|
 What
is an adjustment?
A gentle, carefully placed thrust which moves vertebrae into their proper
position. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but
occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the adjustment is to
correct a spinal subluxation.
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What
is a subluxation?
Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebra) that is not in its right
position or not moving in its normal range of motion. Misaligned
vertebrae irritate nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the way your
body communicates with your spine. Subluxations cause many pains and
dysfunctions in muscles and organs. The body's natural ability to heal itself
is greatly improved with the subluxation removed.
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Does
the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only painless, they actually feel great
and relieving. In cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to
adjustments and cause some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment
may soothe any irritation.
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What
causes the "cracking" sound during an adjustment?
The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the
bones themselves, but comes from a lubricant called synovial fluid that's found
in every joint. This fluid contains dissolved gases. During the
adjustment, the joints are slightly separated so they will move into proper
position. This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gases and
creates a "pop" similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off a
bottle of champagne. Not all patients "pop", and not all adjusting
techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and
effective, even if you do not hear any noise.
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Will
repeated chiropractic adjustments lead to arthritis?
There is no evidence to suggest that manipulation of the spine or other
chiropractic care can lead to arthritis. On the contrary, chiropractors often
care for people with arthritis by maintaining joint health. Motion is life when
it comes to joint health.
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Is
it safe to crack my own neck or back?
This question is often posed to chiropractors, and concern has been raised over
safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on
the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's back or neck is not the same
as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming back,
which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment. The
cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed vertebra, has not been
corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You should not try to
do it yourself, either.
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Is
there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have
subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In Denmark, for example, chiropractic
doctors are part of the birthing team. Children's subluxations should be
treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles
and organs. Children's bodies contain cartilage growth centers that the bone
grows from. Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing spine and other bones and
joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your chiropractor can detect these
problems while they're easy to correct.
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Can
chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Chiropractors are part of a network of health-care professionals. Like other
doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors
are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside
their scope of treatment and they will not hesitate to make a referral when
it's in a patient's best interest.
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Can
chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Chiropractors believe in the body's ability to heal itself and for that reason
they don't prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They focus on
providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring
free-flowing communication between all parts of your body.
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Should
chiropractic care continue even after I feel fine?
Chiropractors are trained to detect problem areas in your spine before they
develop into problem conditions or symptoms. Just because symptoms disappear,
does not mean your subluxations are corrected. Regular adjustments help to
maintain and support a healthy spine and nervous system. Maintenance or
wellness spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition,
and exercise, can effectively prevent pain. However, how you choose to use
chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. If your spine wears out, there is no
solution. Because your spine directly influences the function of your nervous
system, spinal decay permanently damages the nerves and spinal cord. Nearly
everyone flosses and brushes their teeth even though their teeth don't hurt.
Spinal adjustments are like flossing the spine. Lifetime care of the spine
should be a priority!
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