What Is Chiropractic?

Although joint manipulation has been documented over 3000 years old, chiropractic as we know it began in 1895. It has become the largest drugless, holistic health care profession in the world with over 56,000 practicing doctors. Any joint in the body can misalign (such as in the spine or extremities) and when this occurs these misalignments, called subluxations, can result in pain, stiffness, numbness and/or inflammation. Chiropractors detect these subluxations through an orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination. When necessary, diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or a MRI are used to detect these misalignments as well. Chiropractors help to restore proper biomechanics by adjusting these subluxations back into their correct alignment, which results in a decrease in the patient’s symptoms.

What Is A Subluxation?

Vertebral subluxations are misalignments of the vertebrae that make up the spinal column. These misalignments put pressure on the spinal nerves and related structures causing imbalances in the body, resulting in pain and inflammation, lowers the resistance to disease, and ultimately weakens the body’s natural healing abilities. There are many causes of vertebral subluxations. A difficult labor can cause not only the mother but also the newborn infant to receive its first subluxation. Falls and injuries, emotional stress and chemical stress weaken our spine throughout our lives. Automobile accidents, sports injuries, poor posture, repetitive motions and improper ergonomics day after day (for example, picking up heavy objects without bending at the knees) are all ways to cause vertebral subluxations.

Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?

No, chiropractic treatments are not painful. In fact, quite often, the patient feels relief during and after treatment. In some cases, there might be some discomfort in patients with extreme lower back or neck pain. However, in these cases, the discomfort originates from inflamed muscles caused by the injury, and any slight movement would cause mild soreness. There are also many different chiropractic techniques for adjusting the spine and/or extremities. One technique that helps one patient may not help another patient so it is important that you inform Dr. Sirninger of your progress.

What Is That Popping Noise?

The popping or clicking sound often associated with chiropractic is a release of nitrogen gas from the joint. It’s a similar event to that of carbon dioxide being released when opening a carbonated drink. Nitrogen gas is a natural byproduct of enzymatic processes within the joint.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic care rendered in our office is very safe. That’s because it is being delivered by a licensed practitioner and risk factors are identified in patients before any type of care is administered. Research shows that patient risk is significantly lower for chiropractic care when compared to medical care, due to the risks associated with prescription drugs and surgery. Positive proof of its safety record is the fact that medical doctors’ malpractice insurance premiums are, on the average, eighteen to twenty-five times higher than those for Chiropractors. Chiropractic is safe for people of all ages. We care for children as young as a few weeks old to the elderly, and everyone in between. Today, more than 50,000 chiropractors help over 20,000,000 people each year in the U.S. alone! Millions throughout the world confirm that chiropractic is safe and effective care.

How long do I have to be treated?

Our primary objective is to get the patient out of acute pain or discomfort, and functional as soon as possible. The treatment protocol depends on the patient’s own objectives and the nature of the injury. If the patient is simply interested in alleviating pain symptoms, they are released from care as soon as possible. If the patient wants to be on a preventative wellness plan, such as a treatment every few months, then we can accommodate that as well. We do not mandate or encourage long drawn-out treatment plans. Once the patient is out of their pain and discomfort, it is their choice what they want to do afterward.

Once I go, will I have to go for the rest of my life?

Absolutely not, you may continue as long as you want. Some patients choose to go to the chiropractor regularly. Similar to regular dental checkups, chiropractic treatment can provide preventative or wellness care. For example, most of us create muscle tension with our regular daily activities (e.g. prolonged periods of sitting, computer work, lifting children, cradling the phone between your shoulder and ear, looking down at our cell phones repeatedly, etc.). Regular chiropractic care helps minimize the negative health impacts these activities can have. Ultimately, the duration of your chiropractic care is completely up to you.

Does your office take insurance?

Yes, most insurance carriers have chiropractic benefits and our facility is an In-Network provider with most major insurance companies. Click Here to see all the insurance companies we are participating with. This typically means the patient’s responsibility is a small office co-pay. As a courtesy, we will call and verify your insurance benefits before, or at your first appointment and we will accept the responsibility of sending in all insurance paperwork on your behalf. If your insurance carrier covers chiropractic benefits and we are not in their network, there is often a deductible that needs to be met. Once, the deductible is met we will send claims to your insurance company. If your insurance carrier does not cover chiropractic benefits, we offer affordable payment plans so that you can still afford to take care of your health. Please click here to view a list of insurances we accept.

What Involves A Chiropractic Education?

Chiropractors go through an immense amount of schooling to obtain a “Doctor of Chiropractic” degree. Pre-requisites include an undergraduate degree with a minimum of 2 years focused on basic sciences. Chiropractic school is a four-year program with at least 900 hours of supervised clinical treatments in a chiropractic clinic. During schooling, students must pass several written and oral national board exams. In addition to the national exams, some states also require graduates to pass a state board exam in order to practice in that state.

Does your facility work with other healthcare professionals?

Yes. Our facility is certified and well equipped to treat most ailments resulting from spinal or extremity misalignments. However, there are instances where some patient care may need to be co-managed with another healthcare provider in order to achieve the best possible results for the patient. We currently work with several medical doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, and massage therapists. Our clinic also receives numerous referrals from other healthcare professionals as well.