FAQ

How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Million of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

How Do You Get Subluxations?

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

How Do I Know If I Have A Subluxation?

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Can Subluxations Clear Up On Their Own?

Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend, stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor! You should also see your chiropractic doctor for routine checkups to make sure there are no subluxations that haven't resolved.

What's An Adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine. At Active living Chiropractic, Dr. Phil is proficient in many different techniques. The doctor will help you determine which technique best suits you.

Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?

Yes! A new Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person whom chiropractic care might be unsuitable. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

What Makes The Sound During The Adjustment?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. You may or may not hear the sound during an adjustment.

Are All Patients Adjusted The Same Way?

No! As stated above, each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for his or her age, condition and health goals.
 

How Long Will It Take Before I Get Well?

Some patients experience almost instant relief.  Others discover it can take many weeks or months.  Many factors can affect the healing process.  1) How long have you had your problem.  2) Are you keeping your appointments?  3) Is there spinal decay and/or calcium build-up within your spinal joints?  And fourth and most important, your lifestyle.  Remember, your bones will not wait for you just because you are "too busy" or "you are 'feeling' fine."  Your bones do not care.  The more you stress it, the worse it will get.

Can I Adjust Myself?

No! Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscle and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. An adjustment moves those specific one or more bones that are out of position. Without the proper technique, attempting to move bones yourself may cause bones that were in place to become subluxated.

Can I Have Chiropractic Care After Back Surgery?

Yes! Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above and below the involved area. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can Patients With Osteoporosis get Chiropractic Care?

Yes! When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

Why Don't Medical Practitioners And Chiropractic Doctors Get Along?

That's changing. years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. however, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office.

What if My Policy Doesn't Cover Chiropractic?

Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. it is your most valuable possession. yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about everyone. We will work with you.

What If Chiropractic Doesn't Work?

If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.