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Why Choose Chiropractic Care?
There's nothing mysterious about chiropractic. It's a natural method of health care that focuses on correcting the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the
symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise. With a normally functioning spine and healthy nerve system, your body is better able to heal itself. That's
because your spine is the lifeline of your nervous system. It controls feeling, movement, and all function through your body.
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interferences (subluxations, misaligned vertebrae) to your nervous system. With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function. The goal of the chiropractor is to remove interference that may be impairing normal health through specific chiropractic adjustments, allowing your body to heal itself. A healthy spine and a healthy lifestyle are your keys to optimal health!
What type of education do chiropractic doctors receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic are well-educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree, each candidate passes the demanding four part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor's education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, "locked up," or not moving properly. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to eliminate interference to the nervous system, improving spinal function and overall health. "Gentle spinal adjustments boosts your body's immunity."
Can I tell if I have a subluxation?
Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity--you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.
Do children need chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns immediately checked for vertebral subluxation. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are adapted for the child's spine. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off can be traced to the spine. Health problems that emerge in adulthood could often be prevented by having your children's spine checked by a chiropractor early. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and are healthier than their peers.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.
Is chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health care professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.
What causes the sound during an adjustment?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often, however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release", or "popping" sound. The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound is painless and totally harmless.
Can I adjust myself?
No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!
Is chiropractic care addictive?
No. If only it were, there would be more healthy people around and chiropractors would not get patients who last saw a chiropractor a few years ago when their back went out. It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result or regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good health is.
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 know 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.
Does chiropractic work for all types of health problems?
No, however chiropractic care is successful with a very wide variety of health problems not necessarily considered "back" problems because of improved nerve system function. With a normal nerve supply the body's natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.
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 patients size, weight, age, and condition of health.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and an osteopath?
Chiropractors base their care on the detection correction, and prevention of vertebral subluxations (spinal misalignments). We use specific spinal adjustments to correct the spine, to improve nerve system functions and reduce nerve interference. Osteopaths use drugs, surgery, and other traditional medical therapies and only use manipulative procedures to increase joint flexibility.
Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
Chiropractors take x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We are also concerned about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of the spine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors and spinal curvature. X-rays also provide a blueprint for correcting the spine back to optimal health and alignment.
Is a good work-out the same as getting adjusted?
No. Exercise is an important part of good health, yet without normal spinal function a physical workout merely puts additional wear and tear on improperly functioning spinal joints.
Commonly Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care.
• Some one said I have a pinched nerve. Is that true?
• What are those cracking sounds?
•Why do I need X-rays?
• What is a herniated disc?
• Can Chiropractic help with (fill in the blank)?
• I heard if you go to a Chiropractor once, you have to go for the rest of your life, is that true?
• What if I had surgery?
• Can I afford chiropractic?
Some one said I have a pinched nerve. Is that true?
Probably not. A bone on a nerve is rare and occures in about 15% of the population. Most likely what you have is called a facilitative lesion... means nerve tissue is irritated. Therefore, it makes sense that you should come in to our office for an exam to see if you are subluxated.
What are those cracking sounds?
They are gas pockets releasing in the fluids between your joints. Therefore, it is not rubbing of your bones against each other. You do not need this sound for a successful adjustment.
Why do I need X-rays?
Chiropractors use X-rays much the same as a contractor uses blueprints. X-rays are important to chiropractors because they help to give an "Inside view" of the patient. This helps the chiropractor to treat more precisely. Also, they can rule out pathologies, such as cancer, broken bones, arthritis, and ect...your doctor will determine if x-rays are clinically indicated for you.
What is a herniated disc?
Well, you have shock absorbers called discs between the bones (vertebrae) in your back which are made up of jelly like material. When reported or enough stress is placed on a disc the material may bulge like and ice cream sandwich on a hot day. This may or may not mean you have subluxations and symptoms will vary with some people having none. We have many patients with herniated discs and would evaluate if it is safe to adjust.
Can Chiropractic help with (fill in the blank)?
Well, chiropractic care is not for any one disease or condition, however by allowing full function of their neural system, many patients report restored health in many aspects of their life. Why not give it a try?
I heard if you go to a Chiropractor once, you have to go for the rest of your life, is that true?
Chiropractic is a choice. As much as many people realize that exercising or nutritional foods would benefit them for the rest of their life and may choose to do otherwise. You will retain some benefit over being adjusted if you stop. Just think about it, you have to go to the dentist for the rest of your life. But you make the choice. We will honor your Health care decisions.
What if I had surgery?
We have had many patients who have had surgeries who enjoy safe benefits from chiropractic care. Each case is differnet and the technique modified. We have had hands on experience with many different cases.
Can I afford chiropractic?
I would say you could't afford not to!! The loss in productivity, health, and function from subluxations pays a heavy price. We have never turned anyone from care who wanted it... with our many options for payment, you can't go wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Training Do Chiropractors Have?
