ACTION CHIROPRACTIC
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the leading alternative-medical treatment in the world. Chiropractors treat without drugs or surgery. Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interferences (caused by misaligned vertebrae) to your nervous system. With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function. The goal of the our doctors is to remove interference that may be impairing normal health through specific chiropractic adjustments, allowing your body to heal itself. A healthy spine and a healthy lifestyle are your keys to optimal health!
Q: What is an adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving properly. Some methods of adjusting use the doctor's hands, an instrument, a special table, or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine and extremities, which allows us to tailor a comprehensive treatment plan for each individual.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Most people notice an immediate improvement following a chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Minor discomfort or soreness following an adjustment typical fades within 24 hours.
Q: How many times do I have to come in?
Every body is different. Some clear up in a visit or two, while others require longer treatment. Time for recovery and return to full function depends on many factors such as; your particular condition, its severity, your level of involvement in the healing process and your commitment to the treatment plan proposed by Dr. Little or Dr. Kilgo. It is important to keep in mind that pain is usually the last symptom to appear and the first to go away. While your symptoms may decrease dramatically within your first few Chiropractic adjustments, the underlying cause of the pain is not usually fully resolved. It is important to follow your personally tailored treatment plan including any home care instructions given.
Q: Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even our doctors must consult a colleague for an adjustment to benefit from chiropractic care.
Q: Can I get chiropractic care even if I'm not in pain?
Yes! Chiropractic care is not only about relieving pain, though many use chiropractic as a method of stabilizing when their body feels out of balance. It is a common mistake to assume that, if you are not in pain, you are healthy. Pain is a poor indicator of health as it is usually one of the last symptoms to show up. Preventative care is proven to lower the risk of future injury and improve overall health.
Q: Is chiropractic care only for back pain?
Absolutely not! Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic care as a means of preventing disease and maintaining health. Some symptoms and problems that can be relieved by chiropractic care include: headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, fibromyalgia, fatigue, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, stress, allergies, etc.
Q: Can I have chiropractic care after back or neck surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that our doctors will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care and can often help avoid repeated operations.
Q: Can chiropractic care help pregnant women?
Yes. Pregnancy places additional weight and stress on women's bodies. Chiropractic treatment can help relieve pregnancy-related low back, leg, neck, and shoulder blade pain. It has also been shown that women under chiropractic care while pregnant have significantly less labor time and reduces the chances of complications with delivery. Our doctors recommend that pregnant women should begin chiropractic care as soon as possible.
Q: How will the doctor know what treatment is right for me?
Dr. Little and Dr. Kilgo perform the appropriate orthopedic, neurological, and muscular tests to determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic treatment. Our doctors will take a complete past health history and all current issues. We are always focused on patient safety and the success of all treatments. Our doctors will provide the best treatment according to your individual condition. If you are not a good candidate for Chiropractic care, you will be referred to the appropriate health care provider.
Q: Is chiropractic care beneficial to children?
Yes! Children can benefit from from chiropractic care. Children are much more physically active than adults and experience many more falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. Since our technique is specific to each patient, you can be rest assured that your child will be getting individualized care!
Q: What is electrical muscle stimulation and how does it work?
Electrical muscle stimulation is a treatment that applies a small amount of electrical current into the tissues to eleminate muscle spasm, reduce pain, decrease local swelling, release the body's natural pain killers and speed the healing process.
Q: Will I have to work on my own too?
As a chiropractic patient, you will be required to take responsibility for your own health. The first and most important steps to achieving wellness is seeking and receiving help. The next big step is to follow home care recommendations from one of our doctors. Depending on your condition, you will be assigned specific stretches, strengthening exercises, and possibly dietary and lifestyle changes. Your active involvement helps to reduce your dependence on passive therapy and improve your quality of life.