Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions

What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the science that uses the body’s inherent healing ability in the restoration and maintenance of health. Doctors of Chiropractic (DC's) are dedicated to building and restoring health and resistance, thereby improving the quality of life. How do they do that? By finding, locating and removing a common condition known as Vertebral Subluxation in which one or more of the twenty-four moveable bones your spinal column becomes misaligned and interferes with the nerves that exit between the spinal bones. This causes irritation to the nerve and impairs its ability to transmit or receive vital nerve messages from various parts of the body.

What is an Adjustment?
Adjustments are performed by chiropractors to reposition the bones that are out of proper alignment, or subluxated. The purpose of the adjustments is to remove any interference to the nervous system, which improves activity, restores natural movement and function to the spine as well as contributing to an individual’s overall health. Adjustments are safe for all ages and are completely natural.

How did I get a "subluxation?"
Subluxations are commonly caused by stress from poor posture, poor sleeping habits, slips and falls, vehicular accidents, sports impacts, strenuous exercise, work injuries, childhood falls, medication and substance abuse, and even the birth process. Another absolute cause of subluxation is emotional stress. A chiropractic exam will determine whether or not your spine may be "subluxated."

Is Chiropractic safe?
Yes. According to the New Zealand Commission of Inquiry of Chiropractic "spinal adjusting is a vital, impressively safe and clinically effective form of health care. It is scientifically based and uses the existing body of medical and scientific knowledge. " The study also noted that, "Chiropractors have, beyond a reasonable doubt, more thorough training in spinal mechanics and spinal manual therapy than any other healthcare professional."

Do I need to have x-rays taken?
To properly diagnose a patient’s condition, x-rays are commonly taken. Dr. Jimenez will use these films to check for possible fractures, vertebral alignment, disc degeneration, proper curvature, scoliosis, and other serious pathology. With the advancement of high-speed film and limited exposure, the amount of radiation used is far outweighed by the invaluable information gained by actually seeing the patient’s spine.

Is it safe to get my children adjusted?
Yes. Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are adapted to the child’s spine. Many childhood health ailments such as ear infections, asthma and bed-wetting can be traced back to nerve interference in the spine. Regular spinal check-ups throughout childhood could prevent health problems that may surface in adulthood. Parents often prefer chiropractic care for their children because of its safe, non-invasive nature.

Do I need to see a chiropractor if I’m not in pain?
As many of our patients have discovered, the absence of pain is not a true indication of the state of one’s health. A spinal check-up will determine whether or not you are a candidate for chiropractic care. Our office also utilizes cutting edge technology, the Insight Millenium, which detects nerve interference before symptoms arise. Chiropractic has also been proven to be most beneficial for those who have chosen disease prevention and wellness as part of their life.

If I begin chiropractic care, will have I have to be treated forever?
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Many individuals have chosen to continue care once their symptoms have been resolved - or started care, before symptoms arise, choosing preventative care as part of their life. We appreciate the value of regular dental checkups, so it makes perfect sense that regular spinal checkups would be part of maintaining an individual’s overall health and wellness program.