New Life Chiropractic
Dr. Kurt Schagen
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is chiropractic safe?
A. Yes! In fact, chiropractic adjustments are statistically safer than common over-the-counter pain medication or surgeries used to treat many of the same conditions.
Q. Is chiropractic effective?
A. Many scientific studies have now proven the effectiveness of chiropractic.
In fact since 1994, chiropractic has been recommended by the
United States
Department of Health and Human services as a preferred treatment for back
pain.
Q. Does it hurt to be adjusted?
A. An adjustment is usually not painful. However, everyone responds differently. Sometimes people experience soreness or stiffness after an adjustment. If you experience discomfort, tell your doctor; he can perform many different types of adjustments. You and your doctor are working as a team and need to communicate to get the best results.
Q. How long will I need chiropractic care?
A. Everybody‘s physical condition and health goals are different. People often see results in just a few adjustments. Depending on whether you are looking for a “quick fix” or more comprehensive, rehabilitative care will determine the length of treatment. What ever your needs and goals, how long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Q. Can I go to the chiropractor if I’m under medical care?
A. Absolutely! Chiropractic care will assist you in the healing process, boost your immune system, and affect your overall health in a positive way. Many chiropractors and medical doctors work together in clinics and on joint research projects. Today it is not uncommon for a medical doctor to refer a patient to a doctor of chiropractic.
Q. I’ve just had back surgery. Can I see a chiropractor?
A. Yes, a doctor of chiropractic can tailor the treatment plan for your special post-surgical needs. In addition, chiropractors can provide the appropriate rehabilitative treatment to stabilize the spine after surgery.
Q. Are chiropractors well educated?
A. Yes, chiropractors are doctors and a degree in chiropractic includes many of the same courses of study as a medical degree. In addition, special attention is given to biomechanics of the spine and to spinal adjusting. Chiropractors are required to pass rigorous state board exams to become licensed. Post-graduate instruction is required by state laws to stay current with the latest research.
Q. Is Chiropractic like massage?
A. No. Chiropractic deals with the function of the spine and nervous system, as well as overall posture. Massage deals with muscle tension, circulation and body fluid drainage.
Q. Is it bad to “crack” your own neck or back?
A. Yes. The desire to pop your neck or back is caused by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra. Only a skilled chiropractor can locate and correct the specific problem area. Repeated “cracking” of your own neck or back can weaken and cause injury to the spine.
Q. Is it true that once you have seen a chiropractor, you must keep going?
A. No. Chiropractic is not addictive. Some people go for control of an immediate
problem. Others continue treatment for the general health benefits of chiropractic.
It is possible to get use to feeling more balanced, less stressed and more
energetic as a result of periodic chiropractic care. How long you choose to
benefit from chiropractic is always up to you.