Chiropractic Special Report

Everything You Need to

Know About Chiropractic

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Thank you for requesting the “Chiropractic Special Report.”  The American Medical Information Society which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Society and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section.  If you have further questions about Chiropractic, or if you or a loved one are suffering, please call Dr. Ruffini at 248-353-BACK(2225) today!  The longer you wait, the more difficult it is to fix.

Q. What is Chiropractic?

A.  Chiropractic is the branch of healing arts that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions without the use of drugs and surgery.  Chiropractors focus on disorders of the spine and nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Very simply put, Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians that treat the spine and its surrounding tissues (muscles, ligaments, and nerves) to promote and maintain a healthy body.

Q.  Who can benefit from Chiropractic care?

A.  Chiropractic is most commonly used to diagnose and treat patients with conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck & shoulder pain, pinched nerves, sciatica, disc herniations, carpal tunnel and migraine headaches.  In addition, Chiropractic is incredibly effective in the prevention of spinal conditions and disease, and is widely used by families, athletes, and people with a family history of spinal problems.  Annual spinal check-ups by a board certified Chiropractor are recommended for all people.  

Q.  Does Chiropractic Hurt?

A.  Under normal circumstances Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations do not hurt.  There can be some mild discomfort during the treatment that only lasts for seconds.

Q.  Is Chiropractic Safe?

A.  Yes. Chiropractic treatments are considered extremely safe and performed over one millions times per day in the United States alone.  Chiropractic care is non-invasive and the body’s response to treatment is far more predictable than its reactions to medications and surgical procedures.

Q.  What is that popping sound?

A.  Each joint of the spine is enclosed by a capsule filled with lubricating fluid.  Some Chiropractic adjustments will cause the fluid and/or gas to shift and release. This can create a popping or cracking sound from the joint.  This sound does not cause harm to the joints of the spine, or is an indication of how successful the adjustment is.

Q.  Is it bad to crack my own back/neck?

A.  There is no harm if your back cracks from time to time during stretching or exercise.  However, intentionally cracking your back or neck frequently can cause your spine to become hyermobile and you risk serious injury.  This should only be performed by a board certified Chiropractor.

Q.  What kind of education do Chiropractors have? 

A.  Chiropractors receive the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.).  Chiropractors are required to complete extensive undergraduate pre- requisites along with 4 years of chiropractic school and an internship from an accredited university.  Complete understanding of the anatomy and physiology of all the body’s systems with specific focus on neurology, radiology, and chiropractic adjusting techniques are mandatory to accurately diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions.  

Q.  What can I expect at my first visit?

A.  On your initial visit to our office your health history will be reviewed with the Doctor to determine the patient’s chief complaints, symptomatic review, and current and past health issues.  An examination will then follow, checking range of motion, muscle and bone palpation, and any necessary orthopedic or neurological tests.  X-rays will also be taken when necessary.  Before performing any treatments, we take great pride in explaining the x-rays findings, diagnosis, and if the condition can be helped with Chiropractic treatment.

Q.  How many people see Chiropractors?

A.  Chiropractic care is in demand more than ever before.  People are becoming wise to the fact that drugs and medications are causing more harm than good.  Health conscious people are looking for answers that don’t involve drugs and surgery.  The Chiropractic profession is the fastest growing and second largest primary health care profession.  Nearly 40 million consumers will make Chiropractic a regular part of their health care team in 2008.

Q.  Can a person who had back surgery see a Chiropractor?

A.  Yes.  In fact, post surgical Chiropractic care is encouraged once the area has healed.  This helps to maintain normal biomechanics and function to the surrounding bones and tissue which makes future surgeries less likely. 

Q.  Why do so many pregnant women see Chiropractors?

A.  Pregnant women commonly experience less pain and an easier delivery when under Chiropractic care.  There is no better time to maintain a healthy nervous system than when your body is under the stress of carrying and supporting another human life. 

Q.  Why do children get adjusted?

A.  Children who see a Chiropractor frequently experience improvements with respiratory problems, ear, nose, and throat problems, ear infections, asthma, allergies, infantile colic, and a stronger immune system.  Although adults make up approximately 85% of all chiropractic visits, an estimated 20 million children visit the chiropractor each year. 

Q.  Once I start Chiropractic care do I have to keep going forever?

A.  Once acute symptoms are no longer present and structural corrections have been made it is always recommended to continue care on a wellness/maintenance basis.  The frequency of these visits can vary, but it is not uncommon to see a Chiropractor once per month for maintenance care.  The objective of a maintenance plan is to help avoid future injuries and conditions, return injured people to work faster, and enhance the quality of health in years to come.  Regular visits to the Dentist, exercising at a gym, and eating a healthy diet are other fantastic examples of preventative health and can save you lots of money in the future.  You only should continue going to a Chiropractor if you wish to maintain the health of your spine in years to come.  Maintaining a healthy spine is much easier, and cheaper, than fixing one that is “broken”. 

Q.  What is a subluxation?

A.  A subluxation is the misalignment of a spinal bone with respect to the bone above or below it, causing nerve irritation and malfunction wherever that nerve goes.  A subluxation is a serious condition that needs to be identified and corrected.

Q.  Why are subluxations considered a silent killer?

A.  Just like heart disease, cancer and diabetes, subluxations can develop in the body over many years without pain or other symptoms being present.  Many people who miss annual visits to their Chiropractor are completely unaware that they have this serious and sometimes terminal condition occurring with their spine and nervous system. 

Q.  Do I have to see my medical doctor before I see a Chiropractor?

A.  No.  Chiropractors are primary care physicians and a medical referral is unnecessary. 

Q.  Does insurance cover Chiropractic care?

A.  Yes.  As the demand for Chiropractic care increases, most insurance companies have plans that include Chiropractic benefits.  If your insurance company does not, or if you do not have insurance, most Chiropractors except other low cost, flexible payment alternatives. 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

without the use of drugs and surgery, or have a question about Chiropractic care.

Call 248-353-BACK (2225).

Ask for Dr. Ruffini… He will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one schedule your appointment.  We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Present this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee. 

Warmly,

Dr. Richard Ruffini