FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Once I see a Chiropractor do I have to go forever?
The goal of Specific Chiropractic is to normalize the function of the nervous system of each and every patient. Once this has been accomplished, true healing begins to occur. The key to seeing results lies in maintaining proper nerve function over time. Our results come as a result of our ability to maintain your nervous system free of interference, not in our ability to adjust the vertebrae of your spine. Should you choose to discontinue your care, this does not mean that you will become sick once again. However, after you have worked so hard to regain that which you had once lost, your health, would it not make sense to get your nervous system checked periodically?
Is it safe?
It seems that there is always much controversy surrounding the safety of chiropractic care. Rest assured that chiropractic is very safe for patients of all ages. Please take the time to look at the facts and decide for yourself:
- The risk of a stroke from a chiropractic adjustment is 1 in 1 MILLION (Haldeman DC, MD, PHD, Top Clin Chiro. 1995; 2(3 ) You are more likely to be struck by lightning!! Do not allow yourself to be fooled!!
- The risk of a neurological complication from a chiropractic adjustment for children is 1 in 25O MILLION” ( J of Vert. Subluxation Research, Jun 1998 ) . The odds of winning the Mega Millions Jackpot are 1 in 176 MILLION!!!
As compared to medicine:
- “40,000 deaths per year in Canada from medical mistakes.” (Macleans, Aug. 13, 2001)
- “The Risk of death from Anesthesia is 1 in 1000.” (Chapman-Smith, The Chiro Report, May 1994)
- “Tylenol kills more people than COCAINE! (Jan.12, 1998 Forbes Magazine, “J&J’s Dirty Little Secret”)
- “180,000 deaths per year occur from medical mistakes, the equivalent of 3 jumbo jet crashes every 2 days!” (Dr. Lucien Leape, Harvard school of Public health — JAMA, Dec. 21 1994)
The adjustment is a high-velocity thrust performed with the hands over the area of the upper neck. It is slightly uncomfortable, but our patients have said that they would NOT describe the experience as painful. Because our focus in on normalizing the nervous system we do NOT adjust our patients on every visit.
Does it hurt?
The adjustment is a high-velocity thrust performed with the hands over the area of the upper neck. It is slightly uncomfortable, but our patients have said that they would NOT describe the experience as painful. Because our focus in on normalizing the nervous system we do NOT adjust our patients on every visit.
How long will it take?
Just like a snowflake, every patient is very different. While we are similar in our anatomical make-ups, we all have had different life experiences that greatly impact our health. Because of this, it is impossible to answer this question through this medium. However, based on our years of clinical experience, we have found that it usually takes six months of initial intensive care where the patient will be getting their nervous system checked anywhere between three times a week and once a week.
What is an adjustment?
An Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Adjustment is a controlled, quick thrust delivered with the chiropractor’s hands to the upper area of the neck. This is probably very different than what you typically think of when you think of a chiropractic adjustment. This is done in what is called the Knee Chest posture, where the patient’s knees are bent and their chest placed over the Knee Chest table with their head turned to one side. This position has been chosen as it allows for maximum patient relaxation at the time of the adjustment. Following the adjustment there is a post-adjustment recuperation period during which the patient sits in a zero-gravity chair in order to ensure that the body has sufficient time to stabilize prior to a post adjustment analysis.
Is chiropractic safe for kids?
Chiropractic is extremely safe for children. Our office sees many children as we understand the importance of checking our children for nervous system interference so that they do not have to live a life shackled to medicines. If you are a patient and you love your children why would you not want them to at least be checked for nerve interference? If you choose not to, then they could end up just like you!
How do I know if I'm a candidate for chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is for everyone, but not everyone is ready to begin chiropractic care at this time. If you find yourself having “tried everything” but have yet to see the results you are looking for, then Specific Chiropractic may be your answer. If you are reading this right now, then Specific Chiropractic is for you!
My back hurts. Why adjust only my neck?
First of all, chiropractic is NOT a treatment for low back pain. The goal of chiropractic is to normalize the function of the nervous system. However, all of the nerves of the body pass through the first two bones of the neck, even the nerves to the low back! If you have a misalignment in your neck this can affect the nerves that go to any part of your body. If you are suffering for any health-related condition, it only makes sense to check your nervous system and the alignment of the first two bones of your neck.
What if I feel fine?
We love it when our patients feel fine! However, our focus is on normalizing and maintaining the function of the nervous system of each and every patient. When your nervous system is functioning at 100% your body has the best chance to get well. Sometimes you will feel great, other days you will feel down. The most important element of health is not how you feel, but how your body is functioning.
Does Chiropractic really help more than back pain? Can it really be helpful for my digestive system, immune system, chronic ailments and diseases?
Yes, Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic is focused on restoring the function of the entire nervous system. Contrary to common perceptions of chiropractic, our focus is not on the bones of the spine, but rather on the nervous system. This is extremely important to understand because the nervous system controls every organ, cell, muscle and system in the body. Therefore, by restoring nervous system function, many patients have positive health changes throughout their entire body including their immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, musculoskeletal system, to name a few.