Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including four licensed massage therapists certified in specialized techniques (such as myotherapy, lymphatics drainage, myofascial release, and Bowen), Erchonia Medical low level laser therapy, percussion, detoxification footbath (ionization hydrotherapy), exercise and rehabilitation instruction, saliva testing through ZRT Labs to check hormone balance, trace mineral analysis (hair sample testing)through Analytical Research Labs to check for vital trace mineral ratios toxic heavy metals, and nutritional consulting. See the "links" page for websites pertaining to the above therapies.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

Is Chiropractic safe?

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

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

Chiropractors 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 discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What is Applied Kinesiology?

Applied Kinesiology (AK) was developed by Dr. George Goodheart in 1964. AK utilizes Muscle Testing (also called Muscle Response Testing (MRT) or Autonomic Response Testing (ART) to evaluate biomechanical (structural) and biochemical (nutritional) wellbeing. AK allows the skilled health practitioner to evaluate functional illness, which typically precedes disease. This highly individualized, in-depth system of analysis allows the doctor to assess various aspects of a patient's state of health by evaluating and treating postural and and muscular imbalances, neurovascular and neurolymphatic points, subluxation, cranial-sacral movement, acupuncture meridians, and nutritional status. This is a highly effective treatment system which focuses on whole body care.