Question 1

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is a patient-centered, non-invasive, hands-on regulated health care profession focused on your spine, muscles, joints and nervous system.  There are three phases of care:  
1.) initial, intensive care which addresses pain and symptom management
2.) rehabilitative/corrective care where you will experience improved function and spinal changes
3.) wellness/elective care where you are usually asymptomatic while preventative care keeps you functioning at your highest potential.

Question 2

IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE?

Accepted Answer

A chiropractic adjustment is safe when it's performed by someone trained and licensed to deliver chiropractic care.  Chiropractors use the best available evidence and clinical expertise to diagnose issues that affect your body's movement.  This treatment is without medication or surgery.  Chiropractic care can promote health and improve your quality of life, as well as alleviate pain.

Question 3

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BENEFIT FROM CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Accepted Answer

Neck, back, shoulder, leg and foot pain.
Carpal tunnel
Tendonitis
Tennis elbow
Headaches
Migraines
Sciatica
Asthma
Neuralgia
Herniated discs
Fibromyalgia

Question 4

WHAT SYMPTOMS CAN CHIROPRACTIC TREAT?

Accepted Answer

Pain
Cramping
Tingling
Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Shortness of breath
Inflammation
Limited mobility
Exhaustion

Question 5

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic adjustments are the most important and essential part of your care plan.  Spinal joints that aren't moving right can choke or irritate nearby nerves.  Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these stuck joints, reducing nervous system disruption.  Then, health has the best opportunity to return.  Sometimes a specific, highly accurate thrust is used.  Or an instrument delivers carefully directed energy.  Or a slow, constant pressure is used.  Several areas may be adjusted, or just one.  Most patients report a sense of well-being and ease post-adjustment.

Question 6

WHAT IS YOUR NEW PATIENT PROCEDURE?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit will include a detailed history, a complete examination that includes physical, neurological, orthopedic testing, as well as a complete patient, family, and social history.  These are very important in helping to determine what your specific care plan will be.

Question 7

DO YOU ACCEPT HEALTH INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for considering my chiropractic services. I want to inform you that my practice operates on a fee-for-service basis, which means that I do not directly accept health insurance for payment. However, I am committed to providing you with the highest quality care and will be more than happy to assist you with the necessary paperwork and documentation so that you can submit a claim to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I understand that navigating insurance can be complex, and I am here to support you through this process. If you have any questions about my fees, the insurance reimbursement process, or any other concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me. My primary focus is on your health and well-being, and I want to ensure that you receive the best care possible.

Question 8

WHAT IS THE POPPING SOUND I HEAR DURING AN ADJUSTMENT?

Accepted Answer

During an adjustment, the spinal joints are separated very slightly, causing a drop in pressure in the synovial fluid between joints, the release of a gas bubble, and that signature “POP” sound is heard.  This is completely normal.

Question 9

SHOULD I GET CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS IF I'M SICK?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic helps lower stress hormones that compromise the immune system, while also improving function and mobility in your spine and body.  By stimulating the lymphatic system to oust toxins from the body and by bringing oxygenated blood to the various organs, it ensures optimal function.  As a result of improved function and mobility in your spine and body, and thanks to healthy blood flow, you can actually boost your immune system no matter your age or what diseases you suffer from.

Question 10

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Accepted Answer

It is my belief through my education and experience (both personally and professionally) that everyone will benefit from regular chiropractic care.   Here is a list of common reasons, beyond just neck and back pain, that indicate it is time to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor:  if you have limited range of motion, if you suffer from frequent headaches, if you experience chronic pain in your joints or muscles, if you've been involved in a recent auto accident or slip/fall, if you have sinus congestion, if you have numbness and tingling in your arms or legs, if you have a sedentary job, if you are just living life & not feeling your best..the list goes on.

Question 11

ARE ALL CHIROPRACTIC PATIENTS ADJUSTED THE SAME WAY?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all…everyone is unique.  Each patient is analyzed and examined for his or her age, condition and health goals.  I carefully tailor your care plan to fit your specific needs and challenges.  I utilize a variety of techniques to achieve the collective goal--Better Health, Better Movement, More Vitality.

