Common Questions
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Improper motion or position of the joints in particular the vertebrae of the spine can compromise function leading to injury and pain. Specific spinal or joint adjustments in conjunction with specific soft tissue treatments can help improve joint and nervous system function and decrease pain.
Alignment or restricted joints also called chiropractic subluxations can be the result of either or all of the following: physical trauma, emotional trauma or chemical trauma. Physical trauma includes such as slips, falls, car accidents, or repetitive motions. Chemical causes include poor diet, drugs, alcohol or pollution. Emotional causes include stress, fear anger or grief.
What’s An Adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to joints that are not moving right.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Yes! Considering the alternative being drugs and surgery, chiropractic adjustments have had remarkably impressive track record. Some studies have shown chiropractic care to be as much as 100 times safer than over-the-counter pain medication.
Can My Body Be Out of Alignment Without Feeling Pain?
Yes! Like early stages of tooth decay, cancer, or heart disease, warning signs can be absent. Thorough examination can identify joints and muscles that are not functioning properly
Can Soft Tissue (muscles/tendons, ligaments, etc) injuries be helped with Chiropractic?
In most cases there is never a single injured or dysfunctional tissue causing your pain. The musculoskeletal systems works as a single, complex functioning unit…Not two separate systems functioning independent of each other. Nine times out of ten, both the vertebrae/joints are functionally compromised just as much as the injured soft tissue surrounding it. Therefore nine times out of ten both the soft tissue and the joint manipulation are necessary for a complete recovery. At Washington Park Chiropractic, we specialize in a soft tissue technique known as the Graston Technique.
What Makes The “POP” or Sound During The Adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of the spinal joints. Adjustments can (but not always) produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. Just like opening a wine bottle or removing a suction cup, the sound is interesting but not a guide to the quality of the adjustment.
How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and each patient’s health goals. There are countless variables to take into account when determining the speed of your recovery: How long have you had the problem? Do you smoke? Do you participate in regular exercise? Are you stressed? Etc. Regular check-ups and adjustments are recommended even when you are not in pain, prevention is key!
Do I Have a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare but does happen. It is likely that inflammation in and around the joint that is irritating the nerve or tissue surrounding the nerve. Inflammation around the nerve can distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the nerve.
Do I Have A “Slipped Disc”?
In between every vertebrae/spinal bone is a disc. This disc has an outer strong fibrous layer and an inner “jelly like” substance. The jelly like substance acts like a “ball bearing” for the joint movement. The disc cannot actually slip out of place, however the disc can develop a bulge, tear, herniate, thin, or dry out. A disc bulge or herniation can cause a pinched nerve.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call us Washington Park Chiropractic.