Los Angeles Chiropractic Treatment Care
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the
understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a
normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and
the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body).
"Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word
chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by
hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of
many disease processes begins with the body's inability to
adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases
not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and
adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is
functioning improperly.
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.
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 other services do you offer besides chiropractic?
Our office offers a variety of alternative health
treatments, including acupuncture, massage, and nutritional
consulting.
Do adjustments hurt?
For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless.
Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may
involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a
small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during
treatment. In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the
patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to
inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling of
relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the
adjustment; others feel improved mobility.
What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?
When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are
released from the joints, making a "popping" noise.
It's the same sound you hear when you pop your knuckles. Not
all patients hear this noise. It's not a sign that the
adjustment is working or not working.
Are adjustments safe?
Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and
effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. They are
significantly safer than taking medications or having spine
surgery. Research shows complications from chiropractic
adjustments are rare and random.
Can I adjust myself?
No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be
performed by a skilled professional.
Can other types of professionals also perform
adjustments?
Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques (but
this is rare these days). However, Chiropractors perform 95%
of all adjustments in the world. Be careful of physical
therapists, massage therapists, or "healers" who
make similar claims but do not have the credentials,
qualifications, and experience of a chiropractor.
What types of conditions do chiropractors use
adjustments for?