Chiropractors are licensed in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. A rigorous course of study is necessary to receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic. According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are over 50,000 Doctors of Chiropractic practicing in the United States. Most state licensing boards require at least two years of undergraduate education (a few states require a Bachelor's degree) and completion of a four-year Chiropractic college course.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Visit?
After setting up an appointment and arriving for your first visit, you'll enjoy meeting our friendly staff. After completing some simple health history paperwork, you'll meet Dr. Waldren.
Dr. Waldren will review your health history and ask you some very important questions to determine if your problem is likely to be helped with Chiropractic care. An examination will then be performed to determine whether or not there are misalignments or a malfunctioning of the individual spinal vertebrae.
With a complete understanding of your condition, you're ready for your Chiropractic spinal adjustment. Adjustments help restore proper spinal function and begin the healing process. Continued visits help retrain the supporting muscles and ligaments of your spine. Periodic examinations will monitor the healing process.
If it is decided that your condition will respond to Chiropractic care, then adjustments can begin. Adjustments consist of unlocking certain spinal segments which may have become subluxated causing abnormal movement or nerve irritation in the spine. These "adjustments" are performed by hand and are generally painless.
How Much Training Does a Chiropractor Receive?
Chiropractic training is extensive. Each student begins with at least two years of undergraduate college, followed by four to five years of specialized Chiropractic training. Chiropractic students take all the basic science courses - anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology. They also take intensive courses in diagnosis, radiology, orthopedics, neurology, nutrition and public health. Each student then participates in a clinical internship followed by a licensing exam.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are safer than aspirin, muscle relaxers, and back surgery. Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of Chiropractic adjustments. When compared with traditional approaches, Chiropractic care is remarkably safe. In fact, millions of Chiropractic adjustments are safely delivered to satisfied patients every day!
Am I Too Old for Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic treatment is for people of all ages, including senior citizens. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural Chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
According to a 1994 federal study, 80% of healthcare plans that employers offer cover at least part of the cost of Chiropractic treatment. In addition, Medicare, Medicaid, and workers' compensation cover Chiropractic care.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy of locating and correcting vertebral subluxations through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, thus allowing your body to function at its optimum potential.
What are subluxations?
A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more of the twenty-four vertebrae (spinal bones). Subluxations can interfere with your nervous system, which impairs your body's ability to heal itself and function at its optimum level.
What training do chiropractors receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic must complete three to four at an accredited Chiropractic college. The complete curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. Approximately 555 hours are devoted to learning about adjustive techniques and spinal analysis in Chiropractic college. In medical schools, training to become proficient in manipulation is generally not required of, or offered to, students. The Council on Chiropractic Education requires that students have 90 hours of undergraduate courses with science as the focus.
Those intending to become Doctors of Chiropractic must also pass the national board exam and all exams required by the state in which the individual wishes to practice. The individual must also meet all individual state licensing requirements in order to become a Doctor of Chiropractic.
An individual studying to become a Doctor of Chiropractic receives an education in both the basic and clinical sciences and in related health subjects. The intention of the basic Chiropractic curriculum is to provide an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the human body in health and disease. The educational program includes training in the basic medical sciences, including anatomy with human dissection, physiology, and biochemistry. Thorough training is also obtained in differential diagnosis, radiology and therapeutic techniques. This means that a Doctor of Chiropractic can both diagnose and treat patients. This separates chiropractors from non-physician status providers, like physical therapists. According to the Council on Chiropractic Education, Doctors of Chiropractic are trained as Primary Care Providers.
Well Adjusted Chiropractic and Acupuncture Clinic, PC.
Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgical procedures?
Chiropractors don't prescribe drugs, and do not perform surgeries. The doctor focuses on drug-free, non-invasive procedures for restoring proper function as a way of pain relief and bring optimal health.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most chiropractic care is covered by your insurance company, who recognize the value of chiropractic care. The Journal for Managed Care published stated that chiropractic care was more cost effective than conventional medical therapies in treating low back pain. No matter who is at fault in an auto accident, the responsible insurance company almost certainly will cover 100 % of the cost of chiropractic care. We will defer payment for you treatment until after the insurance company settles your case. Our services are also covered by Workers Compensation Insurance, for those who are injured on the job. Many studies have shown that most on the job injuries, especially those related to lower back injuries, respond quicker with chiropractic care than with any other type of treatment. Call our office to make an appointment for your free consultation.
Medical doctors couldn't cure me, so why should I believe that a chiropractic doctor would help?
A misalignment of one or more of the 24 movable bones or "vertebrae" of your spine can irritate your spinal nerves by causing a facilitation lesion, resulting in severe impairment of your nervous system, which in turn can cause pain, as well as lower your body's resistance and make you susceptible a wide variety of diseases. If your ailment is caused by spinal misalignment only chiropractic care will get you better. We can help.
How long does the initial examination take?
The initial exam will take 15-30 minutes, maybe a little more if x-rays or any other diagnostic procedures are necessary.
Will I have to take off my clothes?
