Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begin with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. Chiropractors address these diseases and painful conditions, not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by special attention to diet, nutritional support, exercise, good health habits along with the structural integerty of the body.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Typical chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds in an effort to correct misalignments and / or "fixations" in the spine that are causing pain or other symptoms and may have been present for years. Any discomfort you may have following your first few adjustments can be compared to the soreness you have after a hard workout at the gym.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be one million to one. Doctors of Chiropractic are highly trained professionals with years of experience working on hundreds or thousands of patients, using techniques that have been in practice for over a hundred years. Our procedures our natural and drugless. By contrast, the December 11, 1999 issue of the British Medical Journal stated medical errors kill almost 100,000 Americans a year, with other sources estimating the figure to be up to four times that amount, ranking only behind heart disease and cancer as the leading cause of death. Our conservative philosophy is chiropractic first, medicine second and surgery last.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Before entering Chiropractic college, one must complete, at a minimum, a 2 year pre-professional study with many chiropractic colleges and universities requiring a 4 year undergraduate basic science degree. Chiropractors receive a post-graduate education that includes evaluation and care for the entire body with special emphasizes on neuromusculo-skeletal diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, specific technique, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical and practical training with patients.

Have any studies been published showing for what chiropractic is effective?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first procedure your doctor will do is take a complete history of your complaints - when did it start, what happened, when does it hurt, etc. In addition your chiropractor will ask about your family history, dietary habits, previous injuries, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem. This one-on-one talk is very important in making a diagnosis.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your doctor of chiropractic's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What is the treatment like?

The Chiropractic "adjustments" are short gentle thrusts delivered to specific areas of the spine or other joints. These adjustments correct misalignments, reduce joint fixations, and improve mobility and flexibility of the spine or extremities and relieve pressure on sensitive irritated tissues which in turn helps reduce the pain and other symptoms such as nerve "pinching".

In addition to the specific chiropractic adjustments, a patient may receive physio-therapy to the affected soft tissues (e.g. muscles, liagments and/or tendons) in an effort to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle spasm, and also to promote soft tissue healing.

How long will it take?

Each patient is different. Some people have had their problem for a long time, and others have only recently begun to experience their pain. Depending on the severity and duration of the conditon and its underlying causes, you may be under care for as little as 2 weeks or as long as 3 months or more. Again, it depends on the nature of the condition, what the x-rays show, what the exam findings were, your overall health and fitness level, and how you respond to care.

Other than Chiropractic, what else do you do?

We believe that no one can truly be healthy without good nutrition. In additon to our extensive nutritional training, we offer patients computerized nutritional analysis allowing us to make specific vitamin, mineral, herbal, diet and nutritional recommendations. Who better to talk to about nutrition than your doctor?

We may also recommend supportive products to assist in maintaing proper posture and body mechanics. These may include custom-made orthotics, cervical pillows, neck, mid or low back supports, home rehabilitation units or simple home exercises.

How do I participate in the "Happy Health Hints" Coloring Contest for 3rd and 4th graders in Putnam County?

Held in cooperation with The American Chiropractic Association, the contest is designed for Putnam county students in the 3rd and 4th grades who have an interest in good health and the ability to communicate its benefits. The contest brings student attention to October's National Chiropractic Month as a means of emphasizing the importance of correct posture, rest, proper nutrition, and exercise to achieve good health and enhance, physical and mental accomplishments. The contest is open to public, private, and home-schooled students with county-wide recognition and many prizes. Deadline for entries is October 31st and winners will be announced in November. Entry forms are available at Atnip Chiropractic, 126 West Jackson Street or by phoning 931/526-5311.