The disc is a soft pulpy “shock absorber”. It has a fibrous outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A “slipped-disc” is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can’t slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can’t slip.

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. This distorts the nerve signals sent between the brain and other parts of the body. This can produce pain, numbness, tingling and discomfort.

No. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up or misaligned” receive adjustments. This allows the surrounding and attached muscles, ligaments and other soft tissue structures to stabilize, heal and stretch the way they are supposed to.

No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique to that patient. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, there is a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom tailored for their age, condition and health goals.

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. Those joints that are easy to “pop” are considered hypermobile joints. If you keep “popping” them, the muscles and ligaments surrounding that joint will continue to progressively weaken over time. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Joints that are “fixed, locked up or misaligned” are adjusted by the chiropractor to allow the normal movement and alignment of all the joints and surrounding muscles and ligaments in the area.

The number of chiropractic treatment varies with each patient and their individual health and wellness goals. Many patients will sense a progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine and joints stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. It is important to remember that like any moving machine, your body requires regular maintenance to function at its utmost efficiency. It is recommended that you maintain your spinal health by getting regular chiropractic care after your initial problem has resolved.

Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor 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. Other soft tissue care to reduce scar tissue formation can also be treated by your chiropractor.

Of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size, health, and condition.

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. Important questions such as: “How long have you had your problem?” “Are you keeping all your recommended appointments?” “Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition?” “Are you a smoker?” “What state of health are you in now?” The answer is really up to you and your compliance to the doctor’s recommendations. You and your doctor should be able to sense enough progress in your condition after a short period of care. Do not give up with care too early in the treatment process. Continuing with the recommended care can only help you heal faster.

Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves, and total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected or delayed in seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover regular maintenance care and checkups can help maintain a normal level of activity and avoid relapses. Ask you doctor about wellness care programs.

If your chiropractic doctor is unable to find and correct the cause of you particular health problem, he will refer you to your family doctor or other specialist who maybe able to help. We will be happy to co-manage the problem with any other health care provider. Your health is our primary goal and any referrals are immediately initiated.