Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of education and training do chiropractors have?
The science of chiropractic requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques, and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the demanding National Board Examination. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice.

A chiropractic education never ends. Most doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research.

How many people visit chiropractors every year?
Over 18 million Americans see a chiropractor every year. And the good news is that those numbers are rising as more and more people are finding out how good they feel when they include chiropractic as part of their health care needs.

Is it safer to take over-the-counter medications rather than visit a chiropractor?
Many people think nothing of taking pain relievers to reduce pain, often caused by inflammation. However, the risk of serious complications or even death attributed to the use of pain relivers such as aspirin and ibuprofen is greater than the slight risk of injury with chiropractic treatment for neck pain. This is a scientific fact, not an exaggeration relative to the comparative danger of using simple medication. Not many of us think of these risks when we reach for a bottle of pills. The bottom line is simple: chiropractic care is safe and effective with less risk than many medications or medical interventions.

back to top

My back & neck hurt terribly; will a chiropractic adjustment be too painful for me? You may feel light pressure on your spinal joins and/or hear a popping sound which is the result of joints opening quickly. Adjustments rarely hurt; instead you may have immediate relief and feel more relaxed.

What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure.

How does the adjustment work?
To illustrate this principle, imagine a garden hose as a nerve and the water flowing through the hose as nerve impulses. When the hose is laid out straight without any kinks, water flows freely. If on the other hand the hose gets compressed or kinked, water flow is reduced or even stops. If the condition persists, eventually, the hose becomes damaged.

Like removing the kink from the hose, a spinal adjustment can ease pressure on a nerve, allowing nerve impulses to flow and protect the nerve from further damage.

Cavitation, a pop or click sound, is often heard or felt by the patient during the adjustment. Much like the opening of a soda can, cavitation is caused by a rapid release of air bubbles that have been under pressure within the joint. Cavitation occurs more often than not during an adjustment, but it does not have to occur for the adjustment to be effective.

back to top

Is regular chiropractic care necessary?
Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness. Your spine is under constant strain during waking hours. Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls and bumps, and other causes can contribute to spinal strain. Timely adjustments can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal integrity of the spine to normalize the bodily equilibrium and increase resistance.

Is it true that chiropractors do not prescribe medication or perform surgery?
>Yes. Chiropractors do not include medication or surgery in their treatment program. Chiropractors maintain that the body has a built-in capacity to restore health within certain limits, and base their care on this principle. Occasionally, the use of medication can interfere with the body's healing mechanisms, produce side effects, create a dependence and lead to drug-caused disease or complications. The first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. Chiropractic's principles make it possibly the safest and most appealing of the health arts.

What if my insurance company doesn't cover chiropractic?
Each of us has the freedom to place a different value on our health. Ultimately, good health is about personal responsibility. While an insurance company or other third party may be helpful, be careful. Don't allow a profit-motivated company to make decisions about what you do with your health. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

back to top

What kinds of things can chiropractic help me with?
Chiropractors treat problems of the musculoskeletal system. This includes lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, disk herniations, plantar fascitis, jaw problems, muscle strains and sciatica. You do not always have to be in pain to consult a chiropractor. With their unique vantage point, Dr. Marshall & Dr. Williams can help you reduce the stress on the musculoskeletal system. Since this system uses a large percentage of the body's energy, optimizing the function of this system can have wide reaching effects on other aspects of your health. You may be interested in prevention of a problem. You may want to learn more about your body. You may want to improve your quality of life. These are all good reasons to consider consulting a chiropractor.

Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
As the body changes very rapidly during pregnancy, there is a large amount of stress placed on the musculoskeletal system. The joints in the body try to compensate for these changes, and as a result, they are often sore and stiff. Your chiropractor has special techniques that will help make you comfortable during all the stages of pregnancy. Chiropractic is safe for both the mother and fetus and often helps to reduce those "typical pregnancy" aches and pains.

Will I have to do exercises?
To optimize the effects of treatment, stretching and strengthening programs are almost always initiated. As always, the choice to follow instructions plays a very important role in both recovery and long-term prognosis/outcome. Continuing with your individualized exercise program can help you minimize the occurrence of future episodes. This leaves you more time and energy to do the things you want to do.

back to top

Once I go to the chiropractor, do I have to go forever?
The choice to continue chiropractic care is always up to you. Although pain is the most common reason people initially go to the chiropractor, chiropractic treatment often helps people reach an improved state of health. They have less pain, greater freedom of movement, better sleeping patterns and an improved sense of well being. The daily rigors of life such as computer work, commuting, stress and lack of time for one's self are hard on the body. Many people use chiropractic "maintenance care" to function at a better state of health. The frequency of treatment depends on other lifestyle factors such as exercise, stress reduction and nutrition to name a few.

How soon will I be better?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked. To provide you with realistic expectations, many factors affecting your recovery time must be taken into consideration, including:

• acute vs. chronic pain
• first episode or recurrent problem
• history of previous injuries
• general health
• general fitness level ( strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health)
• poor postural hygiene
• lifestyle (work, diet, sleep)
• patient comprehension and compliance with recommendations
• kept appointments
• stress (physical/mental/chemical)
• family history

back to top

What different types of care can I receive?
Some people are looking strictly for symptom relief while others are interested in long-term strategies to maintain good health. There are three stages of care.

Initial Intensive Care (Crisis Management): The primary goal is symptom or pain relief. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may be treated as little as once a week or as often as every day.

Rehabilitative Care: The focus here is on correcting or eliminating the source of the problem. This minimizes your likelihood of a relapse. Treatment frequency starts to decrease and you are advised on home/office self-care to help support this process. You will notice further improvement in your range of movement, flexibility, strength, energy level and/or general health.

Wellness Care: You have now returned to your pre-injury/illness state. Acknowledging that daily stresses and strains wear us all down, you choose to maintain an optimal level of functioning with periodic checkups. Depending on the factors listed above, you may receive maintenance treatments anywhere from one to six months.

Remember, how long you choose to continue care is always up to you.

What is Active Release?
ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.