Q:   What is the Vertebral Subluxation Complex?         

A:   The Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) has five parts that describe the malfunction of the nervous system, muscles, soft tissues, the spine and the rest on the body due to abnormal position and motion of spinal bones.  The detection, treatment and prevention of VSC makes Chiropractic unique in the health care sciences.

Q:   Does everyone get subluxations?

A:   Yes.  Spinal malfunction is a common health problem due to trauma, stress, long periods of sitting,  poor posture, improper sleep habits and many other activities.  Most often the only way to eliminate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex is by specific spinal adjustments to restore biomechanical function and remove nervous system interference.

Q:   What is an adjustment?

A:   A Specific Chiropractic procedure using carefully directed and controlled pressure to restore spinal bones to their normal position and motion.  Normalizing the position and motion of spinal bones eliminates the Vertebral subluxation Complex and allows the body to begin the healing process.

Q:   Will insurance cover my Chiropractic care?

A:   Practically all insurance carriers recognize Chiropractic care for at least the early part of care.  Most insurance policies are designed to help with catastrophic health problems or only when obvious symptoms are present.  Insurance coverage will likely end before full spinal rehabilitation has occurred.  Yet the Vertebral Subluxation Complex is a much too serious threat to your health to be dependent upon insurance as to whether or not you receive proper care.

Q.   How long does it take to start feeling better?

A:   Children respond very quickly.  Adults take longer because most spinal problems are the result of years of neglect.  As with any healing process, every person’s progress is slightly different.  Your personal lifestyle, diet, exercise and regularly keeping your appointments all affect your progress.

Q:   Why do patients usually begin care with a back-related problem and later discover other health problems improve too?

A:   Because Chiropractors work tithe the nervous system which controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ and systems of the body.  Improving the nerve function improves the function of other body parts too.

Q:   Do Chiropractors work with children too?

A:   Yes.  Significant spinal trauma occurs during the birth process.  Many patients have their children and newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.  They get the same improvement in overall health as adults do, but faster.

Q:   Is pain always associated with improper spinal function?

A:   No.  Your body is  very adaptive and pain is seldom associated with the early occurrence of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.  When pain is present, many times it will diminish or disappear even if corrective action isn’t taken, emerging months or years later as a far worse condition.

Q:   Why do Chiropractors take X-rays?

A:   Chiropractors use x-rays to reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine and confirm the findings of other examinations.  Chiropractic x-rays often look different than typical hospital x-rays because Chiropractors are looking at the structural relationship of the bones and not necessarily soft tissues.

Q:   Does Chiropractic work for all types of health problems?

A:   No.  However Chiropractic care is successful with a very wide variety of health problems not necessarily considered “back” problems because of improved nervous system function.  With a more normal nerve supply the body’s natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.

Q:   Do Chiropractors get the same amount of education as medical doctors?

A:   Yes.  Doctors of Chiropractic receive the same number of accredited classroom hours as medical doctors (4,500 credit hours).  Since Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs, instead of taking pharmacology and surgery courses, they receive in depth training in physiology, neurology and x-ray.

Q:   Are Chiropractic doctors licensed like other doctors?

A:   Yes.  Chiropractors receive the same number or even more classroom hours that a medical doctor.  After successfully passing rigorous national and state board examinations, the doctor is licensed to practice in this state using the title of Doctor of Chiropractic.  Chiropractors are required to continually update their knowledge of skills through continuing post-graduate education.

Q:   Will I have to see a Chiropractor for the rest of my life?

A:   That’s up to you.  Most patients want to maintain their progress and help keep the problem from returning and find regular care helpful.  Other patients look  to chiropractic for help only when they have obvious symptoms.  Whatever your goal, we’re here to support your decision.

Q:   Why don’t medical doctors and Chiropractic doctors get along?

A:   Many do, however conflict from differing ideas as to the nature of health, the cause of disease and exaggerated claims by turn of the century Chiropractors created a climate of misunderstanding.  Clearly there is a need for both medical doctors and chiropractic doctors in the healing arts.

Q:   Is a good work-out the same as getting adjusted?

A:   No.  Exercise is an important part of good health, yet without normal spinal function a physical workout merely puts additional wear and tear on improperly functioning spinal joints.

Q:   What’s the difference between a Chiropractor and Osteopath?

A:   Osteopaths use drugs, surgery and other medical therapy combined with manipulative procedures.  Chiropractors base their treatment on the detection, correction and prevention of the Vertebrae Subluxation Complex.  They use specific spinal adjustments to improve spinal function and reduce nerve interference.

Q.   Why do I need to keep coming back so often?

A:   Retraining the muscles that support your spine and maintain the proper position and motion of individual vertebrae can be a time-consuming process.  Since Chiropractors cannot rely on braces to move spinal bones like orthodontists use to reposition teeth, repeated adjustments over time are necessary.

Q:   Should you be adjusted if you’re pregnant?

A:   Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nervous system.  Pregnant mothers find Chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby.  Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight and condition.
 

Q:   Are all patients adjusted the same way?

A:   No.  The Chiropractor evaluates each person’s spine and develops an individual course of treatment based on years of training and experience.  Your treatment is delivered with practiced precision and may seem the same from visit to visit, however it is unique from the treatment other patients receive.

Q:   What is the sound I hear when the doctor adjusts my spine?

A:   It is the sound of fluid and soft tissue moving in the spinal joint as it returns to its normal position.  It often sounds much louder to you because sound travels so easily up the spinal column to your ears.  Not all adjustments create this sound, so the effectiveness of an adjustment should not be judges by the presence or loudness of the sound.