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Chiropractic as we know it today was founded in Iowa in 1895 by Dr. David Palmer.
1. How does chiropractic work?
There
is nothing mysterious about chiropractic, it works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. Chiropractic
is a natural method of health care that focuses on treating the causes of physical problems by locating and removing
interferences (subluxations, misaligned vertebrae) to your nervous system., rather than just treating the symptoms. When under
control of your nervous system , all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health.
With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function, which allows the body to better heal itself.
A healthy
spine and a healthy lifestyle are your keys to optimal health! 2. What kind of education and
training do doctors of chiropractic have?
Chiropractic doctors complete about the
same number of college classroom hours as medical practitioners. They receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular 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 disipline ( theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications; and extensive clinical
training.
Dr. Cluver began college in 1992 at Richland Community
College in Decatur, Illinois and received her Associates in Science degree. She then transfered to Southern Illinois University
in Carbondale to complete her pre-requisites for Chiropractic school. She began chiropractic school in 1997 at Logan College
of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. There she graduated with her Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 2000.
3. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations
are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one. A New Zealand government study concluded
that chiropractic adjustments are "remarkably safe."
Taking an over-the-counter
pain reliever is about 100 times more risky.
4. How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of
subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motion and improper lifting. Emotional
stress such as grief, anger and fear can be causes of subluxations. Also chemical stress such as alcohol, drugs, pollution
and poor diet could be causes of subluxations.
Left
uncorrected, this can result in pain, sickness, or disability and inhibit your body's ability to express its full health
potential.
5. Can I tell if I have a subluxation?
You will not always know. A subluxation is like a dental cavity - you may have it
for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible
to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't.
Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.
6. Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes.
Today's hectic lifestyles are on a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct
many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night.
When
subluxations DO NOT RESOLVE , you need to see a chiropractic doctor.
7.
What is an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust
that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, a special table
or the force of gravity.
There are many ways
to adjust the spine.
8. Are all patients adjusted
the same way?
No! The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal
problem and develops an individual course of care. Each chiropractic adjustment builds on the one before. The resulting
recommendations are based upon years of training and experience.
Each
patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.
9. Does chiropractic hurt?
Most patients report that adjustments
feel good. Depending on the cause of your pain or injury, you may feel some muscle soreness after a treatment.
This usually goes away within 24 hours.
10. What causes
the sound during an adjustment?
Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. Often,
however, adjustments do create the sound of a spinal "release", or "popping" sound. The
sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated. This sound
is painless and totally harmless.
11. Can I adjust myself?
No. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction to a specific joint,
it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain
ways to create a popping sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation
is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable spine even more unstable, and can sometimes be dangerous. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!
12. Is chiropractic care addictive?
No. If only it were, there would be
more healthy people around and chiropractors would not get patients who last saw a chiropractor "a few years ago when
their back went out." It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result
or regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good
health is!
13. Once I start Chiropractic care,
do I have to go for the rest of my life?
How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic
is always up to you. Since spinal problems get started from traumatic births, accidents, or other long standing problems,
permanent correction can be difficult. Years of muscle damage, scar tissue, and ligament instability can set the stage for
relapse. Some patients find a program of supportive care (like brushing
your teeth) to be helpful. After enjoying initial relief, many patients choose to continue with periodic checkups.These
Patients show up for their visits feeling great! These visits can help detect and resolve new problems before they become
serious.
14. Can a person who had back surgery
see a chiropractor?
Yes! It's an unfortunate fact that
up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face
the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Spinal Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic
may help to prevent back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care
is initially utilized, back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
15. Does chiropractic work for all types of health problems?
No, however chiropractic
is successful with a wide variety of health problems not necessarily considered "back" problems because of improved
nerve system function. With a normal nerve supply the body's
natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.
16.
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better
functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that 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, age, and condition of health.
17. Why do newborns and children get adjustments?
Even today's
"natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic,
unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be helped through chiropractic care.
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