FAQS
ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC CARE
IS CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT SAFE?
Chiropractic care is recognized as one of the safest, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal complaints. No health treatment is completely free of adverse side affects but the risks with chiropractic care are small. Most will feel immediate relief following a treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness, or aching, just as you would after exercising. Current research states that mild discomfort following a spinal manipulation will dissipate within 24 hours.
WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION & TRAINING DO CHIROPRACTORS HAVE?
Doctors of Chiropractic are educated as primary healthcare providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to musculoskeletal system which includes the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the spine and the nerves that supply them. A 4 year undergraduate degree is required along with pre-medical courses in biology, inorganic/organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, there is an additional 4 academic years of professional study. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis/labs, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, and nutrition. A tremendous amount of time is spent in clinical technique training to become highly skilled experts in manipulation and adjusting techniques. The chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. Dr. Gilbert has advanced post doctorate training in both pediatrics and prenatal care!
HOW IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT PERFORMED?
An adjustment is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic's intensive years of chiropractic education. Dr. Gilbert will use her hands to manipulate and mobilize the joints of the spine in order to restore joint function and resolve muscle tension and inflammation in the surrounding region. The chiropractic adjustment is a controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Patients typically note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
WHY DO PREGNANT WOMEN NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
A woman's body rapidly changes throughout pregnancy. A protruding abdomen will increase the mechanical stress placed on the lower back and hips. Lower back pain, sciatica, pubic symphysis pain, round ligament discomfort, and muscle spasms are just a few of the symptoms that a woman can experience while pregnant. Chiropractic care restores balance and motion to the spine and pelvis relieving these symptoms and allowing a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. Another bonus? A balanced pelvis has been clinically shown to allow for optimal fetal positioning, letting baby get into the best position for delivery. Moms who have chosen chiropractic care during their pregnancy have reported a more comfortable pregnancy, easier delivery, and a significantly faster recovery.
WHY DOES MY CHILD NEED CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
More and more parents are utilizing chiropractic from an early age to help their child be as healthy as possible. As an infant grows, holding up their head, sitting up, crawling, walking, are all activities that affect spinal alignment. Chiropractic care is primarily concerned with the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. When the spine is moving normally and working the way its supposed to, it allows the nervous system to work freely and restore functions of the body. As the spine shifts, even slightly, it can compromise the nervous system and lead to all sorts of challenges including:
- colic
- reflux
- ear infections
- poor immune system
- difficulty sleeping/eating
- constipation
- asthma
If left uncorrected, it becomes something that can really affect a child's development in their immune system long term.
We recommend that all children get checked by a chiropractor. Even if they do not have symptoms or pain, wellness checks are a great way to ensure proper growth and development for your child. Chiropractic care for babies and children is SAFE, GENTLE, & EFFECTIVE! There is no twisting, popping, or cracking. In fact, most newborns sleep through it.
Remember! A child's spine grows 50% in their first year of life and their nervous system develops approximately 80% in their first two years of life. Why not give your child a healthy and fulfilling start to the rest of their lives?!
WHY DO YOU NOT ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Let's face it, if you don't have your health, then you don't have anything! Your health is an investment, not an expense.
Insurance pays for quantity of treatment visits and procedures, not quality. Insurance is designed for quick, short term acute pain/symptoms and treatment. Gilbert Family Chiropractic's vision is long term chiropractic care for the whole family to enhance all aspects of life.
Long term chiropractic care provided at regular intervals is shown to improve good health, prevent disease and spinal degeneration, and enhance the quality of life.
Also, as a patient, you know exactly how much you're going to be charged and you don't have to worry about getting a bill from your insurance company later on.
WHAT CAUSES YOUR SPINAL MISALIGNMENTS (VERTEBRAL SUBLUXATIONS)?
You only get one spine, you might as well take care of it!
Reasons to get your spine checked:
- A difficulty pregnancy, birth, or delivery
- History of motor vehicle accident
- Bad posture
- If you sit in front of the computer for more than 6 hours each day
- You've had recent dental work
- Long car rides
- Scoliosis
- A mild jar when you're unprepared
- Working in awkward positions
- Drug use; medications
- A fall no matter how long ago (even as a toddler)
- Intense emotional stress
- Using the same body position over and over at work or play (repetitive stress injury)
- Pushing yourself too hard
- Sleeping in the wrong position
- An emotional shock when your energy is low
- Eating a lot of junk food (chemical stress)
- You want to make sure your spine is healthy
IS IT BAD TO "CRACK" YOUR NECK AND BACK A LOT?
The feeling that you need to pop your neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebrae (spinal bone), which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and "popping" a lot. The jammed segment needs to be adjusted by a doctor of chiropractic so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and stop being so movable and noisy.
Cracking or popping your neck/back gives short term relief, but soon the urge to pop or crack returns because the casue of the spinal tension has not been corrected properly.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET ADJUSTED?
Spinal misalignments are often painless so it is good to get your spine checked periodically, as you get your teeth checked periodically for cavities.
Symptoms are not a good way to judge your health. If the cause of the symptoms are not addressed, spinal stress will increase and your overall health and optimal functioning may suffer.