Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic Care
1. What does a chiropractic physician do?
2. What types of problems do chiropractic physicians treat?
4. What is spinal manipulation?
5. What is the "popping noise" associated with spinal adjustment/manipulation?
6. Do I have to treat with the chiropractor for the rest of my life?
8. How much treatment will I have to have?
9. Does Dr. Weary have the time to listen to me about my particular health problems and concerns?
Answers to Your Questions
1. What does a chiropractic physician do?
A chiropractic physician focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, among other problems. Chiropractic physicians do not use medications or surgery as treatments, but rather utilize a natural, hands-on type of treatment along with advice about exercise and lifestyle modification. Although most cases can be diagnosed through discussion of the problem and physical examination, chiropractic physicians utilize blood tests, MRI, CAT scans, X rays, and other diagnostic tests when necessary.
2. What types of problems do chiropractic physicians treat?
Chiropractic physicians are neuromusculoskeletal specialists. Therefore, any disorder that involves joints, muscles, discs or nerves can potentially be appropriately addressed by a chiropractic physician. These disorders include: back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, sciatica, pregnancy-related low back or leg pain, whiplash injuries, work-related injuries, shoulder, arm and leg pain, and muscle tightness and pain.
Yes. Statistics prove that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world. In fact, the malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors are a small fraction when compared to those paid by medical doctors. Doctors of chiropractic pay approximately 1/20th of the price medical doctors pay in malpractice premiums.
Or to quote Pran Manga, Ph.D Professor of Economics at the University of Ottawa and researcher for the Ontario Ministry of Health, " Chiropractic manipulation is safer than medical management of low back pain. Chiropractic management is greatly superior to medical management in terms of scientific validity, safety, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction ."
4. What is spinal manipulation?
The human spine contains about 150 joints that have to function normally and carry us through our day without causing pain or problems in the associated muscles, ligaments and nerves. Daily neglect, inactivity, injuries and over exertions often cause joints of the spine to "jam" and cause irritation and pain. Spinal manipulation is an extremely effective and safe painless method of freeing these joints so that they can function normally, relieving you of pain, and returning you to normal activity.
5. What is the "popping noise" associated with a spinal adjustment/manipulation?
With spinal manipulation the joints open and close very quickly and painlessly and much of the time a tiny air bubble forms inside the joint, which "pops". When several joints move simultaneously the patient may experience a "cracking" or "crunching" sound or sensation, which is perfectly normal and harmless. In reality, joints are not "cracked" even though this term is often used by the public to describe manipulation.
6. Do I have to treat with the chiropractor for the rest of my life?
No. Most of our patients are finished with their treatment within a matter of days or a few weeks. They are then given instructions for exercise and told to return if they have future problems. Since we cannot give you a permanent cure, many patients find it necessary to return from time to time with symptoms caused by their daily lives. In addition many patients choose to undergo a maintenance treatment whereby they come in for a "spinal tune up" to have spinal manipulation to clear up early problems before they become symptomatic. Just as you can benefit from treatment from your dentist or medical doctor throughout your life, you can benefit from chiropractic care throughout your life periodically as well.
Almost never. We take great care to perform treatment so that it's not only comfortable but in fact many patients look forward to receiving it. Many patients are relieved at how comfortable our treatments are, and in fact, over the years have referred thousands of their family and friends to us for chiropractic care.
8. How much treatment will I have to have?
Dr. Weary will perform a thorough history and examination regarding your problem, which may include x-rays. He will later advise you on what he feels is the most reasonable and effective way to alleviate your problem in the shortest period of time and at the least expense. Dr. Weary will always recommend what he feels is the best strategy for your particular problem. We allow our patients to be in control of their treatment and to participate in their care at whatever level they are comfortable. None of our patients are forced into lengthy treatment schedules that are often times costly and unnecessary.
9. Does Dr. Weary have the time to listen to me about my particular health problems and concerns?
Always. Dr. Weary prides himself on being skillful in the lost art of "listening to the patient". He enjoys answering patient's questions and feels that a well-informed patient will make better decisions regarding their health and treatment and are more likely to experience a better recovery during their care in our clinic.