Q.         Can I adjust myself?

 

A.         Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself.  It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a “popping” sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment.  Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady.  Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!      The best way to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. 

Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.                                                            

 

 

 

 

Q.         There are so many new supplements and herbs on the market. Which should I take?

 

A.         It depends. For most healthy people eating a good balanced diet, that includes lots of vegetables and fruit should provide the basics. Prior to taking any new supplements, a proper diet should be the first priority. Once your diet is in-line taking some extra vitamins, like a daily multi vitamin and multi mineral, is recommended.

Other supplements and herbs should not be taken without consideration to the effects on the body and interactions they may have with other drugs you are taking. Just because the product is 100% natural does not mean it can't harm you. your medical doctor, pharmacist or doctor of chiropractic should be consulted if you have questions.

 

 

 

Q.         Is my injury a muscle or a bone problem?

 

A.         Rarely do injuries only involve one or the other. In fact most injuries that present to my office involve not only muscles and bone, but tendons, ligaments and nerve and blood flow as well. It is hard to injure a joint without affecting the bones that make up the joint, the muscles that move that joint, the ligaments that hold the joint together and the nerves that send signals to and from the brain about that joint.

That is why treatment is the office is not just the chiropractic adjustment but therapies to reduce inflammation, return range of motion, break up scar tissue, help with neuromuscular re-education, strengthen and stabilize joints and improve posture.

 

                                                 

Q.         I’ve been told I have a curve in my spine.  Is this normal?

 

A.         The spine has normal curves.  If the curves in your spine go anterior and posterior (forward and back) these could be your normal spinal curves.  To be considered normal they need to fall within certain accepted measurements.  If you have too little or too much of a forward or backward curve at any area of your spine this will change your posture and likely lead to early degenerative changes. 

Abnormal curves in your spine would be curves that go side to side.  This is considered a scoliosis and is never normal.  Depending on the severity of the scoliosis treatment varies from wait and watch to chiropractic care and stabilization exercises and even to surgery involving metal rods to straighten the spine. 

Your Chiropractor or Medical Doctor can check the curvature of your spine and if there is concern of abnormalities X-rays can be taken to obtain exact measurements of the spinal curves.        

                                                      

 

                                                 

Q.         Is my injury a muscle or a bone problem?

 

A.         Rarely do injuries only involve one or the other. In fact most injuries that present to my office involve not only muscles and bone, but tendons, ligaments and nerve and blood flow as well. It is hard to injure a joint without affecting the bones that make up the joint, the muscles that move that joint, the ligaments that hold the joint together and the nerves that send signals to and from the brain about that joint. That is why treatment in the office is not just the chiropractic adjustment but therapies to reduce inflammation, return range of motion, break up scar tissue, help with neuromuscular re-education, strengthen and stabilize joints and improve posture.