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What Is A Subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment
of the spine, causing nerve irriation and pressure, and resulting in dysfunction
in the body. Subluxations are corrected by chiropractors, by adjustments of the
spine.
What Causes The Sound Of An
Adjustment?
Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with
"popping knuckles." Some create no sound at all, some a little. Many techniques,
however, do create the sound of a spinal "release." What causes it? The sound is
caused by gas escaping from the joints.
Is It Bad To
"Crack" Your Neck?
The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated
vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too
much and "popping" a lot. The fixated part should be adjusted by a chiropractor
so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and stop being so movable and
noisy.
So I'm Not
"Adjusting" Myself?
Cracking or popping your neck gives relief for a while, but soon the urge to pop
or crack reappears because the cause of the spinal tension hasn't been
corrected.
Do
Chiropractors Have Medical (M.D.) Degrees?
Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees granted from
chiropractic colleges. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar
in some respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe
drugs and medical doctors do not correct the vertebral subluxation complex.
Can I Tell If
I Have A Subluxation Without Consulting A Chiropractor?
Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity - you may have it for a long
time before symptoms appear. That's why regular spinal checkups are so
important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is
rarely possible to be sure you don't. A regular spinal checkup is always a good
idea.
At What Age
Should Chiropractic Begin?
Newborns receive spinal adjustments after birth. There are many cases of infants
with traumatic births who were adjusted, with tremendous results.
Is
Chiropractic Care Addictive?
If only it were! (just a little!)—there would be a lot less sick people around
and chiropractors wouldn't get patients who last saw a chiropractor "a few years
ago when my back went out." It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced,
less stressed, and more energetic as a result of chiropractic care. You may
become more sensitive to your body and know when you've "lost" your adjustment.
 What
Will Happen If I Stop Going?
Spine and nerve stress will continue to build up as before, but it won't be
reduced or eliminated. If the stress is not relieved, your body and overall
health will suffer.
Is
Chiropractic Similar To Massage?
No. Chiropractic deals with the spinal column, nervous system, and body
structure. Massage therapists deal with muscle tension, circulation and body
fluid drainage.
Can A Person
Who Had Back Surgery See A Chiropractor?
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 later. They then
face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as
"Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated
surgeries.
Can A
Chiropractor Prevent Back Surgery?
In a majority of cases the answer is a resounding "YES."
Can A Person
With A Broken Back Or Neck See A Chiropractor?
After the break heals, yes. In fact, a broken bone can heal stronger than
before. This should dispel any concerns about the safety of an adjustment.
People who have had broken bones need chiropractic checkups after the healing,
because accidents usually cause spinal subluxations.
Is
Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has
to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health
professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those
for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.
Can I Go To A
Chiropractor If I'm Under Medical Care?
Yes. Having your subluxations corrected is important, no matter what other type
of health care you are receiving. Today many D.C.'s and M.D.'s are working
together in clinics and on joint research projects. M.D.'s are quite likely to
have patients who are under chiropractic care; in fact many medical doctors see
a doctor of chiropractic themselves.
I'm Not Sick.
Should I See a Chiropractor?
Yes. Symptoms are not a good way to judge health. They sometimes surface after
years of body dysfunction.
How Often
Should I Get A Spinal Adjustment?
The answer is "As soon as you develop subluxations." But since subluxations are
often painless, it's good to get your spine checked regularly, as you get your
teeth checked periodically for "painless" cavities.
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