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Chiropractic Care FAQs

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the science concerned with the relationship between the structure of the nervous system and its function as it relates to the restoration and preservation of health.


How does Chiropractic Care work?

Chiropractic care detects, reduces and prevents nervous system dysfunction by restoring the vertebrae to their functional positions.


What do Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors reduce Vertebral Subluxation Complexes by realigning the spinal vertebrae. This alleviates: headaches, neck pain or stiffness, pain in the upper and lower extremities, backaches, pain between the shoulders, pain and numbness in the hands and feet, muscular pains in the chest and abdomen, and sciatica.


What is a Chiropractic adjustment?

An adjustment, otherwise known as spinal manipulation, is the act of moving a joint beyond its passive range of motion limit by means of a sudden thrust or impulse. It is often accompanied by a loud "popping" sound.


Are adjustments painful?

Most spinal adjustments are not painful or uncomfortable. Most patients report that they feel goos and free of pain almost immediately. Adjustments have no harmful or dangerous side effects.


Is Chiropractic Care appropriate for children?

Yes, children benefit from chiropractic care. Early intervention is the key to maintaining a healthy spine.


I have frequent headaches, can Chiropractic Care help?

A frequent and often overlooked cause of headaches is the malfunction of the spinal bones in the neck or upper back. Chiropractic care can help if your headaches are due to a loss of normal spinal curvature or reduced range of motion.


What are the causes of low back pain?

One common cause of low back pain is roughness, irritation or inflammation of the facet joint, location of many of the pain-sensing nerves in the spine. Another source of low back pain could be a bulging disc putting pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root. This can cause numbness, tingling or pain down the leg.


Can Chiropractic Care be used to treat low back pain?

Yes! The chiropractic approach to low back pain is to help restore a more normal motion and position of the affected vertebrae by specific adjustments. The success of this approach has been documented in research projects and has helped many patients avoid surgery.


Can Chiropractic Care be used to treat my neck pain?

The first step in the treatment of neck pain is to locate the underlying cause utilizing a complete case history and an exam. The chiropractor will check for the presence of a proper spinal curve, unimpeded nerve openings between the vertebrae and level shoulders. These and other considerations will be used to improve the motion and position of the vertebrae through specific chiropractic adjustment.


Are chiropractic adjustments safe during pregnancy?

Yes, regular adjustments are completely safe. Chiropractors are trained to alter treatment to meet the special needs of pregnant women. Dr. Picard has a table which can modified to accommodate the changes in your body and he will modify the adjusting techniques as necessary during the course of your pregnancy.


Can Chiropractic Care help me during my pregnancy?

Yes. Chiropractors are required to study obstetrics and they are trained to understand mechanical and physical aspects of what may be causing you pain or discomfort during pregnancy. Chiropractic adjustments help provide freedom from nerve irritation which could be vitally important in insuring your child's healthy, normal development. Adjustments also help to insure your pelvic bones are in proper alignment, which may result in an easier delivery with less chance of injury to you or your child.


Can Chiropractic Care help me following my pregnancy?

Postpartum Chiropractic Care can help to relieve the low back, hip and leg problems that may occur following the mechanical stress and trauma of pregnancy and delivery.


What is sciatica?

Sciatica is intense pain shooting down the back of one or both legs. It is caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerves which run down the back of each leg. This can be due by Vertebral Subluxation Complex, the misalignment of vertebrae. It can be accompanied by bulging or herniation of the cartilaginous discs that separate the vertebrae.


How is sciatica treated?

In the past sciatica has been treated with muscle relaxers, pain medications, physical therapy and surgery. The chiropractic approach to sciatica involves the use of carefull directed and controlled pressure to return the vertebrae to their functional alignment and reduce the irritation of the sciatic nerve and the associated pain.

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