Frequently Asked Questions
Questions (you can click on the question to go to the answer):
Answers:
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic was founded in 1895. It is based on the scientific fact
that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue,
organ and system of the body. The brain and the spinal cord are
protected by bones, specifically the skull and vertebra. When the
vertebra lose their normal position or move improperly, they irritate
the nervous system. This irritation can effect the nerves which supply
the tissues and organs causing a lack of function. This lack of function
is called the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Chiropractors locate and correct the areas of the spine not functioning
properly. The correction is done through a procedure called an adjustment.
The word adjustment describes a specific movement that is directed with
specific force. This gentle force allows the vertebra to return to a
more normal position and movement.
Doctors of Chiropractic go through a four-year graduate program after
completing medical school prerequisites. They receive thousands of hours
of scientific education in anatomy and the function of the human body.
The training also teaches Chiropractors the skill to use just the right
amount of pressure at the proper time. This process makes Chiropractic
an art.
The philosophy of Chiropractic states that the body has an inborn
ability to heal itself. By correcting Vertebral Subluxations
through the adjustment, the
nervous system can work properly to allow the body to heal. The doctor
doesn't "heal" your body, only you can heal your body. Most
medications, for example aspirin and other pain relievers, don't correct
your problem; they just cover up your symptoms.
Therefore, Chiropractic is not just a science, but also an art and
philosophy. Chiropractors look to correct the cause of your problem.
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What
is a "subluxation"?
Subluxation is a misalignment of the vertebra of the spine.
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What
is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a spinal manipulation performed by a chiropractor to
treat subluxation.
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Do
I have to have x-rays taken?
You will need to discuss this with Dr. Elsesser, as x-rays are required
on an individual basis, though for the first visit, at least 2 x-rays
are usually needed to make sure there are no other underlying problems.
If you have recent x-rays, please bring them with you, if you don't, we
have an x-ray facility right in the office so there is no need to
travel.
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Does
chiropractic treat any other problems except back problems?
Yes, because your nervous system controls your entire body, and when
your spine becomes subluxated,
it can result in many health problems other than just backaches.
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Could
I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
Yes, it is a safe procedure when you are adjusted by a licensed
chiropractor like Dr. Elsesser. Every medical procedure has risks, even
taking aspirin for a headache has its risks, though chiropractic is less
invasive.
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Can
a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes, chiropractic may even be used to avoid initial back surgery if the
problem is caught early enough.
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Is
it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Yes, each adjustment is
specialized for each patient. Be sure to let Dr. Elsesser know that
you are pregnant before your session begins so he can adapt your
adjustment. Every mother knows that your back hurts with pregnancy;
chiropractic adjustments can
improve the pregnancy and even make delivery easier on mother and child.
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Will
it hurt?
There is pressure used on the back to realign the vertebra, but it
should not hurt when you are adjusted
by a licensed chiropractor like Dr. Elsesser.
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Will
I feel the results immediately?
It depends on a lot of factors. Some people feel relief right away, but
it may come back over time. Some people feel relief after a few hours,
or even a few days. It depends on what is wrong, your body type and how
badly subluxated your
spine is.
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Why
do I need to keep coming back if I feel better?
Keeping your spine aligned will keep your body running at a higher
efficiency and prevent subluxation
and the many problems it can cause. This is why Dr. Elsesser recommends
monthly maintenance visits for most of his patients. If you come in
because of pain and after an adjustment
or two it gets better, it may only be a temporary fix, and go back out
of alignment. More frequent visits may be needed before your spine is
realigned.
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I've
heard that chiropractic really doesn't have a scientific basis, what is
the truth?
The practice of chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles.
The nervous system controls the body, and this is an undisputed fact.
How the nervous system works with the spine is the focus of
chiropractic. When the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned, it's
called "subluxation"
and mobility can become limited and the spinal nerves that come out of
the spinal cord can become compromised.
Through chiropractic adjustment,
your nerves can return to normal, and your body can balance it's self
back out.
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"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease".
Thomas A. Edison
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