West Tao Health Center
Chiropractic FAQs
Home Providers and Staff Office Information Services Testimonials FAQs
What is
Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a natural method of
health care with the proven ability to relieve back pain, increase vitality,
and promote well-being. For over a century, doctors of chiropractic have
successfully helped millions of individuals recover from spine-related health
problems. As a result, chiropractic has earned its place as the largest
drugless and non-surgical health care profession in the
How
does chiropractic work?
The human body possesses a natural
ability to restore itself. This ability depends on a healthy nervous system.
Life's events such as automobile
accidents, sports
injuries, repetitive work, and home stress
are just some of the factors that can overwhelm the body's ability to adapt.
The joints of the spine 'lock up' when these sorts of events occur, limiting
range of motion. Spinal joint restriction and/or misalignment results in
irritation and/or pressure at the spinal nerve.
Chiropractic
care can correct these structural distortions, known as subluxations,
restoring the body to its optimal form and function. Local symptoms of
subluxations may include pain, tenderness, swelling, tingling, numbness, or
spasm around the joints of the spine, back, and neck. Many times these
sensations extend further into the shoulders and arms, around the rib cage, or
into the hips and down the legs. Subluxations can even lead to headaches,
stomach and digestive problems, and loss of overall health.
Impaired nerve coordination causes the whole body to suffer. Vital instructions
flow between the brain and the body by way of spinal nerves. These instructions
inform and direct the body as to when, where, and how it needs to heal itself.
By irritating nerves, subluxations interfere with the essential brain/body
exchange, thereby compromising the normal function of the body's organs and
tissues. Chiropractic care clears the path for the body to maintain its own
health.
How
can a chiropractor help?
Doctors of chiropractic are
specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of spinal conditions, which
is why an increasing number of back pain sufferers
are turning to them for fast, effective, and reliable care. Similarly, more and
more hospitals and private practices are now working closely with doctors of
chiropractic in order to ensure the best quality of care for patients who
suffer from spine-related injuries and dysfunction.
The benefits of chiropractic care have also been shown to extend beyond reduction
of back and neck pain.
In fact, chiropractic has proven itself as useful in the reduction of headache pain, carpal
tunnel syndrome, jaw pain, sciatica, and tingling in the arms and legs. The
rewards of chiropractic care are numerous. People under chiropractic care
report better health and well-being
and many families have realized the benefits of chiropractic care for their children.
Who
should see a doctor of chiropractic?
Nerve interference can affect
anyone, which is why people of
all ages experience relief and improved health through chiropractic care. A
qualified doctor of chiropractic will best determine the appropriateness of
care for you or your family.
No method of health care has proven itself to be more effective
than chiropractic in helping those who suffer from back and neck pain. Doctors
of chiropractic are the most highly qualified professionals in evaluating and
caring for these, as well as many other health problems.
Is
chiropractic safe?
YES. Its non-surgical,
drug-free approach to health places chiropractic among the safest of all health
care practices. Remember, chiropractic takes nothing out of the body and puts
nothing in. As a result, chiropractors enjoy one of the lowest malpractice
rates of all health care professionals.
How
are doctors of chiropractic educated?
Like all primary health care
providers, doctors of chiropractic undergo extensive education
and training before becoming licensed professionals. Students begin by
fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements, with a strong emphasis on the
core sciences such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics.
The professional program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree is very
demanding. Chiropractic students continue their study of the sciences,
including pathology and biochemistry, at a highly detailed level.
Their education continues into the advanced clinical sciences including orthopedics,
neurology, examination procedures, differential diagnosis, and X-ray
interpretation. During this entire process, aspiring doctors of chiropractic
gain knowledge of the philosophy and practice of health care and chiropractic.
Doctors of chiropractic refine their technical adjusting skills in technique
classes. During clinical internships student doctors perfect these skills.
Finally, all doctors of chiropractic must pass the rigorous national board exams and state
exams before entering the field.
What
can I expect on my first visit?
Your initial visit will begin with
a consultation. Your doctor will take a case history and ask about your present
condition.
Next, the doctor will perform an examination to evaluate the nature of your
problem. This examination generally includes a series of basic physical tests,
as well as a specialized chiropractic evaluation of spinal movement and
posture.
If necessary, your doctor may recommend X-rays or diagnostic tests to obtain
further information about the mechanics of your spine and the details of your
condition.
After completing the analysis, your doctor will explain your problem and map
out an appropriate plan of action with you. If necessary, you may be referred
to another health care specialist for further evaluation or treatment. Doctors
of chiropractic work with a variety of health care professionals in the best
interest of their patients.
Your doctor will discuss your care plan with you, taking into consideration
your health habits, stress, and activity levels.
Over the course of your care, your doctor will monitor your individual response
and may also recommend changes to your lifestyle, work environment, dietary,
and exercise patterns.
How
does chiropractic correct my spinal problems?
Following consultation and
examination, a program of care will be designed and customized to
your specific needs. This program is centered around the
chiropractic adjustment, a method of treatment unique to
chiropractic, which corrects spinal subluxations and dysfunction. The
primary goal of an adjustment is to improve spinal alignment and motion,
thereby relieving nerve irritation, pressure, and pain.
You may feel immediate improvement after an adjustment, although most people
experience gradual, progressive relief of symptoms. Since adjustments restore
motion to previously locked joints, ligaments and tendons begin to stretch back
to their normal length. This lengthening may cause slight muscle soreness
similar to that brought on by rigorous exercise. If you experience these
sensations, be assured that within days you’ll likely be enjoying the benefits
of improved spinal motion with less pain that results from a healthier spine.
For the best results, follow the plan that your doctor of
chiropractic recommends for you.
How
much chiropractic care will I need?
The number of visits you make to
your chiropractor depends on the nature of your condition and your personal
goals. Many people use chiropractic as part of a preventive
health care routine, scheduling chiropractic appointments on a regular
basis to keep their bodies functioning at their best. Others seek care and
treatment for specific conditions with the primary goal of treatment being pain
relief. It is important for you to discuss your objectives with your
chiropractor in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.
Keep in mind, healing rates vary from person to person. Children
tend to respond more quickly to treatment, whereas adults and seniors may
respond more slowly. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the spine has not
been working properly, the more extensive the care plan may be to achieve
desired results.
Is
chiropractic care expensive? Will my insurance cover it?
Many health care plans provide coverage for chiropractic care. Check with your benefits manager to find out what coverage you may have with your health plan. Also, talk with our office staff to learn about your payment options. Many patients pay directly for care, as they discover chiropractic to be extremely cost-effective and affordable.
Home Providers and Staff Office Information Services Testimonials FAQs