FAQ

It is a small thrust applied to the body (misaligned vertebra) from the hands of a chiropractor.

This depends on a number of things like the nature and history of the illness. Sometimes, chiropractic results may be achieved very quickly. Other times, it may take weeks to months because of changes that have occurred in the body in response to the subluxation(s).

In many instances, taking pressure off the nerve is all that is needed for relief of pain.

Yes! It is best to have children checked for subluxations as early as possible. This will ensure that they are fulfilling their own potential to live and grow as healthy as they can.

Absolutely. It can help because when you receive a chiropractic adjustment, nerve interference is removed which allows your body to function better. It helps your immune system kick in so that your body can heal itself.

That depends on your unique situation. Each injury/situation is different and each individual’s healing response is different. Each patient is given an estimate on how long their recovery may take after the initial exam and will have an even better idea after 2-3 visits. When beginning Chiropractic care in an acute condition, you may need to be adjusted more often in a short period of time to begin the healing process. Each visit builds on the next.

Our recommendations are based on your individual situation

Often times you can have a subluxation and not even know it! They can be present before you have obvious symptoms, like the progression of tooth decay. The best thing for you and your family is to be checked in our office with a thorough examination for the presence and severity of subluxations. After being adjusted you may find you are able to listen to your body and know when you are in need of future care.

No. Turning your body or neck in one direction and/or the other may make your joints “pop”, but that sound is not correcting the problem and certainly is not an adjustment! The pressure and gases released during that “pop” may immediately feel like relief, but only a licensed Chiropractor is able to adjust the actual misaligned vertebra that’s really causing the tension. Even Dr. Anne and Dr. Doug get adjusted!

As a Gonstead Chiropractor, our doctors carefully analyze your spine to determine what segments need to be adjusted and which should be left alone. With Chiropractic care, more is not better. “Cracking or manipulating” your entire spine is not specific in the least and does not provide the lasting results that carefully adjusting only specific segments does. The goal is to correct the exact cause of the problem and let your body do the rest of the healing.

The birth process, no matter how natural, can affect an infant’s spine. Some studies suggest that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infection or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Newborns also become subluxated in the same physical, emotional or chemical ways an adult does as well. An infant is also examined very carefully to determine if there is a subluxation and, if needed, receives a gentle Gonstead adjustment involving very little pressure.

No. The disc is a cartilage pad between each of your spinal vertebra that aides in your spine’s connection, flexibility, movement, weight bearing & shock absorbing ability. Motion in your spine produces a pumping action to each disc allowing nutrients to enter and waste to be expelled. Because of spinal subluxations or severe trauma a disc can bulge, swell, tear, herniate, thin, dry out or collapse but it can’t actually “slip” out from between the spinal bones it serves. The Gonstead Chiropractor pays special attention to your disc health. The doctor will gently correct the misaligned vertebra and restore it to a proper position in relationship to the disc, allowing the disc to heal.

Yes. Surgery often leads to instability in your spine above or below the area operated on. Your Gonstead Chiropractor will be very specific to your problem areas and will avoid the surgically altered segments.

Happily, a lot of our patients have reported immediate relief. Others experience slow progress over a period of days or weeks. There are many factors that play a role in your healing process, including the severity or length of your injury. Other factors include proper rest, nutrition, exercise, keeping your appointments and closely following the doctors recommendations. The timing of your appointments are carefully determined based on your need for re-adjustment and time for healing. Please let your doctor know how you are doing from visit to visit, she will appreciate your honesty.

Chiropractic care will benefit almost everyone in some way, just as dental care will benefit almost everyone in some way. How you respond depends on how long you have dealt with your pain/symptoms, your lifestyle and your compliance to the care plan.