FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
83 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
83 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
617.720.1992
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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
83 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114 617.720.1992 |
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Q: How do you get subluxations? A: There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet. Q: How do I know if I have a subluxation? A: You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have. Q: Can subluxations clear up on their own? A: Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as well as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor. Q: What's an adjustment? A: Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe? A: Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. Q: Can the bones move too much? A: Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe Q: What makes the sound during the adjustment? A: Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment. Q: Are all patients adjusted the same way? A: No. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for their age, condition and health goals. Q: How many adjustments will I need? A: The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. Q: Can I adjust myself? A: No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care. Q: Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery? A: Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care. Q: Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care? A: Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition. Q: How long until I'll feel better? A: Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Q: How long will I need chiropractic care? A: After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.
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