COMMON QUESTIONS
How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because the human body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a joint restriction can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Dr. Jamie states that specific spinal adjustments can help improve health and function.
Do adjustments hurt?
It is possible to feel discomfort both during and after an adjustment. Depending on how severe the injury, the muscles may be spasmed, causing some discomfort as they are stretched. There may be some associated soreness after the treatment.
Are adjustments dangerous?
Adjustments are very safe as long as your chiropractor does a comprehensive exam. Some sources say that adjusting the highest bones of the neck may cause damage to arteries in the area and cause a stroke. The estimated risk of serious injury after neck manipulation is 1 in 2 million manipulations (Dabbs V, Lauretti WJ. J Manip Physiol Ther 1995 (oct); 18 (8): 530-6). To make a comparison, in the year 2000 a study by the Institute of Medicine found that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year from medical mistakes (Charatan F. Brit Med J 2000 (4 mar); 320:597). A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe."
Do I need x-rays?
The answer is NO. When clinically indicated x-rays may make treatment safer, or help diagnose a condition that may be causing problems. X-rays are almost always necessary after an accident; in this case they are used to rule out fracture, confirm injury based on other tests, and make treatment safer. Many times x-rays are not necessary, and anyone who requires x-rays without explanation should make you think twice about keeping them as your doctor. Dr. Jamie refers patients for x-rays only as needed.
How long will it take to 'fix' me?
Typically pain relief is pretty quick. Dr. Jamie states the number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many of his patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. It is also important to remember that all people are different and respond at different rates. Dr. Jamie says a lifetime wear and tear on your body cannot be corrected overnight, it takes time to function at maximal capacity.
What is an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Dr. Jamie uses her hands, instrumentation, a special table or the force of gravity to name a few. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be Dr. Jamie's focus for your chiropractic care.
Can patients with osteoporosis be treated with chiropractic care?
Of course. When developing a care plan, Dr. Jamie considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.
What if chiropractic care doesnt work?
If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.
Do chiropractors believe in medicine and surgery?
Certainly! Dr. Jamie says there is a time and place for everything. Chiropractic should strongly be considered prior to surgery.
AND FOR THE SKEPTICS
'I dont believe in chiropractic'
While chiropractic is unique and different, it certainly isn't something that you have to "believe in". Chiropractic, like gravity, works whether you believe in it or not. Instead, chiropractic produces results because it acknowledges scientifically confirmed facts:
The nervous system controls everything in your body. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord where nerves branch off to every organ and tissue. Impulses sent back to the brain confirm that the body is functioning normally.
The bones of the spine can mis-align and interfere with this exchange of communication by irritating the corresponding nerves. Dysfunction and ill health will result from a compromised nervous system. Chiropractic care removes the interference and helps restore the integrity of the nervous system thereby promoting health and healing.
The nervous system controls everything in your body. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord where nerves branch off to every organ and tissue. Impulses sent back to the brain confirm that the body is functioning normally.
The bones of the spine can mis-align and interfere with this exchange of communication by irritating the corresponding nerves. Dysfunction and ill health will result from a compromised nervous system. Chiropractic care removes the interference and helps restore the integrity of the nervous system thereby promoting health and healing.
'If you start, you have to go the rest of your life'
You don't have to do anything you don't want to. But if you're like most people spinal hygiene is new to you. Your spine, just like your teeth, need ongoing care at some level or problems and decay will inevitably begin again just as before care began. Would you go to the dentist to get your cavities filled and not maintain some level of care? If you don't what will happen?
'Chiropractic results are all in your head'
This is a convenient claim made by critics who have chosen to overlook convincing proof to the contrary. Being "all in your head" implies the power of suggestion. Yet, chiropractic results have been experienced by newborns, infants, pets and others for whom the power of suggestion isn't possible!
Many objective diagnostic tests show improvement after chiropractic care.
There's no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can't begin to explain the millions of clients who have been helped with chiropractic care.
Many objective diagnostic tests show improvement after chiropractic care.
There's no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can't begin to explain the millions of clients who have been helped with chiropractic care.
'Chiropractic will wear out your joints'
Actually it is just the opposite, chiropractic care can help prevent joints from wearing out! Using car tires as an example, if they are mis-aligned, they will wear down faster and unevenly. Getting the tires of your car realigned will add life to your tires and car. The same is true for the joints in your body.
When a spinal bone is mis-aligned there is a loss of proper motion and/or position, which sets in motion a degenerative process. With proper position and motion, the joints will be well "lubricated" and should offer a lifetime of friction-free movement without decay.
When a spinal bone is mis-aligned there is a loss of proper motion and/or position, which sets in motion a degenerative process. With proper position and motion, the joints will be well "lubricated" and should offer a lifetime of friction-free movement without decay.
'Dont let a chiropractor adjust your neck, they will give you a stroke'
Those in the medical profession who make this statement either have unknowingly been misinformed or they choose to spread misleading and inaccurate information. It was discovered in a study that the claims of injury were the result of non-chiropractors performing manipulation of the spine. These included a medical doctor, a naturopath, a physiotherapist, an Indian barber, a wife and the individuals themselves. None of which are properly trained to evaluate the need for or perform an adjustment. Chiropractors are the only professionals properly trained to evaluate and give an adjustment. You should not let anyone except a chiropractor, adjust you.
According to data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics, even including the incidents by those not trained, the mortality rate from stroke in the chiropractic patient population is less than half that of the general population. So, we could conclude that by having chiropractic care, your chances of having a stroke are reduced by more than 50%.
According to data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics, even including the incidents by those not trained, the mortality rate from stroke in the chiropractic patient population is less than half that of the general population. So, we could conclude that by having chiropractic care, your chances of having a stroke are reduced by more than 50%.
