subject: Harrisburg Chiropractor [print this page] How to choose a chiropractor How to choose a chiropractor
When selecting a chiropractor, take time to find a DC who:
Is recommended by your physician, other health care professionals or friends.
Is licensed to practice chiropractic.
Has experience treating your specific condition or symptoms.
Is board certified if you need specialized care in areas such as such as chiropractic neurology, chiropractic rehabilitation,
chiropractic orthopedics or chiropractic pediatrics. Board certification indicates the DC has completed studies and testing
beyond those required to be a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Is willing to work with your other physicians as part of your medical team.
Uses diagnostic tools such as x-rays, ultrasound and paraspinal digital infrared imaging.
Offers holistic, preventive care and counsel.
Will provide an initial consultation free-of charge.
Doesnt claim that chiropractic treatment will cure an alphabet soup of medical conditions.
You also can get names of DCs in your area from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) web site at www.AcaToday.org or
by calling, toll-free (800) 986-4636. You also can contact your states chiropractic association. State contact information is
posted at the ACA web site.
Answering your questions about chiropractic adjustment
Q What is chiropractic adjustment?
A Chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a procedure used by DCs to correct misalignments of the
vertebrae of your spine. Untreated, these misalignments can interfere with neurological communication between your brain,
tissues and organs.
Q What happens when you have a chiropractic adjustment?
A After identifying your condition via examination and testing, and determining that spinal adjustment is the best treatment
for you, your DC will position your body so that only the affected area is isolated. Next, your DC will manipulate the joint, freeing
it from its stuck position. In restoring the joints natural movement, inflammation and pain are reduced and your tissues begin
to heal.
Q Is it true that theres a popping sound during an adjustment?
A Yes, this harmless popping sound occurs when gas bubbles in the fluid surrounding the joint are released during the
procedure. Have you ever cracked your knuckles? Its the same thing.
Q Does this procedure hurt?
A Some people are squeamish about spinal manipulation if they arent familiar with the procedure. When conducted by a
licensed DC, however, spinal manipulation is effective in reducing muscle and joint pain. Only rarely does chiropractic
adjustment cause mild discomfort that typically goes away in a day or two.
How your back works and why it hurts
Your back has an important job. It supports your head and torso, enables you to bend,
twist and stretch and provides protection for your spinal cord. In order to perform all
these tasks, your back is made of a complex maze of bones, muscles, ligaments and
tendons, each being susceptible to pain and injury. When your vertebrae are out of
alignment, because of injury, muscle tension, muscle spasms or loose, weak muscles,
you experience pain.
Vertebrae
Your spine comprises 33 bones called vertebrae. Vertebrae contain canals for nerves,
intricate joints and are attached to muscles and ligaments. Because your vertebrae are
not all the same and have different functions, theyre defined in the following three
segments.
1. Cervical vertebrae in your neck are smaller and more delicate, so you can
move your head freely, in a number of directions.
2. Thoracic vertebrae connect with your ribs and provide some flexibility.
3. Lumbar vertebrae, located where your lower back curves, do heavy lifting,
providing support for the body and important mobility. Because they carry
the bulk of the weight and have a major role in bending at the waist, theyre
most prone to pain and injury.
The sacrum and coccyx are actually fused vertebrae. The sacrum is the larger,
shield-shaped bone that supports the lumber vertebrae and protects the pelvic area.
And your coccyx, a reminder of our very early ancestors, is a tail.
Disks
Its likely youve heard the terms ruptured disc and herniated disk. Disks are fluid-filled sacs that fit between each of your vertebra, serving as shock absorbers, holding your vertebrae together and making it easier to move. Sometimes disks slip out of position or rupture. This causes pain, particularly if it presses on a nerve.
Spinal Cord/Nerves
Made of nerve fibers, the spinal cord has the critical job of sending messages to and from the brain and the rest of your body. Sometimes these nerve fibers become irritated because of conditions such as a herniated disk, misaligned disk, injury or degeneration of the vertebrae. When this happens you may well feel symptoms like pain, headache, tingling, numbness or weakness. Your chiropractor has a number of techniques for relieving these symptoms.
