually come back. This is why it is essential to follow through with the home exercise program you are prescribed.
What is that cracking sound?
That "cracking" sound is air, gas & fluid escaping from the
joint. It is the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles.
The patient’s bones do NOT crack.
When can I expect to feel better?
Different patients have different healing times. Some patients experience immediate relief, but most patients start to feel some relief within 1-2 weeks. Healing is usually dependent on the length of time a patient has had the condition. In this office, if a patient has experienced no relief after two weeks of care, they are re-evaluated and we either change their treatment plan or refer them to another provider.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No! The purpose of the home exercise program is
so that you are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle without having to
see the chiropractor on a regular basis. That being
said, many patients have noticed they are unable to change one or two
parts of their life that may be causing their subluxations and prefer
to be treated on a regular basis. Typically a
patient will be released from active care once their pain subsides and
they are independent with their home exercise program. At
that time, you have the option of scheduling for maintenance care, or
just calling when you need to be seen. The purpose
of maintenance care is to keep your spine healthy and to avoid a
reoccurrence of a back-related problem. Just as you go to the dentist
for regular checkups, having your spine checked by the doctor is just
as important, if not more so. But the choice is always yours.
Will chiropractic improve my posture?
Possibly. If you follow through with the
doctor’s recommendations for stretches and strengthening you
should notice an improvement in your posture. Additionally,
many patients note they are more “aware” of their posture
after starting chiropractic care.
How long will each appointment take?
You should plan on spending 45 minutes to one hour on your first visit. During this visit, you will have some paperwork to fill out and the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough examination. Additionally, you may, at the doctor’s discretion, receive treatment of some type on the first visit.
After the first visit, each appointment generally takes between 10
and 15 minutes, depending upon what you need done on each visit.
Do I have to have x-rays?
It is impossible, without a complete medical history and thorough examination to determine if you will need x-rays. In general, most patients do not need x-rays, but each patient is unique will be treated that way.
If I bring my own, fairly recent X-Rays, do I have to take new
ones?
If you have them, please DO bring them, as they will help the doctor
in his examination. If the doctor determines at the end of the
examination that new films are necessary, he will advise you and why he
feels they are necessary.
Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
It depends on what is causing the spine to NOT be straight. If the
cause is a lot of arthritis and degeneration, it is unlikely that the
spine can be straightened. If the cause is related to muscle tightness,
there is a much greater chance that the spine can be straightened.
Does chiropractic cure cancer or other diseases?
Chiropractic treats the dysfunction of the spine. Chiropractic does not cure cancer or any other disease. The chiropractic adjustment can help relieve the pain associated with different diseases.
Is chiropractic good for children or elderly people?
Yes! Chiropractic is good for patients of all
ages because chiropractic care centers on the function of the spine.
Dr. Oller has experience in treating patients from 2 days to 90
years old. All treatment is customized to the
patient’s age and need.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic?
Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care. If you are curious about your insurance, please call us and we will determine coverage before your appointment. For more information, please see: Insurance Coverage & Cost of Care.
What if I do not have insurance?
Downtown Chiropractic is committed to providing affordable healthcare. For more information, please see: Insurance Coverage & Cost of Care.
How long does a chiropractor go to school?
After completing the same prerequisites for medical school,
chiropractors attend chiropractic college for 4 years.
Why are there so many techniques used in chiropractic?
Chiropractors use many different techniques to treat specific areas
of the body. As with medicine, each technique provides the patient with
various, specific benefits – depending on the patient, some may
be more appropriate than others.
Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to a regular
schedule?
Yes; however, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you
which will best benefit your health. For you to obtain the best results
from chiropractic care, it is important that you follow the schedule
the doctor recommends.
Can I just drop in without a scheduled appointment?
The doctor is always available to see a patient in an emergency;
otherwise, the patients should call to schedule appointments for a time
that works best for both them and the doctor.
Does the doctor get adjusted?
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