FAQ's

Why go to Spine & Sport instead of my family physician for muscle and back pain?

Our Chiropractors have undergone extensive studies and specialized training in the fields of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, sports injuries, and rehabilitative exercise. As a result, when it comes to sudden or chronic injuries of the joints or muscles, the doctors of Spine & Sport Chiropractic Center, P.C. are best suited to meet your needs.

According to Jens Chapman, M.D., a professor of orthopedics and neurological surgery at the University of Washington, "Chiropractors are a satisfying choice to manage acute back pain." A 2002 study funded by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality reported a third more patients are satisfied with the back treatment and advice they get from chiropractors compared with medical doctors.  

Aren't all chiropractors the same?

Not at all. Many people are surprised to learn that most chiropractors practice differently. Based on our studies, travels, and clinical research, we understand that the combination of joint and muscle manipulation, rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises offers patients superior, results-oriented care. Because there were no clinics operating under this philosophy in the Tri-States, we established our own.

Our knowledge of anatomy and the body's mechanics, coupled with our Motion Palpation Institute techniques, provide us with the insight to know when a joint should be adjusted, when muscular or rehabilitative therapy is appropriate and when an integrated treatment program is necessary.

This comprehensive, evidence-based approach produces results in an efficient time frame. Most of our patients are excused from care between one and five visits depending on the complexity of their condition. 

Do I have to keep going back for a long time?

No. Our greatest reward is returning patients to their active lifestyles in the shortest time frame possible. We base our care on your individual needs and case complexity, not on predetermined treatment plans.

In addition to reducing patients' tension and discomfort, we teach our patients ways to prevent this tension or injury from recurring. Our active care approach requires patient participation. The closer you follow our recommendations, the faster and longer you are likely to remain free of pain and enjoy maximum performance.

How will I know when I've completed treatment?

The end of treatment is based on the achievement of mutual goals established by you and your doctor. In addition to achieving pain relief, we encourage our patients to focus on reaching activity and performance goals as a measurement of care completion. Why? The temporary relief of pain does not always lead to long-term success. While many of our patients enjoy immediate pain relief following a treatment, it may take a follow-up visit to completely address the dysfunction and prevent this injury or tension from recurring.

Clinical research proves that our active approach to health care will lead to lasting physical improvements if performed according to your doctor's instructions. Thus, adhering to your doctor's treatment programs can prevent further office visits and costs. 

What effect does a chiropractic adjustment have on joints?

Research shows that chiropractic manipulation can actually prevent arthritis by restoring proper motion to the joint. Medical textbooks will tell you that it is the loss of motion that causes joint damage and arthritis. The restoration of joint function provides the cartilage and disc (in the case of the spine) with improved blood supply. Better blood supply means better bodily nourishment and overall physical health. 

What makes the "cracking noise"?

While some people get nervous about the noise an adjustment may produce, the sound is not derived from the bones themselves. The sounds stems from a lubricant called synovial fluid which is made up of dissolved gases located in every joint. An adjustment releases the build up of pressure and these gases created by the joint's restriction. The emission of these nitrogen gases produce the "popping" sound often heard when an adjustment is administered - not from the movement of joints. 

Should the adjustment ever hurt?

Most chiropractic adjustments are painless. In fact, adjustments help most patients enjoy immediate pain relief. However, if the patient has suffered from a recent injury, adjustments can sometimes cause slight discomfort as the tissues surrounding the dysfunction are usually inflamed. That is why our doctors offer a combination of muscle and joint manipulation to treat complex cases and minimize discomfort.

Other patients may experience sensations in their muscles or extremities following an adjustment. This is a normal reaction caused by the relief of pressure that was once plaguing nerves. Some scientists also associate this feeling with an increase in circulation achieved once the irritant is removed from the nerve. 

Is it safe to adjust myself?

Often the "self adjustment" is producing movement in joints near the restricted area causing potentially harmful friction to surrounding joint structures and further aggravation. The best advice: Don't try to do it yourself. Seek the expertise of your chiropractor.

Do chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?

Like other doctors, chiropractors belong to a large and growing network of health care professionals. Our doctors are well educated, recognizing risk factors and signs of disease. If our patient's need is best addressed by a medical doctor or specialist, we refer the patient every time. Likewise, medical doctors in the community have served as an excellent referral source for our clinic when their patient's needs are best met with our comprehensive chiropractic services. This referral network is a win-win for our patients!