Seldom does the patient need to so much as even expose his or her back. Men and boys may occasionally be asked to take their shirts off, but if you are a female the most that may be required is that you place a gown over your bra before examination. The gown will cover up the front, and will only partially expose your back. This is necessary because it allows the doctor to monitor the skin on your back , a place you seldom get to see.
Does the examination hurt?
It's virtually painless. We know you are already in pain, and will do nothing to add to it. Quite the contrary, We will likely relieve it. We are specially trained in the identification and diagnosis of misaligned vertebrae and related disorders, and can accomplish this without harsh manipulation or invasive testing.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a gentle, specific movement of part of your body, the purpose of which is the correction of your spinal subluxation(s), which in turn will alleviate the impairment of nerve function in your body. It is not only painless, but often is pleasurable. After your vertebrae are back in their proper position, you will feel much less stress and tension.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Statistics prove that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world. You only need to compare the malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors to those paid by medical doctors. Doctors of Chiropractic pay only one-twentieth of what medical doctors pay in malpractice premiums. About 250,000 people will die this year as a result of bad medical practice on the part of medical doctors, while fewer than a dozen patients will make complaints or suffer injuries following chiropractic care.
What causes the "cracking" or "popping" sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?
It's not your spine making that noise. It's just like the sound made when you "crack" your knuckles. The sound is caused by nitrogen gas rushing in between joints in your spine when they are partially separated during adjustment.
Should I continue chiropractic care if I don't have any symptoms and I feel better?
This is like asking, Should I continue to strive to maintain good health my whole life? The answer is obvious. Your spine is constantly being subjected to subversive impulsive forces--forces delivered in falls, bumps, and even while sleeping. Even though your last ailment may have disappeared after treatment, there may be symptoms unrecognized by you that are even now doing long-term damage to your body. Just as it is important for you to visit the dentist periodically, even if you don't feel dental pain, so is it important for you to visit the chiropractor periodically.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of manual medicine based on the scientific, biological fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism, controlled by the nervous system. The vertebrae and cranium house and protect the brain, spinal cord, thus insuring the protection of your nervous system. If these are misaligned or dysfunctional your nervous system can not operate at the optimal level, leaving your body vulnerable to dis - ease.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. By restoring spinal function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference by misaligned vertebrae is removed, thus allowing optimal nervous system function and normal health.
What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Get?
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated with an education curriculum similar to medical school. After pre-medical basic science coursework, special emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, clinical nutrition, x-ray radiology, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal adjusting. Chiropractic professional education at the university level totals between 5-9 years and demanding qualifying board exams must be passed.
Is Chiropractic Expensive?
Research has repeatedly demonstrated that chiropractic significantly improves the recovery time, and reduces 'sick' days and offers cost savings to the NHS.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic care is "...remarkably safe", in the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry. It is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxants, and even aspirin. All ages from babies to the elderly enjoy safe, effective care around the world.
Is Chiropractic Scientific?
Research from Australia, New Zealand, England, Denmark, America, and Canada have validated Chiropractic. The "Manga Report" produced in Ottawa, Canada has validated Chiropractic for its safety and effectiveness, and cost-efficiency regarding Chiropractic treatment and low back pain. On-going research is now validating Chiropractic treatment and headaches, asthma, whiplash, and neck pain just to name a few.
I thought my pain was muscular
More often than not it is an underlying joint and biomechanical dysfunction that is causing the problem. A painful joint will trigger a muscle spasm around it, and since a muscle receives it's nerve supply from a branch of the spinal nerve, muscular pain may be part of the problem. But without adjusting the joint, many people find they only have limited success when other health care providers only address the muscular side of the problem or the symptom of pain.
I have arthritis. Can I be adjusted?
Although chiropractic certainly is not a cure for arthritis, some individuals find that regular chiropractic care helps to reduce their pain and stiffness and reoccurrence of flare ups.
Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
We see children with an aim to help them with conditions as diverse as earaches, glue ear, colic, bed wetting, scoliosis, wry-neck, and asthma. A recent study in Denmark by Nilsson, et. al., reports that children under Chiropractic care are healthier than other children, have fewer absences from school, are more attentive and need less drugs. Children with a wide variety of needs have responded exceptionally well to Chiropractic Care.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?
A growing proportion of our practice comprises people who want to stay as healthy as they can. They attend regularly for spinal check ups (wellness care) to keep their spine healthy in a similar way to brushing their teeth, tuning up their car or regularly visiting a dentist. Wellness care is important for maintaining and increasing optimal health, saving money, and enjoying a healthy life-style.
The three types of care in Chiropractic are: Initial acute care to remove symptoms; Corrective care to correct the cause of the underlying ligament, soft tissue, and spinal degenerative changes; and Maintenance/Wellness care. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you.
Do I Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?
No. A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary care provider, meaning you do not need a referral. Doctors of Chiropractic are regulated by law, and provide a package of care that can work independently, or alongside treatment prescribed by NHS doctors and other health care professionals. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.
Can I Get More Information?
If you have questions, or comments, please or telephone 816-632-4405.
Appointments for your Initial consultations can be made through this telephone number.
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