Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic

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What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a natural method of health care based on the scientific fact that the body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. These functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. Chiropractic is the science, art and philosophy of finding and correcting vertebral subluxations to normalize nerve flow from the brain to the body. Chiropractic focuses on correcting the cause of physical problems (vertebral subluxations) rather than just treating the symptoms. By correcting subluxations, the body is better functioning and better able to heal itself.

How Does Chiropractic Work?

Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The Chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interference (subluxations) to your nervous system. The goal of the chiropractor is to remove interference that may be impairing body function and normal health. With improved spinal function, there is often improved nervous system function. A healthy spine and healthy lifestyle is the key to optimal health.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

The safety of chiropractic care has been well documented in professional journals of all kinds. Serious side-effects of chiropractic manipulative therapy occur approximately one out of every one million adjustments. Compare this to the serious side-effects of medicines and surgical errors. Research reveals that some 100,000 people die each year from the effects of prescription drugs prescribed by their doctors.

What is a Subluxation?

Subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebrae causing irritation to the nervous system. Your nervous system controls, co-ordinates and integrates all the functions of the body of the tissue and cells that make up your body. Any irritation to the nervous system in your body can have devastating effects on you health.

What is an Adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated or "locked up" and is not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nerve function and improved health. There are many different ways to adjust the spine. Adjustments are tailored to each patient's age, condition and spinal problems.

What do Adjustments feel like?

After the brief thrust, many patients report a sense of well-being or a feeling of calmness while others feel improved mobility. Keep in mind that inflammation or muscle spasms may delay these positive effects which may cause soreness. Dr. Johnson does everything to make adjustments comfortable and effective for each practice member.

What makes the cracking sound?

A joint contains fluid that helps keep it healthy and lubricated (like oil for the joint). This synovial fluid contains gas (like carbonation in soft drinks). When an adjustment is made you may hear a noise (an audible release). The audible release or crack is the release of gas in the joint much like when you open a can of soda.

Why do I need Chiropractic care?

The purpose of the chiropractic approach to healthcare is to uncover the cause of your health condition, not merely cover up your symptoms. Keep in mind that the absence of symptoms does not mean that you're in great health! Chiropractic care is not just for pain conditions and treating symptoms but it is used to provide wellness care. Wellness care encompasses several aspects of overall health, which can be, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.

The basis behind chiropractic is the spine. If the spine is misaligned by just a few millameters this will put stress on the nerves that come out of the spine. Your nerves come from the spinal cord and they supply energy and messages to all your vital organs, tissues, hormones, and muscles. If your nerves cannot get information to these organs then disease or illness can occur. Chiropractic releases tension in the spine thus allowing free-flowing energy throughout the nervous system. Therefore, chiropractic does not treat pain alone but treats the entire body and works to support your immune system.