Frequently Asked Questions
Here at Okemos Chiropractic, we focus on not only performing adjustments, massage and nutrition. We believe the best care comes in the form of a partnership. Part of that partnership includes educating and making sure all of your questions about chiropractic care are answered.
Of course you can call us at 517.347.2222 with any questions or talk with Dr. Sarah in person. But we also put together a list here of some of the most common questions we hear from people.
Q. What information is out there about the Swine Flu and Flu Shots? Should I get a vaccination? Should my children?
A. In my opinion I feel it is very important for people to be informed about what your doctor and the government want to put in your system. Please keep in mind that in most cases the symptoms of this flu are less severe that what you see with the other common flu(s). The drug companies are going to make a lot of money on this and will not have to take responsibility when it destroys peoples lives. When you or your children get vaccinations, you sign a waiver of responsibility. At some point you have signed this and it is in your file.
Some simple steps to prevent the flu or any disease:
wash hands, eat healthy, take a good multi-vitamin, get enough rest (especially when you are run down), do some moderate exercise, get adjusted and limit the stress in your life.
Remember, if you have a strong immune system, you won't get sick. Otherwise doctors, nurses and anyone that works in a hospital would be sick all the time.
Here is a link to a downloadable .pdf document listing some study results about flu vaccines and their effectiveness in children and adults.
Click Here to View Flu Vaccine Study Results
Q. What causes the sound of an adjustment?
A. First of all, there is nothing “cracking”! The sound is simply the release of a gas from the vacuum which is formed between each joint.
Q. Is it bad to “crack” your neck or back a lot?
A. The desire to pop the neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixed vertebra, called a subluxation. When a chiropractor adjusts the spine, each bone is examined and aligned, when necessary, from the top of the spine to the bottom. The frequent popping of one or a few bones over and over without a complete alignment of the spine causes weakening of the associated muscles and ligaments.
Q. Do Chiropractors have Medical Degrees?
A. Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degrees granted from chiropractic colleges. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in some respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs and medical doctors do not correct the vertebral subluxation complex.
Q. Can I tell if I have a Subluxation?
A. Not Always. A subluxation is like a dental cavity - you may have it for a long time before symptoms appear. That’s why periodic spinal checkups are so important. Although it may be possible to know you have a subluxation, it is rarely possible to be sure you don't.
Q. At what age should Chiropractic start?
A. Newborns should be checked for vertebral subluxations especially after difficult or traumatic births. There are case histories of infants close to death who were adjusted in hospitals with seemingly miraculous recoveries.
Q. Is Chiropractic care addictive?
A. If only it were (just a little!), there’d be a lot less sick people around and chiropractors wouldn’t get patients who last saw a chiropractor “a few years ago when my back went out.” It is possible to get used to feeling more balanced, less stressed and more energetic as a result of periodic chiropractic care. You may become more sensitive to your body and know when you’ve “lost” your adjustment.
Q. Can I go only once?
A. Of Course. Once is better than never. But chiropractic can help in so many ways. Why miss out?
Q. What will happen if I stop going?
A. Spine and nerve stress will continue to build up as before, but it won’t be reduced or eliminated. If the stress is not relieved, your body and overall health will suffer.
Q. Can a person who has had back surgery see a Chiropractor?
A. Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too-common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome”. Chiropractic may help prevent repeated operations.
Q. Can Chiropractic prevent surgery?
A. In many cases the answer is a resounding, “Yes”.
Q. Can a person with a broken back or neck see a Chiropractor?
A. After the break heals, yes. In fact, a broken bone forms a callus or bone scar when it heals that is stronger than the rest of the bone. This should dispel any concerns about the safety of an adjustment. People who have had broken bones need chiropractic checkups because accidents usually cause spinal subluxations.
Q. Is Chiropractic safe?
A. Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.
Q. Can I go to a Chiropractor if I’m under medical care?
A. Yes. Having your subluxations corrected is important, no matter what other type of health care you are receiving. More and more medical doctors are seeing the value of chiropractic care and putting the well-being of the patient as a priority.
Q. Do Chiropractors believe in medicine and surgery?
A. Certainly, as Norman Cousins says: “There are times when intervention in the form of medicine or surgery is absolutely necessary but there is never a time when the nourishment one puts into one’s body or one's mind is not essential to health.”
Q. Can spines go automatically into place?
A. Yes. There are verified instances of blind people recovering eyesight after a fall, of individuals able to walk again after their wheelchair was thrown and of amnesiacs who remember their past after receiving a trauma - these are examples of “accidental adjustments.” A visit to the chiropractor is a lot safer! Also, many types of therapy, including massage and various body work, can reduce musculoskeletal stress, sometimes permitting the spine to automatically realign, as will a cathartic emotional release. Occasionally, even a good night’s sleep can correct a subluxation.
Q. I’m not sick. Should I see a Chiropractor?
A. Yes. Symptoms are not a good way to judge health. They sometimes surface after years of body malfunction. Although many people begin chiropractic care only after they experience symptoms such as headaches, back aches etc. chiropractic care ultimately works to help you achieve and maintain your optimum health and thereby reduce or eliminate symptoms because your body is now healing itself.
Q. How often should I get a spinal adjustment?
A. The answer is “As soon as you develop subluxations.” But since subluxations are often painless, it’s good to get your spine checked periodically. The frequency will depend on how physically active you are, the physical demands of your job, and your personality makeup as a high or low stress person.