Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do I need to know about Chiropractic?
Chiropractors use their hands to relieve pressure from spinal joints and spinal nerves. Spinal nerve and joint pressure is related to stress; physical, mental and emotional. Stress related health problems include headaches, neck and back pain, numbness and tingling among others. In this hectic, fast paced world, a good chiropractor is a much needed addition to a persons health maintenance plan!
What is a Chiropractor's education?
To earn the doctor of chiropractic degree (DC or Doctor of Chiropractic), candidates must complete extensive a pre-med program and four years of graduate-level instruction. Chiropractors receive the traditional medical education (basic science, clinical science) with an emphasis on spinal manipulation, physical medicine, nutrition and exercise physiology. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider, if necessary. An internship at an accredited chiropractic institution is required along with a series of national board exams. Passing a state board allows the DC to earn his or her license.
Do I need to see my primary care physician before consulting a chiropractor?
No. Doctors of Chiropractic are "portal of entry" health care providers.
What is a Subluxation?
Subluxations are the body’s response to stress. Physical stress, emotional stress and mental stress cause reflexive contraction of the muscles that surround the spinal column. As these muscles contract, they pull the spinal bones together. This will cause reflex changes that “lock” the vertebra into position. This “locking” irritates the spinal nerves and surrounding joint structures. This is a subluxation. Since millions of impulses flow continuously from the brain, along the spinal cord and to every organ and tissue and back, subluxation can be a primary detriment to your health.
What is an adjustment?
Adjustments are the methods that chiropractors use to correct subluxations. There are many different styles of chiropractic. Some are by far more efficient than others. Dr. Phillips utilize the Gonstead method, considered by all reputable chiropractors to be among the safest, most effective and comfortable techniques in the profession.
What's that cracking noise?
The cracking noise comes from gasses that are located in your joints. Gas and fluids helps keep the joints healthy and lubricated (like oil for the joint.) When an adjustment is made, you may hear what's called an “audible release”. The audible release, or “crack”, is simply the release of this gas in your joint similar to when you open a can of soda.
Isn’t Chiropractic and Massage the Same Thing?
No. Massage therapy is concerned with the muscular system. Chiropractors correct subluxations. Massage therapy however is an excellent compliment to chiropractic care.
Do You See Children and Why?
When a child is a newborn, their spine has been cramped into a tiny area for several months and needs to be examined. As a child grows, his or her spine takes a great deal of punishment. Falls, and strenuous physical activity have a cumulative effect on the spine. While children don’t usually show up with the same types of physical complaints as adults, children who have their spines checked and periodically adjusted tend to enjoy a greater degree of health than do other children. However, some of the common problems parents will bring their kids in for include bed wetting, breathing problems, ear infections and scoliosis. See Our Chiropractic Kids page for more information.
My friend is pregnant, how can you help?
Pregnancy is extremely hard on the lower back as well as on the neck and shoulders. Examine the spine of an expectant mother from the side and it’s easy to understand why they’re in pain. Due to the increased development of the breast tissue, the shoulders are rounded forward, placing tremendous pressure on the neck and upper back. The weight of growing child places the lower back in a strenuous position.
The nine months of pregnancy bring many hormonal changes that relax the ligaments stabilizing the lower back and pelvis. As the pelvis rotates down in the front, the muscles of the lower back become short and tight, causing an increase in pressure on the pain sensitive joints of the lower back, producing achy lower back pain.
Chiropractic care can help make this special time in a woman’s life as enjoyable as it was meant to be.
What should I do if I’m injured at work or in an auto accident?
If you are injured at work and you are physically able, contact your supervisors and inform them of your accident. They will provide you with the necessary paperwork to document your injury. It is very important to explain your accident in as much detail as possible.
It is important to be evaluated by your health care professional as soon as possible following a work related injury or auto accident. This will help minimize any long-term effects of your accident. Dr. Phillips has been helping victims of automobile accidents throughout his career.
Why doesn’t My Medical Doctor Like Doctors of Chiropractic?
We have a primary difference in our philosophy AND finding a good one can be a tough task. The key is finding a good MD and good DC to work together as members of YOUR health care team.
