Q: What causes the sound of an adjustment?

A: Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with "popping knuckles." Some create no sound at all, some a little. Many techniques, however, do create the sound of a spinal "release." The sound is caused by gas rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints were slightly separated.

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 fixated vertebra, which causes another part of the spine to compensate by moving too much and "popping" a lot. The jammed part should be adjusted by a chiropractor so that the rest of the spinal column will balance and stop being so movable and noisy.

Q: So I am not "adjusting" myself?

A: Cracking or popping your neck gives relief for a while, but soon the urge to pop or crack reappears because the cause of the spinal tension has not been corrected.

Q: Do chiropractors have medical degrees?

A: Chiropractors have Doctor of Chiropractic 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: At what age should chiropractic begin?

A: Newborns have received spinal adjustments especially after difficult or traumatic births.

Q: What about children?

A: The help afforded children through spinal adjustments seems like a "minor miracle." These words or similar phrases are echoed by grateful parents who also didn't know about chiropractic care for children. Children's necks are weak and are easily injured. Children generally respond to care more readily than adults. It is a good idea to have your child checked for nerve interference whether they have outward symptoms or not.

Q: Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

A: Yes. It is 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. Chiropractic may help prevent repeated operations.

Q: Can chiropractic prevent back surgery?

A: In a majority of cases the answer is a resounding "YES."

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' premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors, especially orthopedists and surgeons.

Q: Can I go to a chiropractor if I am under medical care?

A: YES. Having your subluxations corrected is important, no matter what other type of health care you are receiving.

Q: Will it hurt?

A: Today's modern chiropractor is so gentle that there should be no discomfort to speak of with any treatment. Of course, if a patient is experiencing muscle spasm, any movement or pressure at all is uncomfortable.

Q: Will I have to keep going to my chiropractor forever?

A: If you go to your dentist and get all of your teeth restored, do you ever go back? Of course. You brush and care for your teeth on a daily basis. Every few months you return for a check-up and receive any necessary care. Why should your spine, which protects your most valuable assets - your health - be any different?

Once your doctor discharges you from regular treatment, it is a good idea to return on perhaps a monthly basis. These periodic adjustments of the spine are cost efficient and pay big dividends. Pressure upon nerves can be likened to something eating away at your joints, organs, and health without you even being aware of it.

If any questions you were looking to have answered were not mentioned above feel free to call us at (425) 467-5955 or e-mail us your questions.