Good chiropractors do everything in their power to get you better as fast as possible with as few treatments as necessary. A good chiropractor will give you advice on how to avoid future problems without a costly maintenance treatment plan. A good chiropractor will only x-ray when necessary and will not use x-rays as a marketing tool to have you continue care. A good chiropractor will give you sensible nutritional advice concerning supplementation and a healthy diet without excessive pressure to purchase vitamins. A good chiropractor will have a strong working relationship with allied professionals of all specialties, including family practice physicians; orthopedists; neurologists; physical therapists; and athletic trainers.

How to choose a Chiropractor:

-Choose a chiropractor who is licensed and who completed training at an accredited chiropractic school.

-Ask your primary care physician for a referral.

-Seek a chiropractor who is willing to work with your other physicians as part of your overall treatment plan.

-Avoid a chiropractor who orders frequent x-rays or asks to extend your treatment indefinitely.

-Seek a chiropractor who Offers holistic, preventative care counsel.

What is chiropractic?

The word Chiropractic comes from ancient Greek and means done by hand.

Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in health care for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the spine, joints and supporting structures of the body so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a highly skilled and precise movement usually applied by hand to a joint of the body. Adjustment loosens the joint to restore proper movement and optimize function.

What are some of the benefits of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care can:

• Improve movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso

• Improve your posture

• Provide relief from headaches, neck and back pain

• Help prevent work-related muscle and joint injuries

• Lead to enhanced athletic performance

• Improve your flexibility and range of motion

• Relieve pregnancy-related back ache

Is chiropractic adjustment safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of headache, and neck and back pain. It has an excellent safety record. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Even common over-the-counter medicines carry a risk.

Most patients experience immediate relief following an adjustment, however, some may experience temporary pain, stiffness or slight swelling. Some patients may also experience temporary dizziness, local numbness, or radiating pain. However, adverse effects associated with spinal adjustment are typically minor and short-lived.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

No. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.

What causes the sound during an adjustment?

Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release," or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is know as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially, utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

Is a good work-out the same as getting adjusted?

No. Exercise is an important part of good health, yet without normal spinal function a physical workout merely puts additional wear and tear on improperly functioning spinal joints.

Why do chiropractors take x-rays?

Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of the spine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment.