The goal of a chiropractic treatment is to decrease pain and other symptoms while restoring function to the spinal column and other joints and tissues in the body, and through this, allowing the nervous system to function more optimally, as well. Chiropractic is a safe, natural, and highly effective way to treat many disorders of the spine and body by finding and treating the root cause of the problem, not just the resulting symptoms. Chiropractors help people get back to work, sports, and other activities of daily living faster and without the use of unnecessary drugs or surgery.
How do chiropractors treat physical ailments?
Chiropractic treatment involves manipulation of the joints of the spine/skeleton, and possibly treatment of the surrounding soft tissues (muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments), as well. The treatment involves a gentle re-alignment of the spinal column or joint by means of a manual correction, returning the joint to normal motion. This helps to re-balance the body and decrease irritation to the nervous system. This manual correction can sometimes result in a popping sound similar to the sound of cracking your knuckles. The sound is that of gas exchange within the joint and is a normal side-effect sound heard during this treatment.
Chiropractors use a wide variety of techniques to do the re-alignment of the spine or joint. Other techniques and instruments can also used by the chiropractor during treatments to do the re-alignment, which may use less or more force, or have no popping noise, depending on the needs of the patient and the complaint. When appropriate, treatment may also include supplementary exercises, nutrition, and health and lifestyle counseling.
For a more detailed list of the different techniques we use, please see the Treatment Techniques section. Your chiropractor will work with you to determine which techniques will be the most effective for your complaint.
What to expect
During your first visit, the chiropractor will go through a detailed intake and medical history evaluation, followed by a comprehensive physical, orthopedic, and neurologic examination to determine where the problem is. Depending on your complaint, a treatment will also be performed on the first visit. Allow approximately an hour for this visit.