Can We Help?
Our
office policy statement is a simple one: If we can help you we
will tell you. If we can't help you, we will tell you that as well and
make the appropriate referral. After we form the diagnosis and
agree to accept you as a new patient, we will fully explain your
condition in a "Report of Findings". Once we are satisfied we can effectively and
safely treat you, your condition is explained in a way you understand,
and you agree to treatment; you will be given your first chiropractic
adjustment, a safe gentle manipulation of the spine. If you present with
a non-spinal related condition, other treatment provided at this office
will be discussed (ex. Nutrition, fibromyalgia treatment, extremity
treatment, etc.) If it is not a condition we normally treat or if a
second opinion or further testing is necessary, we will make a referral
to the appropriate health care specialist.
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What's Wrong?
You
have both the right, and need, to know what is causing your problem.
Before any treatment is provided we will first obtain a thorough
history, then perform a complete orthopedic/neurological examination,
followed by x-rays if necessary (we don't x-ray every patient and we don't x-ray in the office) to
properly diagnose your condition. Only after we are satisfied that you
are a chiropractic candidate will you be accepted for treatment.
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Does the Chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Under
normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. Any discomfort felt
during the adjustment lasts only seconds. Chiropractic adjustments are
safe, gentle, and effective movements of the spine used to stop the
pain-spasm cycle.
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Why does it take more than one adjustment if the bone is simply "out of place"?
Because bones do not
move out of place. That is a very old theory. When you feel "out",
you are in reality simply "tight". Joints tighten for one of three
reasons: (1) major trauma, like a car accident, (2) minor trauma, like
bad posture daily at your computer screen, and (3) stress…although
stress won't cause your problem, it will definitely make an existing
problem worse. When joints of the spine tighten, they produce pain due
to neurological interference. A well-placed adjustment loosens those
stiff painful joints, thus blocking the pain signal traveling to your
head, thus breaking the pain-spasm cycle. Bottom line: Loose joints are
healthy joints, and like getting in shape, it is a "process" to restore
normal spinal mobility.
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What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a clinical science based on the following:
- Law of
Biology/Homeostasis: The body is always attempting to return to
"normal". The body has the power to heal itself if given the chance. The
power that made the body can heal the body. If you get cut, you heal.
If you break a bone, you heal. The body "innately" knows what to do.
- Theory of the
Nervous System: There is a system in your body comprised of the brain
and spinal cord (central nervous system), special sensory organs (eyes,
etc) and spinal nerves (peripheral nervous system) that functions to
control and coordinate all the other organs, tissues, and cells in the
body and related to the internal and external environments.
- Premise of the
Relationship between the musculoskeletal and nervous systems: The
musculoskeletal system, comprised of 24 movable vertebrae and six layers
of muscle, functions to protect the delicate spinal cord and spinal
nerves. "Dysfunction" of the spine can result in irritation of the
nervous system.
- Hypothesis of
the Relationship between nervous system and health: The nerves, joints,
and discs, are all so close together, that dysfunction of the spine, can
cause irritation to the nerves, which cause ill health in the body.
Remember, the nerves control and coordinate all organs, tissues, and
cells of the body. If the nerves don't work right, you don't work right!
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"What is the benefit of "maintenance" care?"
Maintenance
care is no different than periodic visits to your dentist. Once you
start eating right, do you always have to eat right? Once you start
exercising, do you always have to exercise? Answer: It totally depends
upon your personal goals. The care of your spine and nervous system is
no different. We will help you meet whatever goals you set for yourself
and help you understand the merits of your choice. Remember, your doctor
works for you. It is not the other way around.
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"How safe is Chiropractic care?"
Unequivocally,
Chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of health care available
for the treatment of spinal conditions. Compared to the risks of taking
medication and the complications of surgery, risks associated with
Chiropractic care are minimal. Are you aware that approximately 16,500
people in this country die every year from the side effects of antibiotics
and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)? Add another
20,000 deaths due to Tylenol. Tylenol mixed with alcohol can produce a
deadly cocktail. Chiropractic is safer and more effective than most all
forms of healthcare!
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