FAQ

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.

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.

True, vertebral subluxations have not received the press that say, AIDS, cancer, cholesterol or heart disease have. However, vertebral subluxations are just as important and are often the underlying cause of a wide variety of health problems.

Under normal circumstances chiropractic adjustments are painless. With an acute injury there maybe some discomfort due to inflammation of the area.

It is very rare. In most cases if a subluxation occurs, the body is designed and has the ability to adjust in order to compensate for the misalignment. So that is why you may slip and fall and have a sore back and then three days later it feels better. However, the problem is, it is very unlikely that the body actually corrected the subluxation, it was only able to compensate for it. Therefore, the original problem still exists even though you may not feel pain. Down the road, this can lead to problems. A chiropractor can correct the misalignment so the body is not forced to compensate!

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Adjusting the spine is far more intricate than it may appear. There are 24 segments in an adult vertebra and each segment can move in seven different directions. That is a lot of different combinations that your back could be misaligned. A good chiropractic adjustment is specific in this manner and is tailored to each individual spine.

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 for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Adjustments are safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Yes. Imagine that you fell down and it resulted in a subluxation or misalignment in your spine. The segment is now stuck and can’t move correctly so the body must find a way to compensate or this so you are still able to continue to work and be active etc. Therefore what can happen is the spinal segments on either side of the one that is “stuck” will become hypermobile (move more than normal) in order to compensate for the segment that is not moving. Over time, this can become a problem. For example, one reason the body will form spurs is to try to hold those overly loose segments in place. Chiropractic adjustments only focus on the “stuck” joints so they can function properly so the adjacent segments don’t have to pick up the slack!.

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. A similar sound may be heard when you bend your fingers at the joints. The sound is interesting, but isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine (that can each move in seven different directions!) we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom tailored for their age, condition and health goals.

X-rays will be required if clinically relevant. This allows the chiropractor a true picture of potential problems and to help determine the appropriate care tailored to your individual needs.

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.

Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can affect an infant’s spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Paediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

The disc is a soft pulpy “shock absorber.” It has a fibrous outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A “slipped disc” is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bone above and below it. But a disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can’t slip.

Of course. 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 health.

From new born to the elderly can receive chiropractic care. Being born can be the most traumatic event in our life. Subluxations can occur during this process and children of all ages regularly visit chiropractors to improve and maintain their health and development. Very gentle and specific techniques are used. As we age our spine can degenerate reducing motion and function preventing us from performing normal daily activities.

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time most patients sense enough progress to fully complete their doctor’s recommendations.

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 and resolve new problems before they become serious. We recommend getting your spine checked regularly, similarly to dentistry.

NO. Chiropractic is non-invasive and therefore drug and surgery free. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.

Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their life. Those who have neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic check-ups can help avoid a relapse.

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

The initial new patient visit takes approx 45 min, this may vary from patient to patient. Regular visits are scheduled for 15 min and may also vary from patient to patient.