4. Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is one of the safest non-invasive, drug-free therapies available. Although no health treatment is entirely free of potential adverse effects, the risks associated with chiropractic are very few. In fact, the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain, such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, have much greater risks than those of chiropractic manipulation.
Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. This minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation usually goes away within 24 hours.
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5. What types of health conditions do I see a chiropractor like Dr. Fox for?
While chiropractors are experts in treating aches, pains and other musculoskeletal conditions, they are also trained as primary care doctors. So Dr. Fox will not only help you with headaches, low back and neck pain but she will also help you with everything from a common cold to diabetes. She specializes in women’s health, helping women with everything from menstrual irregularities, fertility and menopausal symptoms. She also sees women for their annual well woman gynecological visits.
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6. What types of treatment do the chiropractors use?
Chiropractors specialize in using the chiropractic adjustment to help to restore and maintain health. Many chiropractors such as Drs. Bolton and Fox also have training in rehabilitation and physiotherapy modalities such as electric stimulation. Dr. Fox also has advanced training in botanical medicine (herbs), nutritional counseling and homeopathy as well as craniosacral therapy and Webster analysis and treatment.
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7. Do chiropractors use massage therapy?
While chiropractors do not do massage therapy a lot of the treatments they use directly affect muscles and help to relieve muscles tension. They may also refer to a massage therapist depending on the needs of the patient.
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8. What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Educational requirements for Doctors of Chiropractic are among the most rigorous of any health care profession. 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.
To receive the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, candidates must complete an extensive undergraduate program and four years of graduate-level instruction as well as an internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. Doctors of Chiropractic must have a comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures.
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9. Do I have to be referred to a chiropractor by my medical doctor?
No. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, "The DC can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and is therefore a primary care provider."
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10. Is it safe to see a chiropractor when I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nervous system. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. The doctor may also prescribe botanicals, vitamins, homeopathy, or give nutritional counseling to increase the overall health of mom and baby. Treatment of pregnancy related symptoms ranges from nausea to ankle swelling to gestational diabetes.
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11. How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure using the skills the Doctor of Chiropractic developed during her stringent chiropractic education and clinical training. Typically, the chiropractor uses her hands to manipulate the joints of the body to reduce pain and muscle spasm and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Many patients note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
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12. Why is there a popping sound during some adjustments?
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.
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