If you should have a question that is not answered here, please call or
email your question to
Ovenell.
 Is
Chiropractic care safe?
Absolutely. Compared to other medical treatments, which include
medication and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest. It is
estimated that 140,000 people in the USA die each year from drug-related
reactions and nearly 100,000 people die as result of medical errors. Insurance
companies who evaluate the risks of all professions, and charge a premium based
on the risk the profession poses. Chiropractors have by far the lowest
insurance premium of all medical providers. Even though millions of
chiropractic adjustments are made each year, only a few complaints are
registered.
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What
is an adjustment?
A gentle, carefully placed thrust which moves vertebrae into their proper
position. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but
occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the adjustment is to
correct a spinal subluxation.
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What
is a subluxation?
Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebrae) that is not in its right
position or not moving in its normal range of motion. Misaligned
vertebrae are irritating nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the
way your body communicates with your spine. Subluxations are the cause of many
pains and dysfunctions in muscles and organs. The body's natural ability to
heal itself is greatly improved with the subluxation removed.
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Does
the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only painless, they actually feel great
and relieving. In cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to
adjustments and cause some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment
may soothe any irritation.
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What
causes the "cracking" sound during an adjustment?
The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the
bones themselves. It's coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that's
found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the
adjustment the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This
releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gasses and creates a "pop"
similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off a bottle of
Champagne. Not all patients "pop" and not all adjusting techniques
produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even
if you do not hear any noise.
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Will
repeated chiropractic adjustments lead to arthritis?
On the contrary, it is a lack of motion that leads to arthritis. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper motion to the joints, actually helping to prevent or slow down the effects of arthritis. Just remember, motion is life when it comes to joint health.
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Is
it safe to crack my own neck or back?
This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over
its safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve
pressure on the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's back or neck is
not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps
coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real
adjustment. The cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed vertebrae,
has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You
should not try to do it yourself, either.
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Is
there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have
subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In Denmark, for example, Chiropractic
Doctors are part of the birthing team. Children's subluxations should be
treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles, organs, bones and such. Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing spine and other bones and
joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your chiropractor can detect these
problems while they're easy to correct.
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Can
chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Chiropractors are part of a network of health-care professionals. Like other
doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors
are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside
their scope of treatments and they will not hesitate to make a referral when
it's in a patient's best interest.
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Can
chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Chiropractors believe in the body's ability to heal itself and for that reason
they don't prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They focus on
providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring
free-flowing communication between all parts of your body.
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Should
chiropractic care continue even after I feel fine?
Chiropractors are trained to detect problem areas in your spine before they
develop into problem conditions or symptoms. Just because symptoms disappear,
does not mean your subluxations are corrected. Regular adjustments help to
maintain or support a healthy spine and nervous system. Maintenance or wellness
spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition and
exercise, can effectively prevent pain. However, how you choose to use
chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. If your spine wears
out, there is no solution. Because your spine directly influences the function
of your nervous system, spinal decay permanently damages the nerves and spinal
cord. Nearly everyone flosses and brushes their teeth even though their teeth
don't hurt. Spinal adjustments are like flossing the spine. Lifetime care of
the spine should be a priority!
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Is heat or ice better for my injuries?
Ask Dr. Ovenell if you’re not sure what type of injury or pain you are experiencing.
As a rule of thumb, any acute (new) sprain/strain type injury should be iced for 15 to 20 minutes off and on for the first 72 hours. The alternating of moist heat and ice for 15 minutes each, will give the most relief and rapid healing. Chronic (old) and degenerative type pains will be relieved the best by heat and stretching. Joints need motion and muscles need stretching.
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