Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
What is McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy?
Do I have to keep going forever?
What causes the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?
Is it safe to crack my own back or neck?
Does Dr. Hall treat areas other than the spine?
Should I tell my other doctors that I am receiving therapy with Dr. Hall?
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care discipline whose primary focus is the treatment of the musculoskeletal and nervous system. The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement. While treatment is often directed to provide relief from pain, the ultimate goal of chiropractic care is to address the “root cause” of the condition and not just the resulting symptoms.
What is McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy?
The total system of patient care known as the McKenzie Method® is an approach that is trusted and used by practitioners and patients all over the world for common back and neck problems. Most low back pain is "mechanical" in origin, meaning that an applied force caused the pain. A basic philosophy of McKenzie's theory is that the reverse force can probably abolish the pain and restore function.
McKenzie credits the patient's ability to learn the principles and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on medical intervention. The McKenzie Method® promotes the body's potential to heal itself without medication, heat, cold, ultrasound, needles, surgery or a force dependent on the practitioner. It also addresses a growing demand from patients and third party payers for professional rehabilitation services that develop the patient's self-treatment skills in a cost-effective and time-effective manner.
What is an adjustment?
Also known as joint manipulation, it is a gentle, carefully placed thrust which restores motion to a stiff joint. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to restore functionality, improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Is Chiropractic Care safe?
Absolutely. Compared to other medical treatments, which include medication and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest. It is estimated that 140,000 people in the United States die each year from drug related reactions and nearly 100,000 people die each year as a result of medical errors. Malpractice insurance companies evaluate the risks of all professions and charge a premium based on the risk the profession poses. Chiropractors have by far the lowest insurance premium of all medical providers. Even though millions of chiropractic treatments are performed each year, only a few complaints are registered.
Do I have to keep going forever?
No. Our office is proud to offer our patients quick and effective solutions to their musculoskeletal conditions. We know we are doing a good job when you are not in our office. Our purpose is to identify and understand your condition and then teach you the skills to better control your own symptoms. Our patients frequently return to the office again and again, but for different conditions each time. They appreciate the care we provide and repeatedly choose our office for any additional care for conditions they might experience.
Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only painless, they actually feel great and relieving. In cases of recent injury, there may be some irritation to inflamed tissue causing some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment will soothe the irritation.
What causes the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?
The sound you may hear is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the bones themselves. It’s coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that’s found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the adjustment, the joints are slightly separated to restore proper motion. This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gasses and creates a “pop” similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off a bottle of champagne. Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be effective, even if you don’t hear any noise.
Is it safe to crack my own back or neck?
This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over its safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on the joints, the cracking or popping of one’s back or neck is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment. The cause of the tension , the fixated or jammed vertebrae, has not been corrected. The noise created during self manipulation is most likely coming from the healthy, mobile joints surrounding the problem area.
What is Video Fluoroscopy?
Video Fluoroscopy is a motion x-ray of the bones and joints. It is a valuable diagnostic tool that allows the doctor to actually see the spine during movement in real time – to more precisely determine the specific problem areas of the spine. Video Fluoroscopy is the best diagnostic tool for demonstrating ligament instability, joint dysfunction and other soft tissue injuries that may be hidden on normal x-ray films.
Does Dr. Hall treat areas other than the spine?
Absolutely. Dr. Hall has had extensive training in the management of extremity problems within chiropractic and also with his Active Release Technique ® and McKenzie Method® certifications. Common extraspinal areas treated include the ankles and feet, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and TMJ.
Should I tell my other doctors that I am receiving therapy with Dr. Hall?
We encourage our patients to inform their medical doctors about our office. In fact, our practice enjoys working together with any of your healthcare providers. We will gladly forward a progress and final report to your primary care physician as a courtesy to you and your caregivers. Many of our patients request that we contact their primary care provider in order to introduce ourselves, or to provide them with information about our practice. The key to comprehensive care is communication.