Chiropractic FAQs
What conditions benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Conditions benefiting from Chiropractic Care
Usually you think of lower back pain or spinal stenosis when you think of chiropractic. But it also helps with things like migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, ligament damage, knee injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.
Can Chiropractic help my “slipped disk”?
Spinal discs are not simply stacked bone segments. They are fluid-cushions that act as shock absorbers between the bones of the spine. The discs allow for pain-free movement and keep the vertebrae from grinding against each other. They work perfectly when the spine is correctly aligned.
When the spine gets misaligned because of stress, accident, or dislocation, the disc may “bulge” out between the vertebrae and lose their fluid. Eventually, the vertebrae rub against each other. This causes severe pain. Traditional treatment often involves surgery and pain-killing drugs.
Chiropractors work to gently realign the spine so that the discs no longer “bulge”. This prevents further deterioration of the disc and provides the needed cushion between the vertebrae, alleviating the pain.
Does chiropractic hurt?
Chiropractic adjustments can be very gentle. After the treatment , you may feel like you have had a good, solid workout at the gym. You may feel a bit of discomfort during the actual adjustment, but it usually lasts only seconds. You may hear some “popping” sounds, which comes from the bones getting back into line. It is the same thing as “popping” your fingers.
Is chiropractic “safe”?
Chiropractic practice is extremely safe. Chiropractic practitioners have a lot of training and experience to put just the right amount of pressure on your bones and joints and bring you back into alignment. And when you compare chiropractic with the number of mistakes in traditional medicine, chiropractic care shows up as very safe indeed. Some have estimated the risks as one million to one.
What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?
Before entering into a chiropractic college, one must complete a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate study, and many colleges require a four-year undergraduate science degree. Training in chiropractic care involves extensive study of the neuromusculo-skeletal diagnosis and treatment. The course of study focuses on three areas: (1) basic training in biological and health sciences, (2) specialized training in chiropractic theory, practice, technique, diagnosis, and application, and (2) extensice clinical and practice training with patients.
Board Certified Chiropractic Physician
Dr. Bearden is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician. He is a Certified Spinal Decompression Rehabilitation Expert. He received a Master’s Certification in Spinal Biomedical Trauma. He was trained at Texas A & M in the area of Accident Reconstruction Forensics.
Are there scientific studies showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care?
Yes! Several studies have documented that chiropractic practice is extremely effective, particularly in a variety of conditions
What can I expect on my first visit?
Your doctor will take a complete medical history, and specifically quiz you on the complaint that brought you in to chiropractic care in the first place. Where does it hurt? When did it start? Additionally, your doctor will want to know about family history, your diet, exercise history, previous injuries, and other care you might have received. Gathering this information will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
A physical examination will be performed, and your doctor may order tests such as x-rays, laboratory analysis, and other tests that are deemed necessary.
What is the treatment like?
The chiropractic “adjustments” are short, gentle thrusts delivered to specific locations on your spine or other joints. These adjustment may correct misalignments, increase joint mobility, and relive pressure on sensitive irritated tissues and nerves.
Additionally, you may receive phisio-therapy to the affected soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons) to help with pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.
How long will it take?
Everyone is different. It will depend on the amount of damage, the amount of time you have been experiencing a problem, and the severity of the pain. Some people may feel resolution in as little as two weeks, or your care may extend for months.
The first appointment will last up to 1 ½ hours, but subsequent appointments may be only a few minutes (if you only receive an adjustment) to an hour (if you also receive a massage or other physio-therapy.
Other than chiropractic, what do you do?
Because chiropractic practice is holistic, most chiropractic offices contain an element of nutritional and exercise recommendations. You may also receive supportive products to assist you in maintaining proper posture and body mechanics. These may include, custom orthotics, cervical pillows, neck and back supports, and home rehabilitation equipment.
Is Chiropractic treatment expensive?
Most insurance plans cover chiropractic to a degree. And most chiropractors are able to work out payment plans. Please contact the office if you have concerns about affordability. Chiropractors care about your health and will work with you to make sure you get the care you need.
Is chiropractic treatment just for back pain?
Chiropractors are generally specialists of the spine, but can treat any alignment problem from feet and ankles, to chest and shoulders, and wrists and hands as well. And many ailments are related in some way to a spinal problem.
Do I have to stay in chiropractic treatment forever?
Many people come to a chiropractor for a single specific ailment. You may decide that once you are out of pain, you have completed treatment. However, for permanent relief, it may take more time and commitment on your part, depending on the severity of your pain. You are in complete control of how long your treatment lasts. Your chiropractor will give you as much information as you need to may an informed decision about how long and to what extent you will benefit from chiropractic care.
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- Mo-Th: 8:30-5:00
- Friday: 8:30-1:00
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
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