Question 1

What is Chiropractics?

Accepted Answer

Chiropractics is a healthcare profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions caused by mechanical dysfunction of the joints and muscles. The term "chiropractic" means "done by hand," and it is a natural, hands-on, drug-free, and surgery-free approach to health.
Chiropractics has a long history dating back to 1895 when the first official spinal manipulation was performed. Since its inception, it has become the third most widely used primary healthcare profession in the world, after medicine and dentistry. The chiropractic approach is based on the premise that good health is partially dependent on a normally functioning spine, nervous and muscular system.

Question 2

What to expect at your first visit?

Accepted Answer

Visiting a chiropractor is similar to seeing your GP; both are healthcare professionals. The main difference lies in the chiropractor's holistic, drug-free approach to treatment.

To understand your issue, your chiropractor will start with a comprehensive history, asking about your pain—its type, location, and onset—along with your past and family health history. A thorough physical examination follows, including orthopedic and neurological tests to assess muscle strength, nerve function, joint function, and body alignment. This helps identify the source of your complaint.

If necessary, x-rays or lab tests may be ordered at the chiropractor's discretion.

After diagnosing the issue, your chiropractor will suggest a treatment plan. This could involve a single visit for a quick spinal or joint adjustment, or a series of sessions to stabilize the condition. Treatment methods often include manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and techniques like heat, ice, ultrasound, massage, and exercise.

While chiropractic care is non-invasive, patients may need to change into provided gowns for proper examination and treatment.

Question 3

What is an adjustment?

Accepted Answer

An adjustment is a treatment tool of the Chiropractor. It requires the doctor to place his hands on or around the affected joint using a quick, short thrust to return the joint to its normal motion.

Question 4

Does an adjustment hurt?

Accepted Answer

When done correctly, an adjustment shouldn't hurt. On occasion, a patient may react as if in pain, but this feeling quickly dissipates as they realise it is simply the surprise of a new sensation. Most patients have an overwhelmingly positive response to an adjustment. Some may experience mild tenderness.

Question 5

What is the popping sound during adjustment?

Accepted Answer

The popping sound is the result of gas within your joints responding to the change of pressure when an adjustment occurs. However, the sound has nothing to do with the quality of the manipulation/adjustment.

Question 6

Can pregnant women see chiropractors?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient's size, weight, age, and specific complaint. In addition, most pregnant women find they have easier pregnancies and deliveries when they receive consistent chiropractic care

Question 7

Will I have to continue Chiropractic care for the rest of my life?

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception. While most people experience great relief with consistent chiropractic care, it certainly is not required.
My practice focuses on helping you achieve significant pain relief as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Question 8

Can I adjust myself?

Accepted Answer

No. Since a Chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is not advised for one to attempt adjustments on their own. This type of self-joint manipulation is usually counterproductive and sometimes dangerous, often creating an already unstable spine or joint even more unstable.

Question 9

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Frequently asked questions