Every single day at work I get asked questions, and I am so happy that I do. If you don't ask a question, you don't get an answer. I would rather have a patient ask me something, than to assume something, or have a misconception about chiropractic. I have composed a list of the most frequently asked questions that I have gotten both in clinic, and out in public. i hope this answers up any questions that any of you may have, or clears up some things that you were unsure of!

1) When you adjust patients what is that cracking or popping sound?

It is common when patients are adjusted that there is a clicking or popping sound. This is not one bone hitting another bone or your bones actually "cracking". What the sound is, is just a little bubble of gas being released from the joint capsule. This sound is called a cavitation. You can compare this sound to the sound you hear when you open a can of pop, opening the can releases gas that was pressurized.

It is also very important to note that there is not always a sound when the adjustment is performed. Just because there is no sound, does not mean that the adjustment didn't work, or "didn't go."

2) Once I start going how many times will I have to come back

I do not have a right or a wrong answer for this question because every single patient is different, and our bodies all heal at various rates. Just like going to the gym, you don't get abs after going one time, it is a process to retrain those muscles and ligaments, the same is true with chiropractic care. It is very important to me as a Doctor to help my patients get better as soon as possible, and to do that we need to work as a team. I have had several patients say, I went once and I felt better, but the relief only lasted a day or two. This is why it is important to treat the entire problem, and not just the symptoms. When we retrain those muscles and ligaments the adjustments hold longer.

Once the problem is taken care of I always recommend patients go on maintenance care, and this also varies patient to patient. Some patients come in once every 8 weeks, some once every 4, others once every 6, it just depends on you and your bodies ability to adapt.

3) Does the adjustment hurt?

If the adjustment hurt, I wouldn't have become a chiropractor, nor would I visit one myself regularly. The adjustment does not hurt, but following the adjustment some patients do experience some soreness, kind of like they just had a hard workout at the gym. If this soreness does occur it is typically very short lived research shows typically less than 24 hours. This soreness does not occur in all patients, more commonly patients feel instant relief and greater ranges of motion!

4) Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for neuromuscular complaints. Many people bring up the risk for stroke, the risk for stroke is extremely rare. About 1 case per 100,000 patients. When discussing the risks of any health care procedure, it is important to compare that risk with other treatments available for the same condition. For example, the risks associated with over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and prescription painkillers—are significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation.

According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people taking NSAIDS are three times more likely than those who do not to develop serious adverse gastrointestinal problems such as hemorrhage (bleeding) and perforation. That risk rises to more than five times among people age 60 and older.

The number of prescription drugs have tripled in the past 12 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that abuse of these commonly prescribed painkillers are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. Overdoses of opioid painkillers are responsible for some 15,000 deaths per year; that’s more than the number of deaths from cocaine and heroin combined.

Chiropractors are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. We have extensive education that has prepared us to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to another medical specialist.

5) Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?

Each patient’s care is unique and therefore customized to meet their specific condition and needs. Your chiropractor will modify adjustments based on your size, weight, age and health condition. If there is a way you prefer to, or to not, be adjusted you should let your chiropractor know, so they can best serve you and your needs!

If there are any questions that you have that I did not answer please do not hesitate to ask! I would be more than happy to discuss or any questions or concerns that you may have!