What is a Subluxation?

According to www.Sherman.edu, “A vertebral subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae in the spine become misaligned, compressing spinal nerves and disturbing optimal nerve function. Chiropractic’s primary focus involves locating, analyzing and correcting these misalignments.” The spinal nerves are what your brain uses to communicated with the rest of your body. When all of your spinal nerves are functioning properly, your body is equipped to heal itself. When there is pressure on any of these nerves, it can interfere with the communication between the brain and the body which can affect the function/performance of all the cells, tissues and organs including your body’s ability to heal properly. Removing that interference restores balance and allows your body to function at its maximum potential.

What causes Subluxations?

STRESS! More specifically physical, emotional and chemical stress. Sometimes this is referred to as The Three T’s: Thoughts, Trauma and Toxins. When most people think of physical stress, what comes to mind are car accidents, falls and heavy lifting but what many people don’t realize is that any type of prolonged or repetitive activity can be just as stressful including sitting, standing or looking down at your phone. Emotional stress consists of anger, worry, grief, depression among others. Chemical stress encompasses air pollution/poor air quality, car exhaust, paint fumes, junk food, medications and cleaning chemicals.

Who should get checked for Subluxations?

Everyone! Everyone from new born babies to people that are 100 years + should get their spine checked for subluxations as most people have some form of stress. How do newborn babies have stress? One of their many possible stresses occurs during delivery when most babies are pulled out of the mother by their heads putting a great amount of stress on the baby’s neck. Even during a C-section, the baby can still be pulled out by the head. Find me someone that doesn’t have any stress in their lives because if you could, I would like to find out what their secret is!

What should I wear to my first appointment?

It is recommended you wear comfortable clothing as you will be asked to move around and lay down. You will not be asked to put on a gown/johnny.

How long does my first appointment take?

The first appointment should take approximately 30 minutes if you have filled out the paperwork PRIOR to coming to the office. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the average patient to read and fill out the paperwork. These are just estimates as all will depend on the complexity of your medical history and any questions you may have that require explanation.

How long is the average office visit?

The average office visit is approximately 10 minutes or less for me to do what I do. This is an estimate as any questions, discussion about daily activities or instruction of stretches/exercises may take longer but won’t necessarily occur on every visit.

Do you take x-rays?

If it is determined that you should have x-rays taken, I will give you an order and send you to a conveniently located imaging center. Imaging centers are fantastic for the following reasons:

• many times they can get you in the same day

• they are usually pretty quick in and out

• many are walk-in but you can also schedule an appointment

• convenient hours

• your images are available for you to pick up should you wish to bring them to another provider in the future. (all you need to do is call in advance)

• they usually accept most insurances.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, check or charge/debit. Payment is due at the time services are rendered.

What Chiropractic techniques do you use?

I usually use some combination of Thompson Drop, Activator, Diversified and SOT. It can vary depending on the person.

Will I hear a popping sound when I get adjusted?

When a joint capsule is separated, there can be a release of gases from the joint which can sometimes make a popping sound. This in NO way indicates that the bone has moved or been corrected. There may or may not be any sound when an adjustment is performed. Many of the gentler techniques do not cause any popping sound and are equally as effective.

What can I expect after my first adjustment?

Some people may experience a little extra soreness (like after going to the gym) as the muscles and tendons can be stretched when getting adjusted. Some people will feel no change (but that doesn’t mean stuff is not happening on the inside). Some people feel a little lighter, a little better, a little straighter. No matter which of those you feel after your first adjustment, your nerve flow is less compromised and your body is now healing better.

Is Chiropractic addicting?

After watching the Orientation video, you now know that STRESS is the cause of subluxations. That includes physical, emotional and chemical stress. Our bodies weren’t meant to do repetitive prolonged sedentary activity. Ever heard the catch phrase “Sitting is the new smoking?” Cavemen weren’t constantly looking down at their phone or sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day. If you are continuously under physical, emotional and chemical stress, you are going to need to be regularly checked for subluxations in the same way that if continue to eat food several times a day, you need to brush your teeth for your teeth and gums to stay healthy. Are you addicted to brushing your teeth?

Some people say they don’t believe in Chiropractic…

Chiropractic is a science. It doesn’t require your belief in the same way that gravity doesn’t require your belief. It works whether you believe it or not.