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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a subluxation?
The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning
"to dislocate" (luxate) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A
subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or
biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the
spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and
blood vessels which branch off from the spinal cord between
each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and
dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue as well as
imbalance in the normal body processes.
What causes a subluxation?
A fall, injury, sudden jar, trauma, or sometimes an
inherited spinal weakness can displace a vertebra. Other
causes include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor
posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices,
obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and stress. The word "subluxation"
comes from the Latin words meaning "to dislocate" (luxate)
and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation means a
slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical
malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These
disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels
which branch off from the spinal cord between each of the
vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in
muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue as well as imbalance in
the normal body processes.
How is a subluxation corrected?
Doctors of Chiropractic are specialists in
neuromusculoskeletal conditions. They are trained to restore
the misaligned vertebrae to their proper position in the
spinal column. They do this manually, utilizing the
chiropractic procedure known as "spinal adjustment." Your
chiropractor, in most cases, will use his or her hands in
applying corrective pressure to the spine in a specific
direction and location. The manual force or thrust helps
restore the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae. In some
cases, the chiropractor may use instrumentation to detect
subluxations and adjust the spine.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Under normal circumstances, chiropractic adjustments are
painless. In cases of recent trauma, such as whiplash, mild
discomfort may be experienced due to inflammation. It is
also common to feel a brief sensation in the extremities
immediately following an adjustment due to the sudden
decompression of the affected nerve root.
Is regular chiropractic care necessary?
Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal
subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness. Your
spine is under constant strain during waking hours. Improper
lifting techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls and
bumps, and other causes can contribute to spinal strain.
Timely adjustments can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal
integrity of the spine to normalize the bodily equilibrium
and increase resistance.
How old should a person be before he or she begins
chiropractic care?
Chiropractic patients range in years from birth to old age.
Regardless of age, the vertebrae can become misaligned. For
example, the birth process may cause trauma to the neck and
spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral subluxation may
disturb the delicate spinal cord and nerves which control
the youngster's muscles and organs. In some cases, an
uncorrected subluxation may lead to a deformity of the
spinal column. An early chiropractic checkup may detect many
spinal problems while they are still easily correctable.
How will the adjustment help me?
Chiropractic adjustments by themselves do not actually heal
the body. When any of the 24 moveable spinal vertebrae
become misaligned, a basic imbalance or disruption can occur
in the nervous and blood vascular systems, which may
contribute to stress in the body. Chiropractic adjustments
help eliminate that imbalance or disruption so that the body
can function at its true potential.
Does an adjustment have to make a noise to be effective?
No, it is a common misconception that your joints must make
a noise to be properly adjusted. However, more often than
not when your vertebrae are adjusted, the smooth articular
(joint) surfaces become separated, creating and then
releasing a small vacuum, making a noise. This is the sound
made when you crack your knuckles. Your chiropractor is
concerned with the position of your vertebrae, not with the
noise that may occur.
Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel fine?
Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body
maintain its required level of health and fitness. Your
chiropractor can recommend a preventive spinal-care program
and advise you on correct posture, dietary information and
back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can help detect and
prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
Is it true that Chiropractors do not prescribe medication
or perform surgery?
Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in
their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the
body has a built-in capacity to restore health within
certain limits, and base their care on this principle.
Occasionally, the use of medication can interfere with the
body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a
dependence and lead to drug-caused disease or complications.
The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be
conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it
possibly the safest and most appealing of the healing arts.
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