Your Chiropractic Questions…Answered!

Got questions about chiropractic care? We’ve got answers!

If you’re new to chiropractic, we totally understand that it can be overwhelming and even intimidating to learn about this modality of health care. But rest easy because we’re here to help make the discovery process easy and informative! 

Here are some of the most common questions we hear about chiropractic, followed up with our answers.

What training do chiropractors receive?

Chiropractors complete four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of a chiropractic graduate program. Upon completion of certification by a state licensing board, chiropractors hold a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and will use the abbreviation DC after their name. Chiropractors study many of the same subjects as medical doctors, including biology, anatomy, clinical orthopedics, imaging (x-rays and MRIs), pediatrics, ethics, biochemistry, and more. While chiropractors cannot write prescriptions, they can diagnose and provide care for the musculoskeletal system.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments typically aren't painful, though some people may experience minor discomfort after an adjustment. Following adjustments at our office, we always offer suggestions to decrease discomfort, such as using ice packs or a heating pad to support your body’s response to the adjustment. However, most of our patients leave with less pain and more mobility than they had upon arrival.

Can children receive chiropractic care?

We adjust newborn babies all the way through to adults, so the answer is absolutely yes! In fact, we would highly recommend it. Children who are adjusted starting at a young age will be set up well for developing a healthy spinal curvature as well as a strong nervous system and immune system.

Can my body become addicted to chiropractic adjustments?

Spinal manipulation is not a habit-forming treatment. If you stop chiropractic care, your spine may return to its original state, however, this is not the result of treatment dependency. The spine typically becomes misaligned again if you do not change your lifestyle after you discontinue chiropractic adjustments.

Why do joints “pop” during an adjustment?

Many patients experience audible “pops” and “cracks” during their adjustments. These sounds are not dangerous and typically do not cause any discomfort. The sounds are a result of gas and fluids being released in the joint and moving. This is a good thing! It’s completely normal to have fluid in your skeletal system. Adjustments help to move that fluid.

We hope those answers provide you with a little more insight into the ins and outs of chiropractic care!