What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic - [ki"ro-prak'tik] means "done by hand." Chiropractic is a physical medicine concentrating on improving function and balance to the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems. This involves examining, diagnosing and treating injured, dysfunctional, imbalanced, degenerative tissues and joints.  It is a branch of health care that concentrates on naturally balancing and optimizing the function of the body in order to promote and maintain health. At the foundation of chiropractic philosophy is that the body has the ability to heal itself, provided the organ systems function optimally. The primary treatment administered by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment. Most chiropractors prescribe exercises, stretches and lifestyle modifications to maintain optimal health. Some also provide nutritional counseling.

Does insurance pay for chiropractic? 
Yes, many health insurance companies reimburse for a portion of chiropractic treatment. We do recommend calling to confirm your insurance benefits.  We also offer a non-insurance plan for those with no insurance.  

What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction of one or more of your spinal bones (vertebrae), which causes irritation to the nervous and muscular systems.  If misalignments persist for extended periods it will restrict your body's natural ability to move, function and heal itself which may lead to pain and degenerative conditions. 

Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes.  In general, chiropractic treatments carry a very low risk of complications. Statistics prove that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world.  Approximately 25% of patients will experience short-term (24 hours) local soreness following the initial adjustment. The risk of serious, irreversible complication is rare. Estimates for neck adjustments are between 1 in 400,000 to 1 in 5.85 million. With regards to the low back, estimates for serious complication is "1 in many million." This year, 250,000 people will die as a result of medical doctor errors, making this the third leading cause of death in the United States of America (The Journal of The American Medical Association, JAMA; Vol.284, July 26, 2000).It is important that you discuss any specific concerns with your treating chiropractor prior to receiving treatment.

What is the cracking noise with an adjustment and is it safe?
Chiropractic adjustments most commonly elicit an audible "pop" or "crack" sound.  That sound is not your bones "cracking" or "popping", as most people think.  That sound is created by gas (in this case, nitrogen) rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. Another example of this would be the "crack" sound you hear when a can of soda is opened. Treatment success is not dependent upon this noise.  In fact, some chiropractic adjusting techniques use little force and thus produce no noise at all.

Should I continue care if I don't have any symptoms and I feel better?
Yes. Just because your symptoms disappear does not mean your injuries are corrected. Pain tends to be the last symptom to show up and the first to leave.  A general rule of thumb is the longer the condition was present, the longer it will take to correct. However, how you choose to use chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. It has been our experience that those who stop care when they are "feeling fine" return with the same health challenge(s) which brought them to our office in the first place.

Is it true once you go to a chiropractor you have to keep going back?
No. The extent to which you choose to benefit from your chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. Each and every one of us is solely responsible for the quality of our health and well-being.  Much like going to the dentist once or twice a year for a check up, many people elect to continue their chiropractic treatment after feeling better to help prevent future injuries.