Frequently Asked Questions in College Station TX

Chiropractic is a form of healthcare that focuses on the health and function of the spine and nervous system. It involves diagnosing and treating conditions related to spinal misalignments, known as restrictions (otherwise referred to as what is becoming an outdated term, subluxations), which can affect the body's overall function. Chiropractors use manual techniques, like spinal adjustments, to improve mobility and alleviate pain, allowing your body to heal naturally.

Chiropractors can help with a wide range of conditions, particularly those affecting the musculoskeletal system. These include back and neck pain, sciatica and disc herniations, TMJ and headaches, extremity misalignments, and joint issues. Chiropractic care can also aid in managing sports injuries, muscle strains, postural problems, and repetitive stress injuries. Overall, chiropractors focus on improving spinal health and supporting the body’s natural healing processes by positively affecting the surrounding tissues.

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on technique where the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to a joint, usually in the spine, to improve its alignment and function. The goal is to restore normal movement, reduce pain, and improve communication between your nervous system and body. This often results in a sense of relief and improved mobility by sending an afferent signal to your brain, telling the muscles to relax in an efferent signal back down.

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed professionally by a trained and licensed chiropractor. Most people experience little to no side effects, and any mild discomfort usually goes away within a day or two. While rare, there are risks associated with chiropractic adjustments, particularly if the procedure is not done correctly. That's why it's important to work with an experienced chiropractor who tailors treatment to your specific needs and utilizes up to date, evidence-based chiropractic treatments.

The number of chiropractic treatments you'll need depends on your individual condition and treatment goals. An example of differing goals affecting your treatment plan is one patient might be in their early twenties, looking for quick relief care before their final exam while another patient is in their mid-sixties, struggling to bend down to pick up their grandchildren – the first being a relatively quick fix while the other takes time getting them out of pain and making sure the pain doesn’t come back through rehabilitative strengthening protocols. Long story short, some patients see improvement after just a few visits, while others with chronic or more complex issues may require ongoing care. Your chiropractor will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your progress and long-term health goals.

Chiropractic care can bring several benefits, such as pain relief, improved mobility, and better posture. Many patients find that regular chiropractic visits help them reduce reliance on pain medications, enhance their physical performance, and improve their quality of life. It can also contribute to stress reduction, better sleep, and an overall sense of well-being.

As with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved, though they are generally minimal. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or stiffness, like what you might feel after a workout. Serious side effects are rare, but they can occur. A thorough consultation with your chiropractor and the correct usage of diagnostic tools, such as x-ray or other advanced imaging beforehand can help minimize these risks.

Chiropractic adjustments are usually not painful. Most people find the sensation to be a quick and gentle pressure, sometimes accompanied by a clicking, cracking, or popping sound, which is the synovial fluid within the joints simply cavitating and causing that “feel good” response. If there is any discomfort, it’s typically mild and short-lived. Many patients report feeling better immediately after the adjustment.

You should choose me as your chiropractor because I take a holistic, corrective, personalized approach to your care. I listen to your concerns, conduct thorough assessments, and create an optimal treatment plan that's tailored to your unique needs. I’m committed to helping you achieve your health goals through safe and effective chiropractic care, focusing on your long-term wellness at the end of the day. If your issue cannot be treated through chiropractic care, we will tell you upon the first visit and refer you to an experienced provider who can find the solution you’re searching for.

Chiropractic appointments usually last between 5 to 30 minutes for regular treatment/additional therapies, and 30 to 60 minutes for the exam/report of findings, depending on the nature of the treatment and your specific needs. The first two visits might take a bit longer since we’ll perform an initial exam, go over your health history, discuss your symptoms, go over any imaging taken in firm detail, and discuss our best recommendation for our patients going forward. Follow-up appointments are typically much shorter.

Chiropractors undergo extensive training, typically involving a bachelor’s degree followed by a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This requires several years of study, covering anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal manipulation. Chiropractors also gain clinical experience before becoming licensed, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide effective care to their patients.

Absolutely, chiropractic care is quite beneficial during pregnancy. Many women experience back pain, sciatica, nerve pain, or pelvic discomfort during pregnancy, and chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate these issues. Chiropractors use specialized techniques that are safe for both the mother and baby, providing gentle and effective relief.

Chiropractic care is not addictive. While some people choose to visit their chiropractor regularly for maintenance, it's not because they are dependent on it. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that helps improve health and prevent pain, but it doesn’t create any form of dependency by any means.

The “crack” sound you hear during an adjustment is called cavitation. It happens when gas bubbles in the joint are released during the adjustment. It’s completely harmless and simply a result of pressure changes in the joint containing synovial fluid. The sound doesn’t indicate anything harmful and is a natural part of the chiropractic road to recovery process.

While you might be able to create popping sounds by stretching or manipulating your body in certain ways, it’s NOT recommended to self-adjust. Chiropractors are trained to perform adjustments safely and effectively, ensuring that the right joints are targeted with proper technique. Adjusting yourself can lead to injury or further discomfort because the same joints are being targeted almost every time, which can eventually cause hypermobility and catalyze arthritic processes.

Many insurance plans offer coverage for chiropractic care, though the specifics depend on your plan, such as deductibles, co-pay, PPO versus HMO, and therapy coverage. It's a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if chiropractic services are included in your benefits and whether a referral is required. However, no need to worry as this will all be discussed before and upon your arrival at your first visit to University Chiropractic!