Chiropractic, Massage & Nutritional
Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic FAQS

• What is Chiropractic?
  Chiropractic care is a safe, natural treatment that focuses on maintaining a balance between the muscular, skeletal and neurological systems of the body. Furthermore, it addresses the way that these systems work together to heal the body.
• Are Chiropractors doctors?
  Yes, chiropractors are considered doctors, but they are not medical doctors (M.D.s). They earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree after completing several years of undergraduate study and a four-year, accredited chiropractic program. They are licensed professionals specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and nervous system issues, primarily using non-invasive, drug-free, and surgery-free techniques.
• What types of pain do chiropractors treat?
  Chiropractors are known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also treat sports injuries and other disorders involving muscles, ligaments and joints. The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond this and extend into general health as our core body structure affects overall function and health.
• What is a chiropractic adjustment?
  A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied to a spinal joint not moving properly or “locked up.” The purpose of this natural and safe procedure is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
• Do adjustments hurt?
  Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment. Any reported soreness after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort promote healing.
• Are adjustments safe?
  Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of most back and neck problems. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
• Why do adjustments sometimes make a popping sound?
  The noises you hear resembling popping sounds are your joints releasing tiny pockets of air. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint; it affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together.
• Are all patients adjusted the same way?
  Each patient’s care is unique and therefore customized to meet their specific condition and needs. Your chiropractor will modify adjustments based on your size, weight, age and health condition.
• Will a chiropractic adjustment completely remove back pain?
  For many, back pain can become chronic if left untreated. Chiropractic care has been shown to ease and even eliminate back pain for many patients.
• Can I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?
  Many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. Adjustments are adapted to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and the unique needs of each patient.
• Is back pain common?
  More than 80 percent of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it is one of the most reported reasons people miss work and is the second most frequent reason patients visit the doctor.
• Will I be required to remove my clothing at my appointment?
  Some procedures may require you to remove some pieces of clothing, however most do not. If you have any questions or concerns, bring them up immediately with your chiropractor.
• Can I learn to adjust myself?
  Chiropractors are trained to adjust in a very specific location and direction. As a result, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately.

Massage Therapy FAQS

• What is a massage?
  Massage is a term describing a variety of techniques using the hands, mechanical or electrical apparatus to stimulate or soothe soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.
• How does massage work?
  Massage works by kneading and stroking muscles to relax them, and uses friction to stimulate soft tissues. This therapy can increase blood and lymph circulation while breaking up scar tissue between muscle fibers.
• What does a massage feel like?
  Therapeutic massage and its effects vary with each individual. Clothing is usually removed from the area treated and the patient should be relaxed and comfortable. A lubricating oil or powder is used to reduce friction during circular stroking and compression of soft tissue.
• What are the benefits of massage?

  Physical benefits:

  • Helps relieve stress and aid relaxation
  • Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
  • Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue
  • Reduces muscle spasms
  • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
  • Enhances athletic performance
  • Promotes deeper and easier breathing
  • Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids 
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Helps relieve tension headaches and eyestrain
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Improves posture
  • Enhances health and nourishment of skin
  • Reduces risk of future injury

  Well-being and Mental Benefits:

  • Improves overall well-being
  • Fosters peace of mind
  • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
  • Helps relieve mental stress
  • Improves ability to monitor signs of stress and respond appropriately
  • Enhance capacity for calm thinking and creativity
  • Satisfies needs for caring-nurturing touch
  • Increases awareness of mind-body connection
• What should I expect during my massage?
  To insure your comfort, your body will be properly covered and draped during your massage. Relaxing music will be playing and there will not be too much conversation. Depending on the massage, oil or cream may be used. The massage should not be painful so it is important to let the therapist know if the pressure is too firm/deep and also if it is too light.
• How often should I get a massage?
  If you are seeing one of the chiropractors this may be discussed in your treatment plan. Typically a massage once per month is recommended but this does not apply to everyone. Some people need massage more frequently, depending on their condition and the reason they are coming for massage therapy.

Nutritional FAQS

• They say that nothing can be done to help arthritic pain. Is this true?
  Much can be done nutritionally for arthritis. It has been found that many people with arthritis have a lot of digestive distress, and that this may actually be the source of the problem. In addition, specific foods are known to cause an inflammatory response in the body and may contribute to arthritic trauma. Providing adequate nutrition can actually help the body fight the cause of arthritis and reverse the breakdown of tissue.
• My children have recently taken an antibiotic. I have heard that there can be digestive problems after taking these medications. What should I do?
  Many children complain of stomachaches after taking an antibiotic and it is important to restore the proper bacteria in the intestine so digestion is not compromised. It is suggested that a supplement of acidophilus be taken for a week or two after medication. You may consider products that contain several other probiotics in the ingredients as well.
• The doctor said I have early stages of osteoporosis. I know I need calcium, but I don't know what is good. They say on TV that some type of antacid is good, is this true?
  Lucky for you that you caught this in the early stages. Please avoid antacids for calcium, the calcium in these products is not absorbed very well and may also interfere with absorption of other nutrients, so this is not a viable source of calcium. A high quality calcium product is necessary to improve your status. The most absorbable form of calcium is Organic Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite concentrate. Other involved nutrients are Vitamin D-3, magnesium, vitamin C, boron, soy isoflavones, and protein. Other risk factors that need to be evaluated are estrogen levels, hydrochloric acid deficiency, stress, caffeine, dieting, cigarette smoke, corticosteroids, alcohol, exercise, fiber, low nutrient intake, as well as family history of the disease. Great results have been seen with proper supplementation and reduction of risk factors.