FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is an adjustment?
2. What is a subluxation?
3.Are chiropractors educated as well medical doctors (MD's) and osteopaths (DOs)?
4. Could I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
5. Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
6. Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the specific application of forces to facilitate the body's correction of vertebral subluxation. Our chiropractic method of correction is by specific adjustment of the spine.

What is a subluxation?

A misalignment of one or more of the 24 vertebra in the spinal column which causes alteration of function and interface to the transmission of mental impulses, resulting in a lessening of the body's innate ability to express its maximum health potential.

Are chiropractors educated as well medical doctors (MD's) and osteopaths (DOs)?
To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider. For a thorough discussion of the requirements of a chiropractic physician check out this page.

Could I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
The process of chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.

There is a singular lack of actuarial data that would justify concluding that chiropractic care is in any way harmful or dangerous. Chiropractic care is non-invasive, therefore, the body's response to chiropractic care is far more predictable than its reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures. Of the nearly one million adjustments given every day in this country, complications are exceedingly rare. Perhaps the best summary statement on the subject of safety was published in 1979 by the Government of New Zealand which established a special commission to study chiropractic. They found:

"The conspicuous lack of evidence that chiropractors cause harm or allow harm to occur through neglect of medical referral can be taken to mean only one thing: that chiropractors have on the whole an impressive safety record."

Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health.