Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an Adjustment?
- What do Chiropractors do?
- What are all of the phases of care for?
- Why do we not adjust a patient on the first day?
- Are all patients adjusted the same way?
- How does an Adjustment feel?
- How should I feel after an Adjustment?
Chiropractic
What is an Adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific gentle force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. An adjustment adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a normal position. The adjustment allows your body better motion in the spine and other joints, improved nervous system function and health ultimately leading to optimal wellness in all body systems. There are over 270 techniques utilized in Chiropractic to adjust the spine. Usually the Doctors hands or the use of tables, block pieces, thermal scanners and more can be used.
The sound an adjustment makes is called a "Cavitation". The cavitations that you sometimes hear during the adjustment are caused by gas being released from the misaligned joints.
What do Chiropractors do?
Chiropractors restore proper motion to joints that are not moving properly to keep the discs, nervous system and the body healthy and pain-free. A history of the patient's chief complaint(s) is the first step in ascertaining the cause and treatment for a patient. The history is followed by an examination where thermal scans, range of motion and motion palpation of the spine are done. X-rays may be taken to assess and detect any structural and functional problems. The patient will then schedule an appointment for a Report of Findings visit where the Doctor will explain the underlying issues and then recommend a treatment plan that will improve their condition.
Periodic examinations (Progress Reports) will also be done to ensure and monitor patient improvement.
What are all of the phases of care for?
Your spine has been misaligned for a long time and that has created pressure on nerves and has interfered with how they function.
- The first phase of care is to help relieve symptoms. It's the patient's responsibility to keep their scheduled appointments and perform the recommendations suggested by the doctors. Even though symptoms may have been reduced a great deal the next phase of care is where correction occurs.
- The second phase of care is where correction of the spinal issues takes place.
- The third phase of care is the strengthening phase where we stabilize the spine.
- The fourth phase of care, also referred to as wellness care, will help prevent future conditions from occurring. Patients also notice that if future injuries occur, their bodies heal faster.
Why do we not adjust a patient on the first day?
We do not adjust on the same day because the doctor requires time to carefully review all of the findings (symptoms, posture, range of motion, motion palpation, thermal scan and X-rays) before deciding what the best course of action would be.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No, because each patient is unique, patients are adjusted according to their needs. After completing a thorough examination, your Chiropractor will determine the best choice of therapy for you. It may involve a specific technique or a combination of techniques. The goal is to improve your condition through gentle adjustments that work within your comfort zone.
How does an Adjustment feel?
Most people receiving adjustments will describe a sense of relaxation, lowered state of stress, increased freedom of motion, and a sense of better balance. The Doctor will use his hands or specific instruments to check your nerve system and adjust any areas of nerve interference. As a rule, the adjustment is complete when your neck, shoulders and hips are even, free of stress, and have a proper range of motion.
How should I feel after an Adjustment?
Great! Most people experience more energy, less discomfort, more flexibility, and an overall feeling of enhanced well-being. Sometimes, significant changes may occur too quickly leading to slight, short -term discomforts such as headaches, sniffles, a slight fever, drowsiness, lethargy or similar reactions. The Doctors will monitor your progress very closely to ensure maximal comfort during this time of change. In some patients with long-term chronic conditions, realigning the spine may also cause the muscles around the spine to be sore. This is only temporary, until the weakened muscles are strengthened. This is comparable to the discomfort felt after a good work out at the gym.
