1. What is chiropractic?
   
2. What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
   
3. Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?
   
4. What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?
   
5. Does chiropractic hurt?
   
6. Is chiropractic safe?
   
7. What can I expect on my first visit?
   
8. Do I have a slipped disc?
   
9. Do I have a pinched nerve?
   
10. How do you get subluxations?
    
11. How do I know if I have a subluxation?
    
12. Can subluxations clear up on there own?
    
13. What's an adjustment?
    
14. What makes the sound during the adjustment?
    
15. Why do newborns get adjustments?
    
16. How many treatments will I need?
    
17. Why try Chinese medicine as a healing alternative?
    
18. How deep are acupuncture needles inserted?
    
19. What other therapies are offered in conjunction with treatment?
    

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What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand."  It looks to address diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, it is now being used to treat a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Many studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain, and recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating migraine headaches and infantile colic.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the Doctorate of Chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences, specialized training in the chiropractic discipline, and extensive clinical training. Click here to view our doctors bios

Does chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What can I expect on my first visit?

• The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The Doctor will ask about your job, family history, dietary habits, and previous treatments to help determine the nature of your illness.
  
  
• A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your Doctor's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures.
  
  
• In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.

All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem. Get a free spinal exam!

Do I have a slipped disc?

The disc is a soft pulpy shock absorber. It has a fibrous outer ring held in a jelly-like material. A slipped disc is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can't slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can drop out. And it can collapse. But it can't slip.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves.

How do you get subluxations?

There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

How do I know if I have a subluxation?

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Can sublaxations clear up on there own?

Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractor, osteopath or manipulative physiotherapist.

What's an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the practitioner's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

What makes the sound during the adjustment?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Why do newborns get adjustments?

Even today's natural childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the manipulative practitioner applies no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the severity and duration the condition. Generally the longer a person has had a problem, the more treatment is need to correct it. A person might need 2-3 treatments per week initially and then the visits may be reduced to 1 per week for a 4-6 weeks. At this time a re-evaluation would be done to determine if more treatments are needed. Again, each person is dealt with on an individual basis.

Why try Chinese medicine as a healing alternative? 

Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has diagnosed, treated, and prevented illness for over twenty-three centuries. While it can remedy ailments and alter states of mind, Chinese medicine can also enhance recuperative power, immunity, and the capacity for pleasure, work, and creativity.

How deep are acupuncture needles inserted?

This depends on the specific body part that is treated. Needles can be inserted anywhere from 1 millimeter up to 3 inches. Needles inserted into a bony area, like the hand, are inserted more shallowly than into an area that has more flesh, like the gluteals.

What other therapies are offered in conjunction with treatment?

Along with acupuncture and chiropractic treatment, certain dietary changes may be considered, and Dr. Yoder or Dr. Pillon may suggest specific types of exercises.