Q: What is a Chiropractor?
A: A chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate joints and massage muscles and ligaments thus freeing restricted motion and relieving pain. Some chiropractors also use exercise prescription, nutritional and lifestyle advice, physical therapy modalities and other treatments to best care for your needs.
Q: What conditions do chiropractors treat?
A: Chiropractors provide natural, non-surgical treatment for: Back and neck pain, headache, TMJ syndrome, sprains and strains, postural fatigue synderome, torticollis, “slipped disc” or herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, thoracic outlet syndrome, rotator cuff strains/tears, shoulder impingement, bicipital tendonitis, AC joint/shoulder instability, calcific tendonitis, frozen shoulder, shoulder labral tears, lateral/medial epicondylitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, DeQuervains disease, game keeper’s thumb, ganglion cysts, snapping hip, meniscus tears, chondromalacia patellae, iliotibial band syndrome, jumper’s/runners knee, osteochondritis dessicans, Osgood schlatter’s disease, shin splints, tennis leg, ankle sprains, achilles tendon tendonitis, sever’s disease, hallux rigidus/Valgus, hammer/claw toe, metatarsalgia, Morton’s foot, plantar fascitis, foot pronation syndrome, various neuropathies esp. piriformis syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, type II diabetes, elevated cholesterol, fibromyalgia, gout, hypertension, osteoporosis, otitis media.
Q: How is a Chiropractor different from a family medical doctor?
A: Chiropractors are really non-surgical musculoskeletal specialists. Family practice medical doctors have had a more general education than a doctor of chiropractic. Medical doctors receive more pathology, pharmacology, psychology, obstetrics, gynecology, and internal disorder diagnosis than chiropractors. Chiropractors receive a more focused neuromusculo-skeletal education with extensive nutrition and x-ray diagnosis also.
Q: What Conditions do chiropractors refer to other doctors?
A: Internal disorders that cannot be treated effectively by lifestyle and nutritional changes such as: heart conditions, liver problems, cancer, bowel and bladder conditions, etc. We don’t treat the common cold, the flu, and other infectious diseases. We do not prescribe medicine or do surgery.
Q: What if Chiropractic is not covered in my insurance plan
A: Ask your insurance plan administrator to add direct access chiropractic services coverage to your plan for both you and your dependents. And be sure to specify that you want these chiropractic services to be provided by a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Q: How long does a typical appointment take?
A: Your first appointment will take about 30-60 minutes once your paperwork is completed. Follow-up appointments will take anywhere from 15-60 minutes depending on your condition.
Q: What happens during an adjustment?
A: Each movement is explained before being performed. Once a joint restriction is found, a manipulation is performed to restore proper function. Sometimes a manipulation is so gentle that patients are not even aware it happened. In other cases, a “popping” sound can be heard. The sound is simply air being released within the joint similar to someone popping their knuckles. There is no pain associated with this sound.
Q: What is Manipulation or a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A: Manipulation and adjustment are interchangeable. Manipulation is treatment using the doctor’s hands to deliver a physical thrust to a joint to restore its function. The doctor uses manipulation to improve joint and muscle function, speed recovery, and relieve symptoms. Manipulation is not the same as massage.
Q: Is Spinal Manipulation safe?
A: Yes! When given by a trained doctor who is experienced in the use of spinal manipulation, it is one of the safest drugless, nonsurgical procedures available.
Research shows that complications from manipulation are rare. So rare, that doctors who perform manipulation have the lowest malpractice insurance costs of all practicing doctors. This means that when manipulation is performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic, the potential risk of complications from manipulation is at its lowest.
Q: What are the educational requirements to become a Chiropractor?
A: To gain admission to chiropractic school you must complete 3 years of college level study including; the basic sciences (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and other related studies) and social sciences and humanities (English/speech, psychology, etc). The chiropractic school curriculum is a 4 year program consisting of (but is not limited to); gross anatomy, spinal anatomy, neuroanatomy, biochemistry, nutrition, biomechanics, physiology, microbiology and public health, pathology, dermatology, radiography (x-ray), bone pathology, physical diagnosis, neuromusculo-skeletal diagnosis, chiropractic technique, soft tissue therapies and rehabilitation.
Q: Can you help my child that has Sever’s disease?
A: Yes, Sever’s disease responds well to conservative non-surgical treatment. It is really an inflammation of the Achilles attachment. So in simple terms, if the stress put on the Achilles is greater than its ability to repair itself then you get Sever’s disease.
Q: Is stepping on someones back to crack the bones bad or dangerous?
A: It all depends on the stature of the people involved. Stepping on someone’s back to “crack their bones” can be dangerous if someone has weak bones. Although rare, there is a risk of rib fracture or subluxation. The worst thing I have seen is spasmed back muscles that took a few weeks to calm down. It is generally not good to walk on someone’s back because you will loosen all of the joints instead of just the joints that are tight. There are self treatment exercises that are a great alternative to having someone walk on your back.