Question 12

ARE CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENTS PAINFUL?

Accepted Answer

For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. In addition, mild discomfort or soreness may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation.  However, many patients report a feeling of relief, calmness, and a sense of well-being after the adjustment; others feel improved mobility.

Question 13

DOES GETTING ADJUSTED HELP WITH ANXIETY?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic does not directly treat anxiety.  Contributing factors such a tension, stress, sore muscles, and structural imbalances can all be alleviated by seeking proper corrective care through chiropractic.  Chiropractic alone is not the answer.  I focus on the whole body.  The person.  I do not treat symptoms.  I hope to restore homeostasis so your body can do its work.  Chiropractic care has been shown to lower blood pressure, proving that chiropractic care can help decrease symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.  We know that any imbalance in our hormones can greatly impact mood, sleep patterns, energy levels, sex drive, weight and so much more. We also know that a misalignment, subluxation, or blockage somewhere in the central nervous system can cause those very important hormonal signals to go haywire and be responsible for feelings of anxiety.

Question 14

WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, a subluxation is a slight misalignment of the vertebrae.  Something like a simple spinal injury or misalignment can create a subluxation that blocks the flow within the nervous system. Just one vertebra being slightly out of line can create a host of symptoms that can cause problems throughout the body. While we may feel pain stemming from a misalignment, it’s not guaranteed. That means that it’s fairly common for people to live with subluxations in the spine or central nervous system without even realizing that something is wrong. A subluxation or misalignment can lead to pain, loss of mobility, headaches, poor sleep, depression, mood issues and anxiety over time. A person may confuse their very troubling symptoms for other serious medical conditions. In fact, an undetected subluxation can cause a person to seek testing and treatments for years before finally getting to the bottom of the issue with help from a chiropractor!  Using strategic adjustments, a chiropractor can ease a spinal misalignment or subluxation back into proper alignment. This is effective both for relieving pain and restoring natural communication within the central nervous system.

Question 15

CAN ADJUSTMENTS HELP MY CARPAL TUNNEL?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Carpal tunnel usually occurs from repetitive motions, like typing, swinging, assembly line work, etc. The underlying issue and cause of it involves the median nerve. This nerve runs the entire length of your arm, from your wrist all the way to your spinal column. It passes through an area in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, and when it swells, it causes problems in the wrist, hand, and fingers due to interference with messages traveling down the median nerve. While most doctors would prescribe medication, chiropractic adjustments can actually reduce swelling, encourage proper blood flow and remove spinal misalignments.

Question 16

DO I NEED AN X-RAY BEFORE GETTING TREATED?

Accepted Answer

While x-rays are not a service that everyone needs, I will deem if taking them is needed based first and foremost on medical necessity, accident, &/or mechanism of injury.  In addition, if you have current films from another doctor or institution I am happy to request them for you and evaluate.  Our beautiful low country setting brings lots of visitors to our area, so I am also happy to co-treat with your chiropractor back at home.

Question 17

CAN ADJUSTMENTS MAKE MY SPINE TOO LOOSE?

Accepted Answer

No. Chiropractic care focuses only on the spinal joints that have a state of dysfunction and lack of mobility. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper function and mobility to the joints. Chiropractic adjustments stabilize normal function, they do not loosen function within the spine.Through the repetition of chiropractic adjustments on vertebral subluxation, the vertebrae that has characteristics of misalignment can move in the direction of proper alignment, proper range of motion and proper protection of the neurological tissue.  I always err on the conservative side with my treatment plans.

Question 18

HOW MANY TIMES WILL A NEW PATIENT NEED TO COME IN?

Accepted Answer

This question is difficult to answer as it varies widely and is fully patient dependent.  When you are just starting a new treatment plan, it's common to have visits a few times a week.  I always strive to be conservative with my treatment plans.  As your body begins to heal & correct the frequency will be reduced. And if you are pain-free and simply want to maintain your lifestyle, you might only need to get an adjustment once or twice a month. I like to call these maintenance appointments, "tune-ups" which help keep your body functioning at its highest potential.

