Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Is a good work-out or a massage the same as getting adjusted?
It's a natural method of health care that focuses on treating the causes of physical problems, rather than just treating the symptoms. Chiropractic is based on a simple but powerful premise. With a normally functioning spine and healthy nerve system, your body is better able to heal itself. That's because your spine is the lifeline of your nervous system. It controls feeling, movement, and all function through your body.
Chiropractic works with the facts that: 1) You are a self-healing, self-regulating organism, 2) Your nervous system is the master system and it controls and coordinates every function of the body, 3)Any interference in the nervous system decreases the communication between the brain and the body and makes you function poorly, 4) Chiropractors locate and correct (adjust) the areas in your spine that are not moving properly and causing interference. This restores function and health. Chiropractors find the areas in your spine that are not moving properly and they are called vertebral subluxations.
A Subluxation is when there is a misaligned vertebra or dysfunctional joint that causes the nervous system to have interference. This decreases that communication between the brain and the body. There are 3 basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive movements and improper lifting. Emotions such as anger, grief, and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
How do I know if I have a Subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, cancer, or high blood pressure, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of the subluxations you may have.
Can Subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Can I tell if I have a Subluxation?
Not always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity--you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That's why periodic 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. Regular spinal checkups are always a good idea, and they promote good health from the inside out.
Chiropractic Adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving properly. Some methods use the Doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
No. Every patient's spine, condition and health goals are unique. Dr. Weitzman caters each person's care plan based on their needs, comfort levels, and what is best for the patient.
No. If anyone could it would be a chiropractor, but we go and get our spines checked and adjusted by other Chiropractors. Some people are able to make their joints "pop", but that is not an adjustment. Although some of these are very creative, they do not specifically adjust the bones that need it. Generally they manipulate themselves and move joints that are moving properly and not the joints that need it. I would recommend against trying to "pop" yourself as you can create more motion in joints that do not need it.
How Many Adjustments Will I Need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Do children need chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for vertebral subluxation. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are adapted for the child's spine. Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off can be traced to the spine. Health problems that emerge in adulthood could often be prevented by having your children's spine checked by a chiropractor early. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and are healthier than their peers.
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 back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially, utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patients size, weight, age, and condition of health.
Is a good work-out or a massage the same as getting adjusted?
No. Exercise is an important part of good health, yet without normal spinal function a physical workout merely puts additional wear and tear on improperly functioning spinal joints. A good work out can strengthen muscles and a massage can loosen muscles. If your spine is misaligned, this can keep your muscles out of balance and the pressure that is placed on your nerves can keep your muscles in spasm.
