Have questions about chiropractic care? Here are answers to some of the most common questions our Minneapolis chiropractors hear from patients.
How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of vertebral subluxation. Physical stresses on the spine and nervous system may include slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, repetitive motion, and improper sleeping. Chemical stress includes smoking, alcohol abuse, not drinking enough water, improper diet, or the overuse of drugs or medications. Finally, emotional stress is a major cause of subluxation due to its effect on the hormonal and muscular systems of the body.
Can I tell if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, subluxations can be present long before any symptoms emerge. Our Minneapolis chiropractors have the specific training to detect subluxations using special techniques like digital x-ray, surface electromyography, thermal scanning, and postural analysis.
What is an adjustment?
Adjustments are used by chiropractors to reposition bones that are out of proper alignment, or subluxated. There are various techniques of adjusting the vertebrae, such as Diversified, Activator, S.O.T., Drop Table adjustments, and many other techniques. The purpose of adjustments is to remove any interference to the nervous system, which improves spinal function and overall health.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” It’s chiropractic’s conservative and natural approach that makes it so safe and helps millions of satisfied patients avoid harmful drugs or unnecessary surgery.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Our Minneapolis chiropractors have training in many different adjusting techniques and will custom tailor adjustments based on each patient’s subluxations or issues. Just like fingerprints, no two spines are exactly the same. Factors like age, weight, occupation, stress level, sleep quality, and spinal condition all help determine which adjusting technique is right for you.
What makes the sound during adjustments?
Adjustments don’t always produce a sound, but some techniques do create a “popping” sound. This audible release is the result of gas shifting in the joint, similar to the noise created by “cracking” your knuckles. It’s painless and causes no harm.
Will I receive medication for my pain?
Because chiropractors rely on the natural recuperative powers of the body, medication is not commonly used with chiropractic care. Typically, chiropractors use ice, moist heat, and massage to help control pain or muscle spasm. If needed, our chiropractors will refer you to a medical doctor or another health care professional.
Why do chiropractors take x-rays?
X-rays are commonly taken to properly diagnose a patient’s condition, checking vertebral alignment, disc degeneration, proper curvature, scoliosis, and other serious pathology. Our Minneapolis chiropractors also use x-rays to document a patient’s progress over time.
Is chiropractic care addictive?
Chiropractic is no more addictive than exercise, proper diet, or brushing your teeth. Many patients choose ongoing periodic checkups because they find long-term benefits, similar to other healthy lifestyle habits.
Can patients with arthritis receive chiropractic care?
Patients who suffer from various forms of arthritis may get significant results from chiropractic. By keeping the spinal joints moving freely, the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis can be minimized.
Can a person with previous back surgery see a chiropractor?
Research shows that up to one-half of those who have spinal surgery report a relapse of their original symptoms within months or years, a condition known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic care may help prevent repetitive surgeries, or, if used initially, may help avoid surgery altogether.
Why do newborns get adjustments?
Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can cause spinal trauma. Studies suggest that infantile colic, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle, safe, and offer a drugless alternative that many parents prefer.
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I’m pregnant?
Pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic care. Our chiropractors are trained in special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Because of the inability to take medication for pain, the natural approaches of chiropractic are often a logical choice during pregnancy.
Do I have a slipped disc?
Discs are known as the “shock absorbers” of the spine and are made up of a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like center. A disc cannot actually slip because of the way it attaches into the bones above and below — discs can tear, decay, bulge, or dehydrate, but they cannot slip.
Do I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is a rare occurrence. Most likely, the pain you’re experiencing is an adjacent spinal bone out of proper alignment, causing irritation, slight compression, or stretching of a nerve — called a vertebral subluxation.
If I already exercise and get massage, do I still need chiropractic?
Chiropractic addresses the function of the nervous system and the structure of the spine. Massage can relax muscles and improve circulation, but if the nerves that run the muscles are irritated, the muscles will tighten up again. Our chiropractors address the cause — irritated nerves — not just the resulting muscle tightness or spasm.
Is chiropractic care expensive?
Many studies show that for many conditions, chiropractic is the most cost-effective option available, and people who use regular chiropractic care tend to have lower total health care costs. Lyn Lake Chiropractic is a BCBS provider and accepts most health insurance.
Once you start going to a chiropractor, do you have to keep going for the rest of your life?
Of course not. Chiropractic care has long-term benefits that many people choose to enjoy for life, but how long you decide to benefit from care is completely up to you. We focus on helping you do more rehab at home and make lifestyle changes so you’re not dependent on us to stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for vertebral subluxation. Having the spine checked throughout childhood could help prevent health problems that emerge in adulthood.
Can I crack my own neck or back as an adjustment?
No. If you feel the need to “crack” your own back or neck, it usually means other areas of your spine are misaligned. You’re moving the vertebrae that are already moving too much — not the ones that need adjusting. Even chiropractors go to another chiropractor to be adjusted.
Why do chiropractors recommend ongoing periodic care?
Similar to why people exercise or brush their teeth regularly, periodic chiropractic checkups help catch and address subluxations before they become symptomatic.
What’s the difference between a slipped disc and a pinched nerve?
A disc can’t actually slip, though it can bulge, tear, or dehydrate. A pinched nerve is also rare — more often, pain comes from a misaligned vertebra irritating a nearby nerve.
Will chiropractic care require me to come in forever?
No. How long you continue care is entirely up to you and your health goals — we aim to help you become less dependent on visits over time through home rehab and lifestyle changes.