Commonly Asked Questions About Chiropractic

 

 What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?

The most essential part of your care is a chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment removes nerve irritation caused by improper motion of the vertebrae, called subluxation, by applying a carefully controlled and directed pressure. There are different techniques to deliver an adjustment. Sometimes a specific, highly-accurate thrust is used. Or an instrument delivers carefully directed energy. Or a slow, constant pressure is used. Several areas may be adjusted or just one. Sometimes a popping sound is heard.When clinically indicated, we perform modern adjunctive therapy (ultrasound, diathermy, intersegmental traction, muscle therapy). These enhance and speed up your body's own ability to heal. 

Most patients report a sense of well-being and ease. After all, if adjustments weren't pleasant, our patients wouldn’t return for the multiple visits needed to retrain their spine!

 

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

Does Chiropractic Hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. With some methods, a small percentage of patients may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Friends tell me that their chiropractor "cracks" their back. That sounds scary. Are there any other methods you use?

The "cracking" noise produced from some adjustment techniques is a release of gas from the joint. These techniques are very effective and safe. Some people are not comfortable with these methods and that is why I utilize a number of different methods. Many of these methods do not produce any joint noises and are very gentle.

Will I be given any exercises and will postural recommendations be made?

Yes. Exercises and postural recommendations are made to help the body get stronger and prevent re-occurrences.

What about nutrition?

I believe that proper nutrition is essential for good health. General nutritional recommendations are discussed. For some patients the Science Based Nutrition/SBN program is recommended.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

If you don’t have a chiropractor, I’d like to be yours. I have been serving the Lexington, Massachusetts area since 1980. Schedule a consultation today click here to contact us.