Frequently Asked Questions in Rochester

What is chiropractic care? Chiropractic is a drugless, natural health care discipline that uses gentle manual or precise instrument adjustments to the spine to improve alignment and function. The purpose is to restore proper spinal motion and allow the connection between the brain, spinal cord and the body--the spinal nerves--to carry the proper messages. A variety of techniques can be used to suit clients of all ages.

Chiropractors take 4-5 years of academic training beyond undergraduate studies, as well as passing national and state board testing, to receive their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Topics of study include: human biology, anatomy & physiology, adjusting methods, neuroanatomy, radiology, nutrition, biochemistry and pediatric care.

Chiropractic was founded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer of Davenport, IA. D.D. had been a healer of various methods for some years when he encountered a janitor in his building, Harvey Lillard, that had been seeking help with deafness that had occurred after a traumatic injury. D.D. examined the man and determined a misalignment in his spine, corrected it by hand, and within two treatments his hearing was restored. Shortly after, D.D. Palmer chose the name, “chiropractic” from Greek meaning “done by hand.” He began teaching osteopaths and medical practitioners his methods and the Palmer school was born.

The chiropractor analyzes the spine to determine areas of dysfunction or lack of proper motion. Once detected, specific adjustments (application of gentle force) are applied to restore movement and function. Typically, chiropractors are also passionate and knowledgeable about healthy lifestyle practices and can offer advice on nutrition, supplements, movement, breathing, sleep, rest and stress reduction.

Chiropractic has an excellent safety track record, reflected by extremely low malpractice insurance rates. A 1995 study found that chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine (neck area) were several hundred times safer than taking NSAIDS.

Chiropractors are trained to adapt their technique to the needs of the patient, but occasionally, patients may experience some mild soreness following a chiropractic adjustment. This is typically short-lived.

This can vary based on your individual goals for your health. Do you want to use chiropractic to get out of crisis (pain) only, or to improve structure and function more completely? Do you go to the dentist when your tooth hurts, or for regular maintenance? Our families, ourselves and many of our patients use chiropractic on a regular basis to keep feeling and functioning well.

This can vary quite a bit. We have chosen a model of care that allows our fees to remain affordable for most people, including whole families, with or without insurance. Typically, we have an introductory initial visit fee, allowing people to determine if chiropractic is a good fit, if our office is the right place, and to have their questions answered without a large financial commitment.

Most of our patients come from our patient’s referrals and also from our Google reviews.

There are quite a few chiropractic techniques. I think, traditionally, people tend to think of manual adjusting techniques that result in the ‘popping’ sound. In truth, there are many techniques that utilize instrument adjustments or low force techniques that involve little or no twisting or popping. There really are a lot of options and, in our office, patients can choose from multiple techniques. Traditional Diversified manual adjusting, drop-table assisted adjustments, Logan Basic, Activator Method, Athrostim instrument adjusting and Zone Technique are the most common techniques we use. We also utilize mechanical intersegmental traction and spinal decompression therapies.

Chiropractors don’t treat conditions but rather look to normalize the function of the spine and the delicate nerves it houses and protects. Some of the common conditions that patients present with: back or neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, chronic muscle tightness, pain/tingling/numbness in arms or legs, abnormal spinal curvatures, sciatic pain, general body dysfunction, poor sleep. Allowing the spine and nervous system to function better by adjusting the misaligned area can help optimize movement and health.

Many of our moms swear by chiropractic care during pregnancy and find amazing relief; as well as preparing the body and pelvis for the birth process. Frequently, midwives refer many of their clients for chiropractic care during pregnancy. Good alignment and a well-communicating nervous system help mom’s body to adapt to the additional stresses of pregnancy and birth.

Not at all. The force of an adjustment, whether by hand or instrument, is constantly being adapted and modified to the individual. The pressure used to gently adjust a baby is about the amount of pressure you would use to test a tomato for ripeness--this is called a sustained contact. An older person may require a gentler approach as well. Patient preference is also important as to the style and force of the adjustment.

There are no guarantees in any type of treatment, but we have many patients feel night and day different with chiropractic care.  Most people would agree that trying a safe, natural method of care (conservative care) before drugs, injections and surgery is a wise approach.