FAQs

For those individuals who have never been to a Chiropractor there can be many unanswered questions and even fears. We often hear, "will it hurt," "what exactly is causing the pain," "what is chiropractic care," these and others are all great questions that deserve answers. At Advanced Chiropractic we view knowledge as another method of treatment, before you can understand the need for chiropractic care you must understand what type of health care it is and how it can help your situation. Below is a listing of some of the more frequently asked questions and answers related to our profession.

• What is Chiropractic Care?
• How Can Chiropractic Help Me?
  
• How & What Types of Symptoms Can Chiropractic Care Help?
• What is a Subluxation?
• What are the Main Causes of Subluxations?
• What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
  
• Will Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
• Can I Adjust Myself?
• What Happens on the First Visit?
• What if I do not Respond to Chiropractic Treatments?
• Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?

What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of health care that emphasizes the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of physical problems related to our muscle and skeletal systems, especially the spine. It is a natural method of health care focusing on the cause of a pain rather then treating the pain itself. Chiropractic care operates on the premise that our overall general health is directly affected by our nervous system or spine. When the spine is out of alignment it can cause pain sensations throughout other parts of the body and can negatively affect how our body heals itself. A well aligned and healthy functioning spine allows our bodies to be more equipped to heal themselves.

How Can Chiropractic Help Me?
Chiropractic can assist you by working with you and your other health care professionals (M.D., and D.O.) by maintaining your spine in proper alignment. Every organ in the body is under some type of neurological (nerve) control, so does it not seem sensible that if nerve impulses do not get to the organ its function is going to be compromised?

How & What Types of Symptoms Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractic care, or the chiropractic adjustment, has been know to relieve many pains, illnesses and diseases. This type of practice aids the body in removing blockages (subluxations and misaligned vertebrae) affecting our natural flow of nerve impulses sent and received from organs and muscles. By restoring the natural flow through gentle spinal adjustments and adjustment techniques the body is able to naturally correct an non-normal functions and illnesses. Here is a small listing of illnesses and pains chiropractic care can potentially relieve:

Allergies Arthritis Blood Pressure Problems Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Digestive Disorders Disc & Vertebrae Problems Dizziness Ear Infections Frequent Headaches & Migraines

Injuries: Auto, Lifting, Whiplash Pain & Stiffness: Back, Arm & Shoulder, Neck, Hand & Wrist, Hip & Knee Pinched Nerves Poor Circulation Sciatica Spinal Injuries & Curvatures

What is a Subluxation?
A subluxation is a bone which has gone out of alignment. When a bone is out of alignment, it stresses the tissues around the joint (muscles and ligaments). It also can put pressure on the nerves that exit between the vertebral bones. These nerves which exit the spine can then be negatively affected. The nerves that exit the spine go all throughout the body and can cause numerous symptoms when pinched.

What are the Main Causes of Subluxations?

1. Physical Traumas such as slips, falls, whiplash, repetitive motions, bad posture, back packs, and birth traumas (delivery, forceps, suction).
2. Emotional Stress such as grief, anger, fear and depression.
3. Chemical Imbalance such as increased alcohol use, drugs, environmental issues and poor diet can cause subluxations.

What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, referred to as spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation, is the gentle correction of a subluxation (bone out of alignment). It is performed manually or with a device to relieve the pressure on the nerves, thereby normalizing proper function and optimizing health.

Will Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
The level of pain is difficult to predict and varies from person to person; however because chiropractic adjustments focus on using minimal pressure, most patients feel little to no pain or discomfort. Those patients indicating discomfort are usually already tense or stiff do to their lack of familiarity with chiropractic adjustment procedures. Most often patients report a feeling of calmness and/or an increased range in motion.

Can I Adjust Myself?
No. Some people may make their joints “pop” and think they've made an adjustment. Wrong! Damage can occur by “self manipulating” a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and require the skill of a professionally trained doctor of chiropractic to administer. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to personally benefit from chiropractic care.

What Happens on the First Visit? 
On your first visit to Advanced Chiropractic Clinic:

• You will fill out forms with regards to your health background and insurance information (if any).
• You will have a conversation with the Doctor regarding your health.
• The Doctor will perform an examination and Chiropractic evaluation. X-rays are only taken if deemed necessary.
• The Doctor will share his/her findings from the examination (and X-rays, if taken).
• The Doctor will explain suggestions for further care, and list your choices for future health care.
• The Doctor will discuss your insurance coverage and finances.
• If the Doctor recommends Chiropractic care, and if you agree, then the first adjustment will be delivered on this visit.

What if I do not Respond to Chiropractic Treatments?
The consultation and examination are necessary to determine if chiropractic can help your condition. If not, you may be referred to another specialist who might be able to help. In any event, your health and happiness are our primary goal.

Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
Most insurance does cover Chiropractic. However, all plans differ in there coverage. We at Advanced Chiropractic do accept most insurance plans. Our dedicated staff can help you determine what kind of coverage you may have.