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Dr. Dexter Asks...
Frequently Asked Questions
How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Where there is interference in the nervous system, a breakdown or reduction in health, well-being, function or performance can occur. The objective of chiropractic is to simply locate any interference and remove it. These interferences are called subluxations. An explanation of my specific method of practice.
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution, and poor diet.
The shape, position, and tone of your spine affects the health and function of your nervous system. When your nervous system isn't functioning at its best, that can affect a wide variety of areas in your body. Chiropractic focuses on your spine, but the result is a healthier nervous system, which allows all of your body to function better.
Can subluxations clear up on their own?
Sometimes. Today's hectic lifestyles are a constant source of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don't resolve, you need to see a chiropractic doctor!
What's 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, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe". By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic adjustments might be unsuited. Compare the statistics: adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Can the bones move too much?
Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again to help reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice, and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.
What makes that sound during the adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it is not a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Is every person adjusted the same way?
No. Each person'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 patterns. Each person's care is tailored for their age, condition, and health goals.
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each person and their individual health goals. Many people sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. As your spine stabilizes, your visits will be spread out. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that Dr. Dex would avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved area. These spinal levels will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
Can people with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Yes. When developing a care plan, Dr. Dex will consider the unique circumstances of each person. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size, and condition.
How long until I'll feel better?
Some people experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months because many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your symptom? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise, and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most people sense enough progress to fully carry out Dr. Dex's recommendations.
How long will I need chiropractic care?
After people get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These people show up for their visits feeling great. Regular adjustments can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new stresses in the system before they become serious. Our job at Nardella Chiropractic is to offer the very best care, and your job is to decide how much of it you want.
Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful healing processes. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.
Why don't medical practitioners and chiropractic doctors get along?
That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, 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. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful. Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation make the decision for you. Find out how we can make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.
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