Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a subluxation can interfere with this important exchange by irritating nerves and make vulnerable the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

WHAT IS AN ADJUSTMENT?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren't moving right. Some methods use the doctor's hands, or a special table. There are many ways to take care of the spine. Your chiropractor will determine which method is best for your individual needs.

ARE CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS SAFE?

Yes! By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A New Zealand government study found adjustments are "remarkably safe." A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Chiropractic adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

WHY DO NEWBORNS GET ADJUSTMENTS?

Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato. Initial studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress.

DO I HAVE A PINCHED NERVE?

A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone inflames, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations misconstrue the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves.

DO I HAVE A SLIPPED DISC?

The disc is a soft pulpy ‘shock absorber." It has a fibrous outer ring that 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 vertebrae above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can herniate. It can thin. It can dry out with age and physical trauma. And it can collapse. But it can't actually slip.

HOW DO YOU GET SUBLUXATIONS?

There are three fundamental causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include falls and slips, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as fear, anger and grief can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include pollution, drugs, alcohol and poor diet.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A SUBLUXATION?

You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can reveal the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

CAN SUBLUXATIONS CLEAR UP ON THEIR OWN?

Sometimes. Today's busy lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of the problems as we sleep at night or as we bend and stretch. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!

WHAT MAKES THE SOUND DURING THE ADJUSTMENT?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the fluids and gas in the joint shift. It's much like removing a suction cup or opening a bottle of champagne. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

WILL ADJUSTMENTS MAKE MY SPINE LOOSE?

No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows the ligaments and weakened muscles to heal and stabilize.

CAN THE BONES MOVE TOO MUCH?

Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the correct amount of energy, delivered to a correct spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "locked up" spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of practice, training and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

ARE ALL PATIENTS ADJUSTED THE SAME WAY?

No. Each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal problems. Patient's care is custom tailored for their condition, health goals and age.

CAN I ADJUST MYSELF?

No. Some people can make their joints "pop", but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by popping a joint with weakened ligaments and muscles. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

HOW MANY ADJUSTMENTS WILL I NEED?

The amount of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. As your spine stabilizes, your scheduled visits will decrease. In chronic cases complete healing can take months or even years.

CAN I HAVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE AFTER BACK SURGERY?

Yes. Rest assured that Dr. Orphan would avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the attention of your chiropractic care.

CAN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS GET CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

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

HOW LONG UNTIL I'LL FEEL BETTER?

Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. Are you keeping your appointments? How long have you had the problem? Are you getting the proper exercise, rest and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out Dr. Orphan's recommendations.

HOW LONG WILL I NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. This care helps support the final stages of the healing process as well as detection and resolution of new problems before they become serious. Dr. Orphan is committed to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

WHY DON'T MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AND CHIROPRACTIC DOCTORS GET ALONG?

That's changing. Attitudes are slow to change. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. As the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office.

WHAT IF MY POLICY DOESN'T COVER CHIROPRACTIC?

Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. Each of us is free to place a value on our health. But be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a large corporation to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

WILL I EVER BE NORMAL AGAIN?

Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal symptoms and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who delayed or neglected seeking care often results in slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic care can help avoid a relapse.

WHAT IF CHIROPRACTIC DOESN'T WORK?

Your health is our number one goal. If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help.