Q: How do I know if I should see a chiropractor?
A: Chiropractors are typically thought of as someone to see if you have pain. This is a good idea, as many aches and pains are caused from malfunctioning spinal joints. Additionally though, chiropractors also work to keep patients healthy even when they do not have pain symptoms. When spinal joints are moving properly and you have correct posture you are less likely to suffer from problems like osteoarthritis, spinal degeneration and disc herniations. Remember that in most disease processes, symptoms are the last thing to appear.
Q: How well educated is my chiropractor?
A: After undergraduate studies your chiropractor has gone through four years of graduate school in an accredited chiropractic college consisting of extensive anatomy and physiology courses, epidemiology, virology, bacteriology, and many more. Following this your chiropractor is trained in diagnostic procedures for all areas of the body, but specializes in locating spinal conditions. Your chiropractor focuses on spinal adjustments, physio-therapy, exercise and nutrition to get you back to health naturally. Additionally clinical internship is completed prior to graduation followed by passing 4 National Board Exams, State Exam and Physiotherapy Examination before licensure is granted.
Q: I’ve heard once you go to a chiropractor you always have to go.
A: FALSE! An old misconception is that once you visit a chiropractor you always have to go. This is similar to saying, “Once you exercise once you will always have to go!". While many people live their lives without ever exercising they will be much healthier by including it in their health regimen. The same is true for chiropractic care. You can go to a chiropractor once and never return however routine chiropractic adjustments help keep the spinal joints moving properly, helps prevent spinal degeneration, maintains joint flexibility, helps prevent loss of spinal range of motion and works to keep pressure off of spinal nerves. The decision for someone to keep their spinal joints healthy is up to each individual. Some prefer to avoid it unless they have pain and others prefer a proactive approach of maintaining a well moving spine with regular adjustments.
Q: What common conditions does a chiropractor treat?
A: Patients present to a chiropractic office for a number of different complaints as well as for wellness care, but some common complaints are:
Neck/Back Pain
Pinched Nerves
Numbness/Tingling/Pain in Arms/Legs
Muscle Tension in Neck/Shoulders/Back
Sciatica
Headaches/Migraines
Disc Injuries
Scoliosis/Poor Posture
Sports/Auto Injuries
