Frequently Asked Questions
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a conservative and natural healing practice that focuses on the spine as well as other joints of the body and their connection with the nervous system. The bones of the spine protect a critical part of the body’s nervous system, the spinal cord, which is responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses (or messages) between the brain and body. This flow of information is necessary to allow the body to function properly. Spinal dysfunction (subluxation) can interrupt this communication and affect nervous system function causing pain, muscle and organ dysfunction, and other imbalances. Chiropractors aim to get to the root cause of a health problem by using adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. This helps people maintain good health while avoiding unnecessary drugs or surgery.
What are the benefits of going to a chiropractor?
Many people utilize chiropractic care to help manage back pain, neck pain and headaches. Although these are among the most common reasons why someone may seek out a chiropractic office, the benefits of being under chiropractic care go far beyond pain relief. Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to the joints of the spine and relieve pressure off of the nervous system allowing for proper communication between the brain and body. This improved function of the nervous system can lead to numerous health benefits including enhanced cognition, improved posture and mood, increased mobility and flexibility, better sleep, and a strengthened immune system.
Who should see a chiropractor?
Everyone! Chiropractic care is something that the whole family can share and benefit from over the course of their entire lives. Whether you’re a few hours or one hundred years old, chiropractic care is beneficial to anyone who is living and breathing and has a spine and nervous system. How the adjustment is given will certainly look different for a newborn baby compared to a professional athlete or senior citizen, but the great thing about chiropractic is that there are many ways to achieve the same result of improved function of the spine and nervous system to support our daily life.
What should I expect from my visit to a chiropractor?
During the initial visit to a chiropractic office, you can expect to fill out standard intake paperwork, discuss your health history with the doctor and receive a thorough physical examination specific to your reason for visiting the office. The chiropractor may choose to take x-rays if more information is needed before deciding to move forward with care. Once the exam is complete, at the doctor’s discretion, you may also receive your first adjustment.
During the chiropractic adjustment the doctor will use either his or her hands or an instrument to correct any subluxations that they find throughout their analysis. It is not uncommon during the adjustment to hear or feel some popping or clicking sounds. Other times you may hear nothing at all. It is also normal to feel a little sore or stiff after your first adjustment ever or after a while. Just like working out for the first time in a long time, your body is getting used to new alignment and movement patterns.
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A chiropractor may also speak with you about certain exercises or stretches that can be done to help with your particular case, as well as suggest necessary lifestyle changes that can help to improve overall well-being.
If I start going to a chiropractor, will I always have to go?
Not necessarily. There is a common misconception that if you start seeing a chiropractor that you will always have to. How long you choose to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Those individuals who commit to routine care often find that their initial problem rarely returns and also tend to experience an improved quality of life. Getting chiropractic adjustments is similar to exercising, eating healthy or brushing your teeth: As long as you make it a routine practice, you will likely notice the benefits.
How often should I see a chiropractor?
The recommended frequency for chiropractic care is different for everyone and should be based on individual needs. Some things to consider when determining how often you commit to care include your initial reasons for visiting a chiropractor, your lifestyle practices, how your body responds to each adjustment as well as your health and wellness goals. We believe that you should continue receiving chiropractic care as long as you’re experiencing improved health and quality of life.
Why should my child get checked by a chiropractor?
Children and infants have spines and nervous systems just like adults do, and proper function of the nervous system is extremely important during developmental years! From the very first moment of life, we’re exposed to many different types of traumas that affect our nervous systems, such as the childbirth process and all of the bumps, falls and tumbles that come with learning to walk, talk and live in our bodies. Our nervous systems are responsible for helping us respond and adapt to all of these different stresses so that we can grow to be healthy and strong. Chiropractic care is a great foundation for proper growth and development because it supports, uplifts and enhances the function of the nervous system - affecting both the brain and body. Chiropractic’s drugless and non-invasive approach to expressing good health makes it perfectly appropriate for infants, children, and teenagers. It is always best to be proactive about your child's health rather than trying to remedy problems later in life.
Can I see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
It is not only safe, but highly encouraged for women to seek chiropractic care before, during and after pregnancy. Why? Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of the nervous system, which allows better communication between the brain and body (for both mom AND baby) and contributes to a healthier pregnancy. And of course, healthy pregnancies lead to healthy babies! With such an immense amount of change happening in both mom and baby, there is no better time to ensure that mom’s nervous system can function optimally without interference. It’s also important to ensure that mom’s spine and pelvis are in proper alignment to promote the best environment for carrying and delivering the baby with ease.
Chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive, drug-free and serve as the best natural way to help manage many of the common symptoms associated with pregnancy while also providing numerous health benefits for the baby! Some of the benefits noticed while receiving regular chiropractic care throughout pregnancy include improved posture and sleep, reduced tension and pain in the back and pelvis, shorter labor times, faster recovery after labor and less need for intervention during delivery. Additionally, there are certain chiropractic techniques designed for pre and post-natal care and many tools available to provide the greatest amount of comfort while considering the physical changes that occur throughout pregnancy.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractors hold both a Doctor of Chiropractic degree as well as a state license. In order to earn these qualifications, chiropractors must graduate from a 4-year doctorate program, as well as pass Parts I-IV of National Board examinations. Throughout the program, chiropractic students receive extensive training in anatomy & physiology, physiotherapy, diagnoses, x-ray and chiropractic technique. It is also required to partake in a minimum of two years of clinical practicum. In most states, including the state of North Carolina, it is an additional requirement that chiropractors hold a 4-year undergraduate degree prior to obtaining their doctor of chiropractic degree.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary care physicians and, therefore, a referral is not required to be seen as a patient. In most cases, you are able to receive care simply by calling or walking into an office and scheduling an appointment. However, certain health insurance plans sometimes require a referral source.
What is the difference between acupuncture and dry needling?
Dry needling focuses on restoring proper muscle function by releasing trigger points or tension within muscles and the surrounding fascia. It is based off Western Medicine and uses localized points within the area of complaint. Acupuncture is based off Traditional Chinese Medicine and works to balance and restore the chi (energy) of the body along various body meridians. During these sessions, you may utilize placement of needles throughout the body for referral to a specific system or organ - for example, one point for the small intestine is located in the elbow.
Do you accept insurance?
We do not accept insurance or file on behalf of our patients. We do accept HSA & FSA cards for payment and are able to provide you with a superbill that can be submitted for reimbursement. We highly value having the flexibility to tailor your care schedule to meet your needs and goals!