Question 19

IS IT OKAY TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR IF I'M PREGNANT?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care is a positive, safe, effective practice during pregnancy. Not only can routine chiropractic care help manage pain in your back, hips, and joints, it can also establish pelvic balance as your baby and your body grows. That can provide your baby with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy.

Question 20

WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION DO CHIROPRACTORS RECEIVE?

Accepted Answer

Most Doctors of Chiropractic have a bachelor's degree from a college or university then go on to study at a chiropractic college/university for 3 plus years.  There are stringent educational and practicum requirements to earn a D.C. degree.  This degree focuses on diagnosing and preventing disorders of the spine and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

Question 21

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  It is actually even more important to have children checked since infancy and childhood are times of such rapid growth and development.  Children with a properly aligned spine tend to have better posture and be in better overall health.  Starting from the very beginning, chiropractic is a foundation for regular exercise & activities, healthy eating and a healthy well-being in kids.  Colic, earaches, breastfeeding, sleeping trouble, falls & injuries, ADHD/ADD & asthma are just a few things we can keep at bay by helping the nervous system to function at 100%

Question 22

CAN ADJUSTMENTS HELP TREAT EAR INFECTIONS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Chiropractic care can help decrease ear infections by improving fluid drainage from the ears.  I strongly advise parents to seek non-invasive care for chronic ear infections BEFORE they entertain surgery.

Question 23

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE EXPENSIVE?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractic care should be available to everyone.  There is a cost associated with the care as with any other type of health care.  It is my goal to help all those who seek treatment to get better.  Costs vary depending on the scope of services that are necessary.  All financial responsibilities and treatments will be fully explained to you.  We do offer a variety of payment options.

Question 24

CAN I GET CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS AFTER BACK SURGERY?

Accepted Answer

While many doctors warn patients of the risks involved with receiving chiropractic treatments after surgery, chiropractic care has the potential to help people suffering with back pain after surgery, as long as they are adequately healed prior to beginning treatment.  I use a non-force/non-rotational technique in these cases.

Question 25

CAN CHIROPRACTORS PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

Accepted Answer

No. They cannot. Chiropractors look at the body differently than medical doctors do. I believe that the body is capable of getting better, without much help, if all parts of the body are working properly. Think about this example: remember the last time you got a bad scrape that bled for a short period of time. Did you have to do anything to get that to stop bleeding? The answer is no. Furthermore, did you have to do anything to get that wound to heal? The answer is, again, no. Your body healed that wound without any problem. Now, there can be roadblocks to the healing process that cause widespread issues, such as joint misalignment and nervous system interference. This is at the heart of what chiropractors believe and work on on a daily basis. Most chiropractors find misalignments of the spine, correct them, and as a result, the patient gets better (and then feels better) faster and more efficiently. Put simply, chiropractic care, at least the way I practice it, helps the body help itself.

Question 26

WHAT IS SCIATICA?

Accepted Answer

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. It's usually caused when a herniated disk or bone spur in the spine presses on the nerve. Pain originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body.  This is often misdiagnosed and can be debilitating.  Chiropractic has been proven effective in relieving the pressure off of the sciatic nerve.

Question 27

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?

Accepted Answer

A sideways curvature of the spine, usually a "C" or "S" shape. Scoliosis occurs most often during the growth spurt just before puberty. Most cases are mild with few symptoms, others are quite severe and require bracing &/or surgery.  Some children develop spinal deformities that get more severe as they grow. Severe scoliosis can be painful and disabling.  A postural analysis with proper chiropractic treatment can prevent this from progressing.  It can also alleviate the symptoms of more severe cases with treatment.

Question 28

WHY IS MY BACK OUT OF WHACK?

Accepted Answer

Automobile accidents
Work-related injuries
Fall-related injuries
Pregnancy
Heavy lifting
Emotional stress
Obesity
Physical activities (including yard work, sports, exercise routines)

All you need to know