Here are the answers to the most common questions we get.
Chiropractic works to correct spinal joint injuries that change the way the spine interacts with the central nervous system. Such injuries, known as vertebral subluxations, irritate these delicate spinal nerves, causing “Neuroarticular Dysfunction” and may result in a variety of health problems and permanent damage to the spine itself. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct the vertebral subluxation; thus reducing pain and restoring joint and nervous system function. When under the proper control of a healthy nervous system your body can better resist disease.
Because we want each patient to start on the road to recovery quickly, we will administer treatment as soon as possible. For the majority of patients, that means getting treated on their first visit after a thorough patient history and examination to ensure that it is appropriate and safe to do so. If further examination or diagnostic information is needed, we will work with other healthcare professionals as necessary to get the information we need and get the patient treated as quickly and effectively as possible.
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record as result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or drugs with side effects. One can merely compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other healthcare professionals as proof; chiropractors’ malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical and osteopathic practices.
Chiropractic education is similar to medical or osteopathic education. An undergraduate degree stressing biological sciences is a prerequisite, followed by 4 years of professional education at one of the 24 chiropractic colleges in the United States. This education has the same emphasis on anatomy and physiology as medical or osteopathic education. During this period, the student gains a rich clinical experience in one of the many satellite clinics attached to the colleges. The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) graduates with a high level of competence and confidence. After graduating, the candidates must pass the demanding four-part National Board Examinations. A chiropractor’s education, however, never ends. All states require doctors to complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and treatment techniques.
In our office, x-rays are taken only when clinically necessary. In certain conditions, x-rays can reveal the internal structure and alignment of the spine. We can also learn much about underlying disease processes and disorders of the spine, such as spinal deterioration, arthritis of the spine, abnormal development, bone spurs, disc disorders, tumors, and spinal curvature. X-rays can also help us monitor the effectiveness of a particular treatment program by showing positive changes over time.
Essentially, no. The needles are so thin that often patients don’t even feel the needle when it is inserted. Some feel a slight ‘prick’, similar to a mosquito bite, that fades quite quickly. The acupuncturist always keeps constant communication with the patient to make sure that the treatment is comfortable, safe, and effective.
Similar to needing regular dental checkups, children require regular spinal checkups to ensure the development of healthy spines. Many significant spinal problems can have their origin in the accidents of a normal, active childhood and even in the process of childbirth itself. There have been a number of studies linking a healthy spine and nervous system with increased immunity. Many parents report fewer missed school days when their children are checked regularly. Chiropractic adjusting procedures are adapted for a child’s smaller spine.
Chiropractic care is covered under the majority of insurance policies and each policy is different. We will do our best to let you know treatment costs upfront and we work with all of the major insurance companies as well as many of the smaller companies. Although we can’t guarantee benefits for each individual, we strive to make sure there are no surprises.
Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years after the surgery was performed. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This all too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic can be highly effective in managing this discouraging condition and may help prevent additional back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized, much back surgery can often be avoided altogether. The special techniques used in these cases are entirely safe, even for spines that have undergone fusion and instrumentation.
Chiropractic Adjustment is the term used for the correction of vertebral subluxation (spinal joint injuries) in order to restore normal function. There are a number of different methods or techniques which chiropractors use to adjust dysfunctional joints, including the “high velocity, low amplitude” (HVLA) manipulation which most people associate with chiropractic treatment. At Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture, our treatment is tailored to the individual and we use a variety of techniques that have been proven to get better results in a shorter time. In addition to HVLA manipulation, we also employ Graston Technique (GT). This soft tissue technique works hand in hand with traditional chiropractic care to gently and effectively break up scar tissue and help break the ‘muscle memory’, providing for more effective adjustments that last longer. An additional technique, Cox Flexion/Distraction, uses a specially designed table to allow the chiropractor to apply a gentle, precise, oscillating traction to decompress spinal discs in the low back. All techniques are well researched, highly effective, and especially safe and comfortable.
Pregnancy is an especially important time to benefit from a higher functioning nerve system. As the baby grows, the extra weight puts additional stress on spinal joints. We often receive referrals from OB/GYNs because chiropractic offers a safe way to relieve back pain in expectant mothers without the need for drugs and our techniques can be applied without the need for x-rays. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve the comfort of their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health.
The short answer is “no”; however, due to improved nerve system function, chiropractic care is successful with a wide variety of health problems, even those that are not necessarily considered “back” problems. With a properly functioning nerve system, the body’s natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.
Every person and every condition is different so there is no cookie-cutter answer. We do our best to make sure that the care given is appropriate to the condition being treated and the goals of the patient. There is no surefire way to predict health outcomes or the number of visits needed so we never predetermine how many visits it will take or recommend future treatments farther than a week or two in advance. We constantly are evaluating and adjusting our care to the needs of the patient and the condition being treated. We have found this method gets better results quicker and with fewer treatments needed per patient.