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.
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a condition where the surfaces of two bones do not line up and/or move the way they are supposed to. This condition places stress on the muscles surrounding the subluxated joints. This stress is normally perceived as pain by our nervous systems, and over time can lead to muscle spasm, muscle weakness, and scar tissue build-up.
How do I know when I have a subluxation?
There are many clues that may point to the presence of a subluxation in your body. The most common clue is pain; however, many other clues are more subtle. Abnormal posture is an easy to detect sign that you may have subluxations. This can be seen in people who have one shoulder or hip higher than the other, have increased or decreased curves in their spine, or have head forward posture. Additionally, some patients note they can tell they have subluxations because they, “just can’t stand/walk straight.”
How did I get subluxations?
The main cause of subluxations is trauma. This trauma can be either minor or major trauma. A major trauma is one in which you can remember the exact time the injury happened. This includes injuries such as auto accidents, falls, and many work/sports injuries. A minor trauma is one that slowly, over time, causes an injury. This includes poor posture (while sleeping, standing, sitting, or working) along with repetitive stress injuries from exercise, work, and other activities. A patient may experience many minor traumas before they feel any pain. Because of this, many people ignore minor aches, stiffness, and pain until it becomes a major problem.
Will this cure my back/neck pain?
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 8 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 patient should follow the schedule that the doctor has prescribed.
Does the doctor get adjusted?