Is a spinal adjustment dangerous?
Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. Nearly a century of medical attacks accusing chiropractic of all kinds of horrible things have proved baseless. As proof one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health care professionals. Chiropractor’s malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.
Will the treatment hurt?
Chiropractic care is very safe. Occasionally, when there are sore and inflamed muscles and ligaments, there is some minor discomfort, which does not last long. Most of the time, adjustments are painless and feel good.
What causes the noise of an adjustment?
This question is a concern to a lot of people who wonder if the sound is caused by bones hitting each other, or if something is breaking. This is definitely not the case – when someone pulls on their finger to “pop their knuckles” the joint space is opening up, which is what happens during an adjustment. A British research team studied this question by taking X-rays movies of a person “popping” their knuckles and found that gas (80% carbon dioxide) rushes in to fill a partial vacuum created when the joint surfaces are slightly separated. It is this displacement of the joint fluid, which many believe to be the cause of the noise.
Dr. Purser and Dr. Jones have both had many patients who still feel uncomfortable with traditional chiropractic adjustments. The Doctors have been trained in numerous techniques and can effectively treat a person without using an adjustment that causes popping. Just talk to the doctor about it!
Should I go to a chiropractor if I’m suffering from a disease?
Absolutely! We work with many people who are under a medical doctors care for a number of diseases. Chiropractic care is not for diseases, it’s for people. It will help turn on your body’s natural doctor and improve your self-healing ability so you will be better able to fight whatever disease or condition you’re suffering from. It will be your medical doctor who will monitor any medications that you may be taking.
Do chiropractors have medical degrees?
No, chiropractors have chiropractic degrees from chiropractic colleges. The prerequisites for both types of schools is very similar, as are many of the classes in medical and chiropractic colleges. The letters DC after a chiropractors name stand for doctor of chiropractic.
For a more detailed description of a chiropractors education please click on “Chiropractic Education” on the left side of the homepage.
Is their an age limit for chiropractic care?
There is no age limit. Newborns may need to be adjusted, especially if they had a difficult or traumatic birth. Dr. Jones and Dr. Purser have both studied Pediatric Chiropractic in school and have taken further seminars on the subject as part of their continuing education. They have also been adjusting their grandchildren since their birth - all thirteen of them!
On the upper end, people can be treated well into their advanced years with no ill effects. We offer relief to many older people who suffer from arthritis, osteoporosis and sore muscles. Obviously, with people on either end of the age spectrum we alter our treatments and methods to ensure their comfort and safety.
How much time do I need to schedule for a visit?
On your first visit you will be in the office approximately an hour for the examination and treatment. Following visits usually take 15 to 20 minutes depending on the level of care that is needed.
Will my visits be covered by insurance?
While most insurances cover chiropractic, we encourage you to contact our office so we can verify your insurance benefits before your initial appointment.
Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgery?
No, chiropractic physicians do not dispense drugs or perform surgery; we rely on natural methods to help the body heal itself. However, we understand that there may be times when medication and/or surgery may be needed. In these cases we will refer you to the appropriate medical doctor.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat people of all ages for a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. These include things such as neck pain and headaches, back pain, pain radiating into the arms or legs, carpel tunnel, sciatica and a number of other conditions. The doctors have learned a variety of techniques so they can safely treat people who have other conditions of concern such as osteoporosis, arthritis or who may have had a previous back surgery. If you have a question about whether Dr. Jones or Dr. Purser might be able to help you, please call and ask to speak to the doctor.
What if my condition can’t be helped by chiropractic care?
If the treatment you are receiving isn’t effective the doctor will help you to plan your next move, whether it be to a medical doctor, physical therapist, acupuncturist, naturopath or another health care provider. There have been occasions when people have come in for a consultation or new patient visit and the doctor has recognized that this is not the right place for them. They have then worked with another practitioner to get the person to a more appropriate office.
More questions?
Please call the clinic and ask to speak to a doctor or for a complimentary consultation. Dr. Purser or Dr. Jones would be happy to sit down with you and address your questions.
