What do chiropractors do?
Chiropractors find minor misalignments in the spine called subluxations using various techniques including x-ray, palpation (manually feeling misalignments), how a person moves (range of motion), posture observation and propreoceptive feedback tests. Once a subluxation has been identified, the chiropractor then delivers a safe and gentle adjustment. This adjustment can be delivered a number of different ways but all of them are designed to place the subluxated bone back into proper alignment.
What kind of education do Chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors receive very rigorous education, which takes approximately eight years to complete, and graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. In addition to chiropractic techniques, chiropractors are also trained extensively in anatomy, physiology, pathology, orthopedics, neurology, general diagnosis, neuromuscular diagnosis, nutrition and radiology, just to name a few.
(back to top)What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a gentile, specific force that is applied to remove misalignments in the bones of the spine. Most adjustments are done by hand, with the use of special "drop tables," or with the Pro-Adjuster, which reduce the force of an adjustment while increasing its effectiveness. Sometimes it is also useful for chiropractors to employ specialized adjusting instruments to achieve the best possible result for the patient.
(back to top)Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we do accept most insurances, but coverage does vary from one policy to the next. Simply come by the office so we can help you determine if your insurance will cover chiropractic.
(back to top)What kind of conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors correct minor misalignments between the bones of the spine called subluxations. Subluxations can cause back pain, change normal spinal mechanics to limit flexibility, or even lead to arthritis. Subluxations can also affect organ systems and muscles by interfering with the communication of the nervous system. Because of this, subluxations can lead to fatigue, diminish immunity and possibly cause disease or illness. Due to the wide range of conditions that can be caused or aggregated by subluxations, chiropractors can help many conditions simply by removing subluxations.
(back to top)Will the chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Different people experience different responses to chiropractic adjustments. Some people do experience discomfort during and immediately following the adjustment but this is generally mild and goes away quickly.
(back to top)What is the “pop” or “crack” that I sometimes hear when I am adjusted?
The popping or cracking sound that sometimes accompanies chiropractic adjustments is called cavitation and is caused by a release of very small amounts of nitrogen gas trapped in the joint spaces. These sounds are normal and are not harmful.
(back to top)How may times will I need to go to see to a Chiropractor?
Care plans for each patient are different based on individual needs. In a typical care plan there are three phases: acute, sub-acute, and maintenance. The acute phase is the initial part of your care and may require office visits two to three times a week for the first several weeks to stabilize your condition. Sub-acute care follows acute care and may involve two to four visits per month until your body becomes fully rehabilitated. The maintenance phase follows with visits every one to two months to maintain a healthy, subluxation-free spine and to prevent relapse.
(back to top)Why do people continue going to a chiropractor after their problem (i.e. back pain, headaches, etc.) goes away?
Chiropractic promotes overall health by removing interference to your nervous system. People who receive regular chiropractic care are healthier for it. Many patients who come initially for back pain find that they have less trouble with allergies and colds or that they sleep better and have more energy. Often many of the old aches and pains that they thought were normal have gone away. The bottom line is that for many this improved quality of life is something that they don't want to give up, so they continue chiropractic care long after their initial complaints have gone away.
(back to top)Is chiropractic safe?
Absolutely. Chiropractic is one of the safest health care options available and offers an outstanding safety record. As with any health treatment, there is a very small chance of complications. However, when weighed against the benefits, chiropractic comes out a winner hands down.
In 1978, the government of New Zealand released a report on the efficiency and safety of chiropractic care. Hearings were conducted that lasted nearly two years to assess the efficacy and safety of chiropractic care. This 377-page report is called "The New Zealand Report."
Among the report's findings:
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Chiropractors are the only health practitioners who are necessarily equipped by their education and training to carry out spinal manual therapy (spinal adjustments).
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Chiropractors carry out spinal diagnosis and therapy at a sophisticated and refined level.
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Spinal manual therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is safe.
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The duration and training of a registered chiropractor are sufficient to enable him/her to determine whether there are contraindications to spinal manual therapy in a particular case, and whether that patient should have medical care instead of, or as well as, chiropractic care.
New Zealand Report. Hasselberg PD. Government Printer, Wellington 1979.
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Should I bring my children?
Yes. Chiropractic is safe and effective for children. Studies suggest that chiropractic can reduce the rate of many childhood disorders like ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), bed wetting, insomnia and even SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Chiropractic for children also reduces the risk of orthopedic and health problems in adulthood by correcting potential problems at a young age.
How do massage and physical therapy compliment chiropractic?
We offer massage therapy and physical therapy because many patients with old or traumatic injuries have soft tissue damage that is complicating their subluxations. By offering these services we can create an integrative approach to deal with both the chiropractic subluxations and the soft tissue damage to manage pain and restore normal, subluxation free function most effectively.
Harchak Chiropractic Clinic invites you to come and experience the difference that chiropractic can make in your health. If you have any further questions you can check out some of the other sections of this site or call us at (814) 342-3591.