Melrose Chiropractic/Steven M. Gillis, D.C.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Chiropractic?

An Introduction to Chiropractic

Chiropractic mobilizes joints to allow motion. Chiropractors are bio-mechanics, or mechanics for your body. A chiropractor can free a locked joint with an adjustment and restore more balanced motion. Pain is relieved as irritation and stress on nerves, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues is reduced.

Adjusting a joint restores full range motion by breaking up adhesions, stretching tight ligaments, and relieving stress on nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. Once adjusted, a joint can move more fully and naturally. Joint stress is more evenly distributed. Tissue compression is reduced when muscles are stretched to their full length. When muscles and joints are moved fully, previously unused muscle fibers are exercised. Restoring normal joint motion and balancing posture can relieve today’s pain as well as prevent tomorrow’s arthritic breakdown.

Besides treating patients for back, neck and joint pain, many chiropractors believe improving the body’s motion relieves irritation of the nervous system. Since the body’s functions are controlled by the nerves, a well adjusted body functions better and is healthier.

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including acupuncture, massage, and nutritional consulting.

Do adjustments hurt?

For most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless. Some patients who are new to chiropractic treatments may involuntarily stiffen or resist the adjustment and feel a small amount of discomfort until they are able to relax during treatment. In addition, mild discomfort may be felt if the patient has had a recent trauma, such as whiplash, due to inflammation. However, many patients report a feeling of relief, calmness, and a sense of well being after the adjustment; others feel improved mobility.

What is the noise I hear during an adjustment?

When your vertebrae are adjusted, tiny pockets of gas are released from the joints, making a "popping" noise. It's the same sound you hear when you pop your knuckles. Not all patients hear this noise. It's not a sign that the adjustment is working or not working.

Are adjustments safe?

Dozens of research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments. They are significantly safer than taking medications or having spine surgery. Research shows complications from chiropractic adjustments are rare and random.

Can I adjust myself?

No. This is dangerous. Chiropractic adjustments need to be performed by a skilled professional.

Can other types of professionals also perform adjustments?

Yes. Some osteopaths (DOs) perform these techniques (but this is rare these days). However, Chiropractors perform 95% of all adjustments in the world. Be careful of physical therapists, massage therapists, or "healers" who make similar claims but do not have the credentials, qualifications, and experience of a chiropractor.

What types of conditions do chiropractors use adjustments for?

Chiropractic adjustments (a precise method of restoring proper movement) are very useful in correcting:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, chest, abdomen, hips, legs, feet.
- Certain types of headaches.
- Sciatica.
- Injuries and trauma to the body such as whiplash.
- Scoliosis.
- Leg pain and nerve disorders.
- Sports injuries and most muscular skeletal injuries such as tennis elbow, strained muscles, and sprained joints and ligaments.
- Bursitis and Tendonitis (conditions involving inflammation of soft tissues).
- Repetitive strain disorders such as carpal tunnel.
- Fibromyalgia (chronic muscle pain and stiffness).
- Arthritis

What if I need surgery?

Chiropractors believe and emphasize that the first response in most illnesses and injuries should be conservative care. However, chiropractors are also trained to recognize when an injury is outside of their scope of practice and will refer patients to the appropriate medical specialist if necessary.

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