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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these 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, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

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. A faint popping sound may also occur with an adjustment. This sound is created by the shifting of gas and fluids in the joint, which is normal.

Is Chiropractic safe? Chiropractic care is safer than aspirin, muscle relaxants and back surgery. Some patients get results quickly, while others may take longer. Chiropractic care is safe and effective for all ages from infants to the elderly. Many patients get adjusted on a regular basis as preventative wellness care. Professional athletes such as Tiger Woods, Jerry Rice, Wade Boggs, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Evander Holyfield, to name a few, receive chiropractic care on a regular basis. Most Olympic and professional teams have an on-staff chiropractor as well as other healthcare providers.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have? Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for? Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

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 chiropractor will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem. A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your chiropractor's clinical judgement, 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.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic? At CarePlus Chiropractic Health Center, our practice offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathic formulas, herbal medicine, Chinese medicine and nutritional consulting.