

FAQ's
Chiropractic
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What does an adjustment do?
-An adjustment helps the body in multiple ways. The adjustment is a "high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA)" thrust performed skillfully by the chiropractor. This HVLA thrust creates an increased motion in the motion segment or joint, within anatomical range, that was previously restricted and had limited motion, and therefore reestablishes proper movement. The adjustment will also gait pain, by inhibiting pain signals to the brain. Lastly a chiropractic adjustment improves the function of the nervous system by realigning the spine, allowing the spinal cord and nerves to travel free of compression or irritation. All of these benefits allow the body to funtion at a more optimal level.
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What is the popping sound heard during an adjustment?
-Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. A similar occurrence happens when you “crack” your knuckles. This "pop" is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, that releases bubbles of gas that have built up-similar to a champaigne bottle. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.
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Are there risks with being adjusted?
-"Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. 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."
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"Some reports have associated high-velocity upper neck manipulation with a certain rare kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection. However, evidence suggests that this type of arterial injury often takes place spontaneously in patients who have pre-existing arterial disease. These dissections have been associated with everyday activities such as turning the head while driving, swimming, or getting a shampoo in a hair salon. Patients with this condition may experience neck pain and headache that leads them to seek professional care—often at the office of a doctor of chiropractic or family physician—but that care is not the cause of the injury. The best evidence indicates that the incidence of artery injuries associated with high-velocity upper neck manipulation is extremely rare—about one to three cases in 100,000 patients who get treated with a course of care. This is similar to the incidence of this type of stroke among the general population"
*(answer and research provided by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and can be found on their website www.acatoday.org)
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Acupuncture
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What is Acupuncture?
-Acupuncture is a natural way to promote healing of the body and to improve its function. It consists of inserting fine needles into the body at specific points that have been shown to be effective in treating medical condtions. Acupuncture has been practiced for over 2,000 years, with recent research confirming the existence and location of more than 1,000 acupoints.
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In ancient Chinese literature it describes the body as having channels of energy, meridians, that run through the body much like rivers. These channels can be blocked or interrupted as if blocked by a dam. The practice of acupuncture needles being inserted into the body at specific acupoints, releases the block or stimulates the energy to run its proper course. Therefore with acupuncture, it can help correct imbalances of the body's internal organs and also stimulate the nervous system to negate pain. With improved function of the body's natural meridians and energy, it results in stimulation of the body's natural healing abilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
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Is Acupuncture safe and does it hurt?
-Acupuncture is safe and without any serious side effects. The stainless steel needles are pre-sterilized, and they are disposed of after each treament. Acupuncture is recognized by the NIH and regulated by the FDA.
Acupuncture is practically painless with the needles being much smaller than a human hair. Most patients may not even feel the insertion of the needle or may feel a tingling, warm, heavy sensation that occurs with the movement of Qi throughout the body. Acupucnture is said to be very relaxing and many patients fall alseep during treatment.
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Are there any side effects to the treatment?
-"Ususally not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild distortion immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome."
*(answer provided from the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture)