Questions & Answers
Q. I have had headaches all my life and the pain killers are burning a hole in my stomach. Can you help me?
A. Yes! Most definitely! Chiropractic is well known to help and often totally eliminate neck and back problems, but it also works very well on headaches of all types, including the chronic headaches that you are suffering from. And by understanding and correcting the main cause [Subluxations] of headaches and many other symptoms, through chiropractic adjustments, our chiropractors can help you to live a more normal life, without the use of harmful drugs, or surgery.
Q. What is Chiropractic?
A. Chiropractic is the largest non-medical branch of the healing arts in the world, attracting millions of people each year. It is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery. The Doctors of Chiropractic [called Chiropractors] direct their attention to the relationship between structures, mainly in the areas of the vertebrae of the spine. The Spinal Cord, a main part of the nervous system, is housed in the center of the vertebral column. And at the junctions of each vertebra, the Spinal Nerves exit the spine. Many millions of instructional messages pass over these nerves every minute of our lives. If one or more of these vertebrae are even slightly out of their normal position, it can interfere with this message system of nerve impulses. The chiropractor's goal is to release any nerve interferences [called "Subluxations"] through chiropractic adjustments. This allows the normal nerve impulses to communicate from brain cells to tissue cells and visa versa, which allows the body to grow, heal, function properly and stay healthy without the use of drug or surgery.
Q. What is a "Chiropractic Adjustment"?
A. The Doctor of Chiropractic first examines each patient's spine [by palpation, orthopedic examination &/or x-rays] and locates areas of the spine that indicate 'nerve interference' which are called Subluxations. Once the regions are identified, the chiropractor applies a specific directional pressure to move the "subluxated vertebrae" to or toward its normal position, thus correcting or reducing the nerve interference and allowing the nerve impulses to pass over the nerves as normally as possible.
Q. What is a "Subluxation"?
A. The improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine is called a "Subluxation". Millions of instruction messages flow from your brain, down your spinal cord, and out over the nerves to every organ and tissue in your body. A subluxation can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of the organs and tissues normally supplied by these nerves.
Q. How do we get subluxations?
A. There are three basic causes of subluxations. The chemical causes, which could include things like alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet. The physical causes could include slips & falls, accidents, repetitive motions, improper lifting, and habitual poor posture. The emotional causes such as grief, anger and fear can also result in subluxations.
Q. Is it possible to have a subluxation and not know it?
A. Yes. In fact, it often takes weeks, months or even years before the true damaging powers of subluxations manifest into diseases or dis-eases. Just like the early stages of tooth decay, diabetes, or cancer are not noticed for years, subluxations can be present long before warning signs appear. The longer a subluxation remains, the more permanent damage may occur. The results of a thorough examination by one of our chiropractors can show the location and severity of any subluxation(s) you may have. And then, through chiropractic adjustments, your body can begin the healing process.
Q. Does it 'Hurt' to get a chiropractic adjustment?
A. In most cases, No! Although patients admit that there is a "Strange Feeling" while being adjusted, there is rarely any true pain or discomfort from the adjustment felt by the patient. In fact, even small children are anxious to "get their Popcorn Popped".
Q. What makes the "cracking noise" ?
A. There is a 'pouch' around each of the 'Joints' of the spine which contains lubricating fluids. These fluids help protect the many joints on the surfaces of each vertebra and allow a smooth motion when you are moving about during your day. When the motion of the chiropractic adjustment 'separates' these joints a 'suction or Popping' type of sound is often heard. Although it may "Sound and Appear" like it must hurt, it rarely does.
Q. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
A. Yes. In a New Zealand government study, they found that chiropractic adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and risky surgeries, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. That's right! Comparatively, chiropractic adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Q. At what age is it safe to receive chiropractic adjustments?
A. After a thorough health history, spinal examination and X-rays study (if found to be needed), it is perfectly safe to be adjusted by a Fully Qualified and Licensed Chiropractor who has been made aware of the patient's entire health history, whether the patient is a tiny baby or a senior-senior. Our Doctors are ALL Fully Qualified and Licensed and employ many different techniques and 'force applications' to suit the specific patient's needs. Just as you would handle rocks and eggs in a different manor, we, too, have the capacity to be very gentle or firm, as the situation commands.
Q. Why do newborns get adjustments?
A. Even with today's "natural" childbirth, the birthing methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress in babies. The pediatric adjustment is very gentle. With the knowledge of exactly where to adjust, our chiropractors apply no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.
Q. Should I go to a chiropractor if I feel fine?
A. Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body maintain its required level of health and fitness. Your chiropractor can recommend a preventive spinal care program and advise you on correct posture, dietary information and back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can help detect and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
Q. How does the chiropractic adjustment help me?
A. Chiropractic adjustment by themselves don't actually do the healing of the body. When any of the spine's 24 moveable vertebrae become misaligned [subluxated] a basic imbalance or disruption can occur in the nervous system. This in turn affects all of the tissues that those nerves supply, which further contributes to stress in the body. The chiropractic adjustments help eliminate that imbalance or disruption so that the body can function at its true healthy potential.
Q. Is it necessary to have X-rays taken?
A. Although it is a good idea to have the doctor review X-rays, to study the density of the bone tissue in the areas to be adjusted, if recent X-rays are available, they may be used. However, it would be helpful to request them from the facility where they were taken so that the doctor won't have to 'guess' about your health. Note: Chiropractors are looking for much more than just possible fractures or tumors, which is the main concern of the medical radiologist, so even if your MD or Radiologist says that there is "Nothing wrong. Everything is normal", it is important that our chiropractor actually sees the X-rays or speaks with a Chiropractor who has viewed them.
Q. I'm only here on vacation and I see a chiropractor in my home town. Will I need to have an examination and X-rays for my condition?
A. Generally, No. We will telephone you chiropractor and get information about your usual complaints and how you are usually adjusted. If there was no new injury and our palpation examination correlates with the description from your regular chiropractor, then new X-rays may not be needed.
Q. How soon can I expect to feel better?
A. Everyone is different. Often patients feel some relief almost immediately. However, the pains/discomforts frequently creep back and repeated adjustments are usually necessary until the spine has a chance to stabilize.
Q. Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
A. Yes. After a thorough chiropractic examination and x-ray study of your present spinal condition, our chiropractors can safely adjust your spine with which ever spinal adjusting technique they find to be appropriate for your case.
Q. Can your chiropractors adjust people with osteoporosis, fused vertebrae, or disc damage?
A. Yes! After a thorough chiropractic examination and x-ray study of your spine, our chiropractors can safely adjust spine with these conditions. Again note that the adjustment would probably be different than those received by someone with a stronger spine. Our chiropractors would use which ever spinal adjusting technique they find to be appropriate for these cases.
Q. If I'm still frightened, can I request a gentle technique adjustment?
A. Yes, most assuredly you may. And once you feel up to it, you may request a gentle increase in force, if necessary. We are very open to making YOU feel comfortable with us while we are helping you regain you health and normal life style.
Q. Will my insurance pay for my care?
A. Many "Major Medical Insurance" policies cover chiropractic care, but each policy is different. The patient is responsible for their "Deductible" and any "Co-Insurance" that their policy may have. Please call to find out about your coverage.
Legault Chiropractic Health Center
5745 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33021
Telephone: (954) 966-2211