Q: How do you convince a stubborn person that they need a chiropractor when it’s evident that they do?
A: I must admit that I am laughing to myself as I write this. Many people need gentle nudging to get to the doctor even when they are experiencing pain. I attempt to determine their worry or fear and try make them feel as comfortable as possible. My advice: The next time he (or she) complains, remind them there are natural solutions to their problem. Best of luck!
Q: Can chiropractic manipulation help a medial meniscus tear?
I have been told I have a medial meniscus tear and lateral tracking of the patella so surgery is be required. I intially just thought I would need some uflexxa but the MRI showed a tear. I do not feel comfortable having sugery, can chiropractic manipulation help?
A: You may or may not get benefit from a chiropractic adjustment to your knee. If the tear is displaced then an adjustment can help to place it back where it needs to go. This is a short term fix though. Also, there are alternatives to surgery that you may want to explore.
Q: How long does it take to recover from whiplash with chiropractic care?
I was in a bicycle accident. Doctors said I am fine but my neck is sore and I am still healing from the accident. How long does it take to recover from whiplash with chiropractic care? He showed me neck x-rays. I would never discredit someone, I just like to be sure.
A: This is a tough question because there are a lot of factors that contribute to healing. Typically, soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament, etc) injuries take longer than normal to heal from moving vehicle accidents because of the high speeds involved. I’ve seen some people heal in a week and others 6 months. It all depends on the severity of the damage. Any good doctor would encourage you to get multiple opinions.
Q: When training for a marathon, should I get treatment for pain during or after?
I am training for my first half marathon. About 6 weeks ago my legs stated hurting…painful to walk and to run. I would like to get treatment and want to know if I should come in before the marathon or wait until I am done?
A: Good Question. It is very important to get treatment before you run. 13 miles of racing can really flare up an injury. Getting treatment early gives you the best possibility of completing the race successfully. I often treat athletes immediately before AND after competitions/races. I get the best results with injuries that have come on recently. Best of luck to you.
Q: What is the cause of muscle cramps?
What is happening when I get a burning heavy feelings and alot of cramps in my legs? Is it muscle problems, circulation problems or is it a nerve problem…?
A: There are many things that cause muscle cramps. Nutritional imbalances, excessive exercise, joint pain, and pinched nerves are a few causes muscle cramps. It is likely an electrolyte problem. Start by taking a multivitamin/multimineral and if that doesn’t help then you should come in for an examination.
Q: Do you treat abdominal/pelvic adhesions?
I have had two abdominal surgeries that have left me with adhesions.
A: No, I don’t but I can refer you to great PTs in town that do.
Q: Inflammation in the joint that connects my ribs to my sternum?
3 years ago, It seems like I just woke up and had severe pain in my upper chest. My upper ribs attaching to my sternum have been giving me problems ever since. Doctors told me I had inflammation in the joint that connects my ribs to my sternum. I can now pop those joints by leaning back and that gives me comfort. Unfortunately, its only temporary relief. Doctors told me there is nothing I can do permanently. I’ve seen over 6 different specialists and they all tell me there is nothing I can do. But I’m in constant pain. The pops come from the right side, 2nd rib down from the top. What can I do?? Have you ever heard about this before?
A: Yes I have heard of that. I had something similar 8 years ago but not nearly as bad or long term. There is an adjustment that often helps but if you can get it to “pop” on its own then my guess is that you need a secure that area with prolo therapy. Finding someone that will inject that area is going to be very difficult though. This will be best handled if you call the office.
Q: Is it still safe to continue my adjustments with my Chiropractor if I have Osteoporosis?
I have been going to a Chiropractor for over 40 years. I was told a bone scan showed osteoporosis in my left hip. Is it still safe to continue my adjustments with my Chiropractor?
A: It depends on: the degree of your osteoprosis; your doctor’s adjusting technique; and what body part they are adjusting. If you inform your chiropractor of your condition, they can change their technique to provide a more gentle adjustment. It is rarely a problem as long as your doctor is careful.
Q: What is the sharp pain in my lower back while playing sports?
Whenever I play a sport that requires twisting and turning such as football, I feel a sharp pain in my lower back area on the right side near the top of my hip/pelvic area. Once I feel the pain, it’s nearly impossible for me to run, jump, and sometimes even walk because it feels like I’m being stabbed. Do you know what’s possibly causing this?
A: There are many things that could cause that – they range from atrophied and weak muscles to a lumbar disc herniation (aka “slipped disc.”) I would highly recommend seeing a healthcare professional about your pain. Best of luck!
Q: SI problem or a disc herniation?
I have recently been experiencing a good amount of pain around my S1 joint. Let me start by say that I train for power-lifting and have done so for 3 years. I am 23 years old, and have no other health issues. About a month ago my lower back was feeling tight and achy.
