Chiropractic At Home Hints

Use ice packs first!

On inflamed muscles or sore necks and backs, apply ice packs or compresses. The rule is 20 minutes on and 20 minutes of time off and rest. You can make your own ice packs from a mix of 3/4 rubbing alcohol and 1/4 water in a zip lock bag.

Stay away from heat.

Although it feels great and does relieve some of the soreness, heat brings more fluid into the area increasing the inflammation.

Keep a record.

Know whether the pain increases as you lay down, move a certain way, or just after exercising. Help us help you by noticing these fine points!

——————————————————————————–

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a conservative and natural form of health care that concentrates on keeping people well. In fact, research has shown that patients under chiropractic care have stronger immune systems, and don’t get sick nearly as much as the normal population. Doctors of chiropractic attempt to get to the cause of a health problem, rather than just treat the symptoms. The primary focus of chiropractic is the detection, reduction and correction of spinal misalignment (subluxations) and nervous system dysfunction.

Is a Chiropractor a “Real” Doctor?

Yes, 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. A doctor of chiropractic receives education on par with medical doctors or dentists.

Before they can practice doctors of chiropractic must pass the National Boards, as well as the licensing exam for the state in which they wish to practice. Most states require the doctors to attend continuing eduactional programs for annual relicensure.

How is Chiropractic different from any other kind of health care?

Chiropractic works with your body’s internal electricity – the nervous system. Health is a way of life. You were designed to be healthy. Your body really wants to be healthy. So why fight it?

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? So what makes this way of thinking so different?

Day and night, television and advertisers tell us we can rub, inject or swallow our way to good health. we’ve learned to believe that the answer to all of our health problems is in a little bottle of pills. The truth is that the potential for good health is already within each one of us. Chiropractic releases that hidden potential without the use of drugs.

Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Most patients notice significant improvement when starting care. However, in a small percentage of patients, they may notice a little discomfort as their spine is adapting to the changes being made. One of the main reasons for the consultation and examination is to clearly define the cause of your health conditions. If you have misaligned vertebrae, then chiropractic can help. If that’s not what you have, we will suggest a referral to the proper health care professional. Our concern is that you get the proper care so your health will improve.

Does it Work?

Yes! -Every year, more and more people, of all ages are turning to chiropractors to improve their health and performance, not just injured workers or athletes. Chiropractic is the fastest growing and the second largest primary care profession. Chiropractic services are in high demand as we look for better ways to be healthy, other than relying on surgery of drugs.

Could my pain be a helpful sign?

Yes! Those pains you’ve been hiding with pills, injections and creams are really trying to tell you something. Pain is not the problem. Pain is your body’s alarm system. It alerts you when something is interfering with your health. By ignoring the cause of the pain, you could be inviting severe consequences. Possible long term effects include spinal joint degeneration, nerve damage or organ problems that may not become evident for a long time.

Will I have to have X-rays?

X-rays and other types of images can be helpful. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm our other findings and make your care more precise. We can tell if we need them after completing our other examinations.

How long until I feel better?

Every patient recovers at their own pace. Factors which can affect the healing process include your age, your overall health condition, muscle tone, diet and even your attitude. Other factors include physical, chemical and mental stresses you have now and have had in the past.

When will I get my first adjustment?

If yours is a chiropractic case, and we accept you as a practice member, your first adjustment will take place after we review your evaluation.

Do I Have to Go Forever?

After your initial examination, a program of care is established. Based on your spinal problems we will put you on a program to stabilize your spine. This is similar to putting braces on crooked teeth. After this time, most patients choose to maintain a check-up program to keep their spine healthy, free from pain and to prevent a relapse. Most patients think of this as wellness or preventative care similar to dental check-ups. Of course, how much care you chose to receive is always up to you.

Isn’t Chiropractic Care Expensive?

Actually chiropractic care is much more affordable and effective than many other types of care. Physical therapy is at least twice as expensive per visit, and spinal surgery can be over $50,000.

What if my insurance won’t pay for chiropractic care?

Insurance companies make two mistakes by limiting or denying coverage. First, they ignore current research showing the superiority of chiropractic care in many cases. Plus, they overlook the lower cost and higher patient satisfaction enjoyed with chiropractic care. we offer ways to make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

I Thought Chiropractors Were Just ”Back” Doctors . . .

It is unfortunate that the majority of the population believes that the only thing that chiropractors are good at is treating sore backs. Chiropractic has been shown to be extremely effective in helping people with sore backs, but that is a small fraction of what it is we actually do. The avenue of approach that we take to effect a change on your body is via your spine. MD’s prescribe medication that is usually taken orally, but we don’t call them “mouth” doctors. A doctor of chiropractic is actually a “nerve” doctor. The nervous system controls every tissue, gland and organ in your body. By allowing this system to function at it’s optimum, patients enjoy better overall health and well being. We have helped hundreds of patients with conditions such as: asthma, allergies, ear infections, bladder infections, PMS, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, chronic pain, sinus infections, childhood scoliosis and many others.