Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What Is Chiropractic?
A: 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 five and a half year graduate program after
completing medical school prerequisites. That's a total of eight years. 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. You can't
learn it at a weekend seminar.
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, e.g. aspirin and other pain
relievers, don't correct your problem, they just cover up your symptoms and in some
cases cause other problems.
Therefore, Chiropractic is not just a science, but also an art and philosophy. Chiropractors
look to correct the cause of your problem.
Q: Are Chiropractorsdoctors?
A: Yes, Board-qualified and licensed chiropractic practitioners are entitled by
law to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). To become state licensed, the candidate
must complete a minimum of eight years of college study and clinic internship before
entering into private practice.
Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic utilize drugs and surgery as part of their treatment?
A: No. Doctors of Chiropractic follow the concept that the body is capable
of maintaining and restoring health given the proper food, water, rest, and properly
funcitoning nervous system. Sometimes supplements are called for but these are just
concentrated food.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment painful?
A: No. Reaction to treatment depends on the patient. It is rarely painful; sensations
can vary from temporary soreness in the spinal joints or muscles to a sense of exhileration
and relief.
Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic treat only spinal conditions?
A: No. Chiropractors do emphasize the treatment of spinal conditions since correct
spinal alignment can affect the proper function of other bodily areas and systems.
However, it would not be unusual for a practitioner to provide a patient with appropriate
nutritional advice or supplentation to augment recovery. Additionally, some Chiropractic
Doctors specialize in the treatment of more unusual musculoskeltal conditions such
as those involving sports injuries.
Q: What if I have a slipped disk?
A: There is actually no such thing as a "slipped" disc. The spinal discs are a cushioning
piece of tissue that lie between each bone of the spine. There are two parts to
the disk, the annulus (the tough part, like gristle) and the nucleus (a soft center,
about the consistancy of peanut butter). If the spinal vertebra tilt and create
a wedge, the nucleus can bulge toward the wide end of the wedge
area. This can cause
undue pressure on the spinal nerve roots or on the spinal cord. If the annulus becomes
torn (partially or fully) the nucleus can migrate into the tear, putting even more
pressure on spinal nerves or on the cord. The correct terminology for this is "herniated"
disc. Chiropractors can (gently) treat a herniated disk, within all but the most
severe tears.
Q: When can I expect to feel better?
A: Different patients have different healing times. Some experience relief within
1-2 weeks; others notice changes before the end of the first month. Healing is dependent
on the length of time a patient has had the subluxations and the severity of their
problem.
Q: Do I have to keep coming back forever?
A: No! In our office we have three types of care: relief care, corrective care and
maintenance care. Pain usually subsides in the first 4-6 weeks. However, correcting
the cause of a problem takes longer. You have the option of discontinuing care when
the pain subsides, when you complete the corrective procedure, or you can continue
with what we call maintenance care. It is completely up to you
The purpose of maintenance care is to keep your spine healthy and to avoid a reoccurrence
of a spinal-related problem. Just as you go to the dentist for regular checkups,
having your spine checked by the doctor is as important, if not more so. But the
choice is always yours.
Q: Will chiropractic improve my posture?
A: Yes, with chiropractic adjustments, specific exercises and therapies, posture
should improve.
Q: How long will each appointment take?
A: The first visit usually takes an hour. Follow-up visits take only a few minutes.
If therapy is needed, you can add an additional 10-15 minutes.
Q: Do I have to have x-rays?
A: The doctor will determine if films are necessary during the examination and then
will discuss this with you.
Q: If I bring my own, fairly recent x-rays, do I have to take new ones?
A: If you have them, please DO bring them, as they will help the doctor with his
examination. If the doctor determines at the end of the examination that new films
are necessary, he will advise you and discuss why he feels they are necessary.
Q: Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
A: It depends on what is causing the spine to NOT be straight. If the cause is a
lot of arthritis and degeneration, it is unlikely that the spine can be straightened.
If the cause is related to muscle tightness, there is a much greater chance that
the spine can be straightened.
Q: Does chiropractic cure cancer or other diseases?
A: Chiropractic treats the misalignments of the spine and the interferences in the
nervous system caused by the misalignments. Chiropractic does not cure cancer or
any other diseases. The chiropractic adjustment can help relieve the pain associated
with different conditions. There are a number of different health conditions which
have been helped through chiropractic care. As a result of chiropractic care, many
patients experience improvement due to the body's innate ability to heal itself.
Q: Is chiropractic good for children or elderly people?
A: Chiropractic is good for all patients, because chiropractic care keeps the spine
and nervous system healthy. Different techniques are used for children and the elderly
due to their spine's delicate nature. Children need chiropractic care so they do
not develop the problems we see in most adults, like nerve compression and arthritis.
It is especially important to have children checked by the doctor after they have
had a fall. Chiropractic care can help the elderly from developing more serious
complications from their longstanding spinal and nerve related conditions. Personally
I have treated babies a few days old to a 96 year old.
Q: How long does a chiropractor go to school?
A: After completing the same prerequisites for medical school, chiropractors attend
chiropractic college for five and a half years. Eight years total.
Q: Why are there so many techniques used in chiropractic?
A: Let me answer this question politely. Many techniques are based on opinion and,
I think, imagination. The techniques used at Hughes Chiropractic Healthcare SC are
Chiropractic Biophysics and the "Palmer Package." Chiropractic Biophysics has the
most published research of any chiropractic techniques. . If your Chiropractor is
putting things on your tongue or belly button and pulling on your arm, they might
actually be pulling your leg.
Q: Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to a regular schedule?
A: The doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you which will best benefit your
health. For you to obtain the best results from chiropractic care, it is important
that you stick to the schedule the doctor recommends.
Q: Can I just drop in without a scheduled appointment?
A: The doctor is available to see a patient in an emergency, otherwise, the patient
should follow the schedule that the doctor has prescribed.
Q: Does the doctor get adjusted?
A: Of course! I want to stay healthy too!
