The American Chiropractic Association defines chiropractic as:
"A health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches."
Doctors of Chiropractic often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.
Here are a few of the many things chiropractic can help treat:
After a warm and inviting welcome to our office, we will give you New Patient Paperwork, and collect your insurance information. If you don't have any insurance, don't worry, as we will work with you to create an affordable treatment plan.
Next, you will have a private one-on-one consultation and examination with Dr. Lawrence to discuss your health concerns. This is the perfect time to explain your case or to clear up any questions or concerns you might have.
From there, one of our friendly doctor's assistants will take you into another room to take any necessary diagnostic x-rays. The digital X-Ray images are processed right here in our office.
During this time, we may perform extra therapies if your particular case warrants them. Once your X-Rays have been processed, you will see Dr. Lawrence again. He will then discuss some of your x-ray findings and will explain the dynamics of how a chiropractic adjustment works and feels. He will also talk about your personal treatment plan before he gives you a gentle adjustment.
Upon finishing your adjustment, our front desk staff with schedule your next appointment, and will answer any remaining questions you might have.
Your first visit is very detailed and thorough, so this will take about an hour. It is best if you schedule your first visit, in order to minimize waiting. We are excited to meet you!
Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only virtually painless, but they actually feel great and are quite relieving. In cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to early adjustments and may cause some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment may soothe any irritation in those cases.
Is there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In Denmark, for example, Chiropractic Doctors are part of the birthing team. Children's subluxations should be treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles and organs of the body consist of cartilage growth centers that the bone grows from.
Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing spine and other bones and joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your chiropractor can detect these problems while they're easy to correct.
Can chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Chiropractors are part of the network of health-care physicians and professionals. Like other doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside or unrelated to the spine, and they will not hesitate to make a referral when it's in a patient's best interest.
What is that "cracking" sound during an adjustment?
The sound is not coming from the bones themselves, but instead it comes from ligaments and a lubricant called synovial fluid that's found in every joint. The ligaments and synovial fluid contains dissolved gases. During the adjustment the ligaments and joints move slightly as the vertebrae are being moved back into their proper position. This release allows the gases to escape, which creates a "popping" sound. Not all patients "pop" and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even if you do not hear any noise.