Now I figured this was just the normal tightness I get from lifting, so I didn’t think to much of it. I went into the gym and attempted to dead lift. I gutted through about 4 sets, but after the forth one I could barley walk. I went home and laid on the couch with a heating pad, but that was about all I could do. I have seen a chiropractor, and he adjusts my SI but I only feel relief for about a day. The pain is pretty much just below my waist line, but just above my tail bone. It does radiate out along the length of my buttocks a little bit, but only a little, and only along the top. I hurts the most when I am sitting upright, and when I have to bend over. Standing up also hurts. It doesn’t really hurt to walk or run. Do you know what the problem could be, and what could be done about it?
A: This sounds like it could be one of two things. Either an SI problem like your chiropractor suggested or a disc herniation. I would find a chiropractor who used the McKenzie Method to diagnose/rule out a disc herniation. SI problem usually respond well to chiropractic adjusting. Disc problems are often helped by chiropractic adjusting but it’s less consistent from my experience. In summary, your condition sounds like an SI problem but it is a good idea to rule out a disc herniation because of your chosen sport!
Q: Are balance ball chairs a good or bad idea?
I sit for many hours at the office. Looking for back and leg pain relief.
A: I’m my experience most people don’t maintain correct posture when sitting on an exercise ball at work. I recommend getting a chair with a solid back and a lumbar roll to help maintain good posture. Also, make sure your knees are below your hips when seated.
Q: Disc herniation (slipped disc) or a bone spur (degeneration)?
I had a severe kink on the right side of my neck that lasted 5 days. On day 3 or 4, I started to notice discomfort when touching the right deltoid area. The kink went away, but is now replaced with a lack of strength in my right arm. I cannot lift anything with this arm, and that includes raising a coffee mug to place on shelf. This is the fifth day with this symptom. So this has been going on for a total of almost 2 wks…any ideas on what might be causing this? Help! I have NO other symptoms and work 2 days/wk as a dental hygienist.
A: True extremity weakness is most often caused by a nerve being compressed. The two most common causes of upper extremity weakness originating in the neck are a disc herniation (slipped disc) or a bone spur (degeneration). Either can cause intermittent pain with true weakness. You should see a doctor for a proper evaluation.
Q: Dizzy Spells
Hello, I’ve had dizzy spells since I was a teenager (I’m 46 now). I went to a chiropractor for an unrelated issue and he took x-rays. He told me my head was in an incorrect position. He said it should be slightly forward, and my head sits “straight on top of my neck”. He explained it could cause many problems because the head is very heavy. He then told me he would not “touch me” until he had consent from a neurologist. I mentioned it to my family doctor and he told me and he said the chiropractor was a “quack”. I’m just wondering who do I believe. I know my family doctor is older and many from his generation do not believe is chiropractic care.
A: Rhonda, your family doctor hasn’t yet experienced the benefit of chiropracic care. I was skeptical for a long time myself. Your chiropractor is suggesting that you will have problems because your neck vertebrae are straighted instead of their normal lordotic curve. This is sometimes true but can also happen just from having spasmed muscles in the neck or taking the image while in poor posture.
Q: Can pain and fatigue in my foot and leg be related to my neck injury?
Several years ago I sustained a neck injury while snowboarding. Within a couple of weeks of the injury I started feeling pain and fatigue in my right foot and leg that quickly became chronic. This is in addition to the neck and shoulder pain that I have felt since the accident. My question is; can the pain and fatigue in my foot and leg be related to my neck injury?
A: Yes, seek treatment from a qualified healthcare provider immediately.
Q: I feel a very sharp pain in the left side of my pelvic region and sometimes my left leg. What can I do?
I am 19 years old and I have been seeing a chiropractor now for about 6 weeeks because I was having severe back pains. I was diagnosed with a lumbar herniated disc and was told that all the doctor could do was give me pain medication or I could have surgery. I don’t want surgery and I would prefer not to take so much pain medication since it makes me slightly depressed. I am wondering if there is something else I can do, since it is not only making my back hurt but I feel a very sharp pain in the left side of my pelvic region and sometimes my left leg. Any suggestions about what I can do?
A: Look up the book Treat Your Own Back by Robin McKenzie then look up a good rehabilitation specialist in your area. There are many things you can do to help yourself. If you are not considerably better after a few treatments then maybe you should try another approach!
Q: I would just like to know if chiropractic care has any effect for cancer patients?
And if so what effectiveness does it have on people with cancer?
A: I don’t know of any evidence that chiropractic adjustments help treat any form of cancer. I think the best way a chiropractor can help you is with overall wellness and symptom relief during the process. I wish all the best on your journey.
Q: Who is the best chiropractor near me?
A: We like to think it is Dr. Ross Bomben. But we may be a little biased…
