What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a natural and holistic healing art that seeks to address spinal misalignments, or subluxations. Spinal misalignments cause pressure on nerves, which may result in a wide array of symptoms, ranging from pain, headaches, numbness, and organic issues. Many people like the fact that chiropractors seek to get the root of the health condition by using x-rays and examination of the spine. Chiropractors go through a four year doctorate program and focus solely on the natural anatomy and function of the body.
You can think of your spinal cord as a highway. The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and then the signals go to every cell in your body. If the spine is out of alignment, it creates a traffic jam (pinched nerve). The pinched nerve can then cause a myriad of issuesspine protects the spinal cord, which is an extension of the brain. The brain controls and coordinates all functions of the body, and “talks” to the body via the spinal cord and nerves branching off of the cord. Therefore, to achieve proper communication in your body, it is essential to have a properly aligned spine. Some might say a misaligned spine creates a bad “signal” like poor cell phone service.
Is the adjustment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. More people are seeking chiropractic care as it has a stronger safety record as compared to many drugs and surgeries. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.!
Why is there sometimes a popping sound with the adjustment?
Adjustments of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. The most important part of the adjustment is the movement of the vertebra, which may or may not result in a “pop”!
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. Your doctor typically will use his hands–or in some cases an instrument–to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort.
Your doctor will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of your case. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Is Chiropractic Care expensive?
Many of our patients find chiropractic care to be more affordable than traditional medical care. Dr. Dohrmann and Dr. Baker work to keep care affordable by maintaining low overhead. Many of our patients have limited insurance coverage or no insurance, and still make chiropractic care fit in their budget. Additionally, we offer patients like you discounted “wellness plans” for those who wish to make chiropractic a regular ongoing part of their lifestyle.
Lastly, we pride ourselves in always discussing charges BEFORE proceeding with care, unlike most medical offices. You will always know the charges upfront as opposed to being surprised with a large bill. By knowing the charges up front, you can decide if you want to make the investment in your health.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
Absolutely! Our chiropractors have been trained to adjust pregnant women. Dr. Dohrmann adjusted his wife through all three of her pregnancies, and enjoys helping pregnant patients feel better. Additionally, by aligning the pelvic bones, it not only helps with back pain, but also aids in the labor and delivery as it allows the birthing canal to be symmetrical. Also, many patients seek chiropractic care post partum. Breastfeeding and the stress of a newborn often lead to misalignments in the spine, therefore adjustments help women through this process.
What can you expect on your first visit?
After completing the paperwork (which can be done at home to save you time – include link to paperwork), you will meet with your doctor to do a consultation. He will have reviewed your paperwork and may ask some questions to clarify your issue(s).
Exam: Next you will move to the examination room. One of our staff members will take any necessary x-rays and vitals. After the x-rays, your doctor will perform a gentle spinal exam in which he will palpate (feel) for any misalignments and the overall condition of your spine. Lastly, you will be scheduled to return the following day to review your x-rays with your doctor and discuss the findings.
I have heard that once I get adjusted, I will have to continue the rest of my life. Is this true?
Before we answer that question, ask yourself how many times you have gone to the dentist? And what is the reason you keep going back? What about taking your car to get serviced? What is the reason we do this? Like most people, we go to the dentist or service our car for proper maintenance and to avoid major issues. You don’t have to go the dentist or get your car serviced, but you may end up spending more in the long run. This is similar to chiropractic. Many people initially come to our office for a particular issue, and then continue to get adjusted for maintenance purposes. Maintenance or wellness adjustments are typically performed every 2-4 weeks.
Is chiropractic safe and appropriate for infants and children?
Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of children’s health care. The adjustment of an infant or child is not the same as an adult. It is much gentler, and often no “popping, turning or twisting” is involved. Only slight pressure is applied to make the adjustment. Our doctors have been specially trained to adjust infants and children and they see a lot of children on a daily basis for issues such as ear infections, colic, torticollis, scoliosis, digestive issues and more.
When should I take my child to a chiropractor?
Many of our patients bring their children in within their first two months of being born. This helps to ensure the spine is in proper alignment and helps the baby express optimal health from the start. The first adjustment is extremely gentle. The doctor typically has the mother hold the baby, and he places very light pressure to examine and adjust the spine if needed. The pressure is less than you would use to pick up your child.
If you are looking for a natural, preventative approach to health for your children, then the adjustment is a vital aspect of the process. Many spinal issues start early in childhood and even from the birthing process. Therefore, early detection is the key. After the initial adjustment, most parents have their children checked every six months for wellness purposes or more often is a problem arises.
What type of education do Doctors of Chiropractic receive?
The D.C. program is four years, similar to dentistry. The curriculum focuses on anatomy, physiology, pathology, x-ray, nutrition and spinal adjusting. Unlike a medical degree which places a large focus on pharmacology, the chiropractic program solely focuses on the natural function and biomechanics of the human body. Four national board tests are taken along with a clinical internship. Additionally, Dr. Dohrmann studied acupuncture, which also requires a national board certification process.
Can I adjust myself?
Unfortunately not! However, it is possible to “pop” your neck or back. If you often times feel the need to pop your back or neck, that is an indication there is an issue with your spine. Most people feel temporary relief from the “pop”, but then feel the need to do it again and again.
If your spine is in a healthy state and properly adjusted, there should not be a sensation to pop it. The chiropractic adjustment moves the bones necessary to restoring proper motion and alignment. Many patients report not having to pop their neck/back after getting adjusting regularly by our doctors.
Will I be sore after an adjustment?
You will likely feel relief, increased energy and maybe even feel taller immediately after the adjustment. However, in rare cases some patients feel soreness after an adjustment, similar to a “workout soreness”.
Do chiropractors prescribe medications?
No we do not. In some cases, such as emergencies, medications are very beneficial. However, in many cases medications are simply masking the symptoms. Chiropractic works with your body to address the root cause of health issues. Also, a huge benefit is there are no side effects with chiropractic care.