Chiropractic 101

Chiropractic is based on removing subluxations (nerve interference) and stabilizing the spine so the nerve interference does not come back. It’s just like when you sit with your legs crossed and your foot falls asleep because the brain talks to the foot through the nerve. When a bone in your spine goes out of position and gets stuck, the area the nerve feeds will not work properly, similar to the foot example. Whether the area the nerve feeds is your back or neck muscles, you will have spasms and pain. If the nerve feeds the lungs, you could have a hard time breathing because the lungs have both “turn on and turn off” nerves and which nerve is being affected will dictate the problem. The same issues occur with the stomach, reproductive organs, intestines, heart and every other organ in your body.

 General Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that does not treat any one ailment but rather focuses on the restoration of a fully functioning nervous system. Chiropractic care is used most often not to treat but has been known to help with symptoms such as neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, also common everyday symptoms such as headaches, fibromyalgia, bed wetting, asthma, carpal tunnel, fatigue, TMJ and many more...

Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations.  Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.   The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic care, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.   

A neck adjustment is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear understanding of the connection. The occurrence appears to be very rare—1 in 5.85 million adjustments— based on the clinical reports and scientific studies to date. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.  

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) -- as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.

Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment.  Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.  The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. 

In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to remove subluxation, and restore or enhance joint function.  A Chiropractic adjustment is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles.  The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released.  There is no pain involved.