How does chiropractic work?

Chiropractic is grounded in the idea that proper alignment of our bones and normal functioning of our muscles are essential for good health. Chiropractic is a system based on how the human frame is related to how our body functions. Chiropractic physicians use many techniques to ensure this including manual manipulation of the spinal column and extremities. Chiropractors also use modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation, traction, rehabilitative exercises and nutrition.

How does a Chiropractic Physician find my problem?

Chiropractic physicians are trained in standard and special diagnostic methods. We will use physical, orthopedic, neurological and laboratory tests to evaluate you as a patient. We use X-rays to evaluate the spine and joints for possible abnormalities and to analyze spinal curvatures for postural balance. We may also use such imaging techniques as MRI and CT scans to rule out disease or to evaluate disc lesions in the spine. The decision is then made…can we help this patient or do we need to send him or her to a specialist, or will we co-treat this patient with other providers?

How long does a chiropractor go to school?

In the state of North Carolina, a chiropractor must have a four year undergraduate degree and then graduate chiropractic school with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. This may take approximately another four years. Throughout attending chiropractic school, the students must pass four sections of a national test to substantiate they are qualified to practice. Finally, they must pass a test submitted by the N.C Board of Chiropractic Examiners before they are able to practice chiropractic in NC

What are some health problems chiropractic treatments help?

There are many, including back pain, neck pain, bursitis, sports injuries, posture problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia whiplash and work related injuries.

What can a chiropractor do for me that another doctor can't?

Chiropractic physicians are trained to focus especially on your body's structural integrity because they understand how it is related to body function and to our overall health. Grounded in the science that proper function of our muscles, nerves and bones is essential for good health, the therapies that chiropractic physicians employ are a holistic approach that medical doctors or physical therapists traditionally do not use. But, modern chiropractic physicians view themselves as integral partners with medical doctors and look forward to the team approach, if necessary, for the patient's best outcome.

Is chiropractic safe?

The truth is chiropractic treatment is very safe. The techniques that we use are designed to be carefully and professionally employed and when provided by trained professionals, rarely result in complications to the patients. Chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare. The statistics reveal that it is approximately 100 times safer than the side effects from taking over the counter medication. Also a comparison of malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors to those paid by medical doctors is quite revealing. Chiropractic premiums are a fraction of what medical doctors pay for malpractice premiums.

What causes the sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?

That sound is probably the #1 reason people worry about going to a chiropractor. They worry the "popping" noise that some adjustments chiropractors give may actually hurt them. Actually, that sound is created by gas (nitrogen) rushing in to fill the void created when the joints are slightly separated. It is not made by a "cracking" of the bones. And most patients after their very first visit get disappointed if they don't hear that "pop." Also, some chiropractic techniques are designed to not produce a noise.

Once you go to a chiropractor, do you have to go for the rest of your life?

Treatments are highly individualized to alleviate the patient's condition. Some require a few visits and others could last over a year. Our job is to offer the very best care and it is always the patient's decision how long they want to continue. It is true some patient's continue with periodic care even after their main complaint is resolved. This can be somewhat similar to seeing their dentist on a regular basis. Some patients choose to get treatment on a regular basis just because it makes them feel better.