Ask The Experts

Author: Dr. Jack Barnathan Description: Dr. Barnathan explains how chiropractic can help in strength training to help you get the most out of your workouts and develop the level of strength you desire.

Author: Dr. Eric Plasker Description: Dr. Plasker explains why families should get a chiropractic check-up, and how regular chiropractic care can benefit your entire family’s health.

Author: Dr. Christopher J. Colloca Description: In this video, Dr. Colloca explains how nerve interference in the neck can lead to functional problems in the ear resulting in ear infections. He further explains how chiropractic can then help.

Author: Dr. Jay Handt Description: Dr. Handt looks at chiropractic from the point of view of a lifestyle. He explains how over time chiropractic can improve and optimize your quality of life and affect many areas of your well being.

Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are “remarkably safe.” A thorough examination helps identify the rare individual for whom chiropractic care might not be suited. Adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking a common, over-the-counter pain reliever.

Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing organism controlled and regulated by your nervous system.

Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord, and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm whether your body is working as it should. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine may interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nearby nerves and the tissues they control.
​Precise chiropractic adjustments are intended to improve mind-body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

​Chiropractic is a science, art and philosophy. It’s a scientific fact that your brain and nervous system control every cell, tissue and organ of your body. Research confirms that interferences to the nervous system change the way the body functions.

Nerve interferences are most common along the spine. Objective tests help locate these interferences, called subluxations, and precise chiropractic adjustments are designed to help correct or reduce them.

Chiropractic doesn’t cure anything! Nor is it a treatment for disease. If there’s going to be any curing, your body will do it. Not doctors. And certainly not drugs. The best doctors reduce the interferences that may be preventing your body from expressing its inborn healing capacity. That’s why chiropractors are interested in the nervous system. With a revived nerve supply, your self-healing abilities are unleashed.

Separating each spinal bone is a special type of tissue called a disc. Its fibrous outer ring contains a jelly-like material. This soft center serves as a “ball bearing” for joint movement. Because of the way in which discs attach to the vertebrae above and below, it can’t actually “slip.” However, a disc can bulge, tear, herniate, thin, prolapse and dry out.​

A pinched nerve is actually rare. It’s more likely that a spinal bone will irritate, stretch, rub or chafe a nearby nerve root. These “subluxations” may distort the critical nerve messages sent from and to the brain. This may produce unhealthy alterations in the ways affected organs and tissues are able to function.

Subluxations are usually the result of physical, emotional or chemical stresses.
Physical stresses might include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions or improper lifting. Emotional stress, such as grief, anger or depression, may produce subluxations. Alcohol, drugs or preservatives are common examples of chemical stress.

You can have subluxations and not know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or even cancer, subluxations can be present without obvious symptoms. The results of a thorough examination can reveal the location and severity of any subluxations you may have.

​Yes. Learning to walk, riding a bike or playing sports can cause subluxations that are often passed off as mere “growing pains.” Chiropractic care helps detect these spinal distortions and correct them, providing a clearer path toward proper development. Ignored, these problems may worsen until they become more difficult to correct as an adult.

Sometimes. Today’s hectic lives can be constant sources of subluxations. Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to self-correct many of these minor problems as we bend and stretch, or when we sleep at night. When subluxations don’t resolve, you need to see us for a chiropractic adjustment!

Adjustments feel good! Many patients report a sense of well-being and a calming sense of ease. Repeated adjustments are often necessary, and if adjustments weren’t comfortable, patients wouldn’t return. Chiropractors excel at making spinal adjustments comfortable and effective.

Unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to the right place at the right time. The intent is to get a “stuck” spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and effective.

No. Generally, only the spinal joints that are stuck and “locked up” receive adjustments. The spinal joints that have had to compensate, becoming unstable, are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can heal and strengthen.

No. Some people may be able to make their joints “pop,” but that’s not an adjustment! Worse, damage may occur by habitually stressing the joints, muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even chiropractors must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Special fluids lubricate each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound as the gas and fluids in the joint shift—like opening a soda or a bottle of champagne. The sound is fascinating, but isn’t a guide to the quality or effectiveness of an adjustment.

​No. Each patient’s spine is unique, and each patient’s care plan is different. With 24 spinal bones (that can each move in seven different directions), we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Everyone’s care is tailored for his or her age, condition and health goals.

​The number and frequency of adjustments vary from patient to patient. Most patients see some progress within a week or two. As supporting muscles and ligaments heal, visits may become less frequent. More difficult, longstanding cases may require regular visits over many months or years to make lasting changes.

Of course. When developing a care plan, chiropractors consider your unique circumstances. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected is best suited to accommodate your age, size and any health issues you may have.

Yes. Naturally, your chiropractor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery has been known to cause instability above or below the involved area. More than likely, this will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Yes. Pregnancy may be one of the best times to benefit from chiropractic care. While it’s always best to have a properly working nervous system, it’s especially helpful during pregnancy. Adjusting methods are modified to a mother’s size, weight and condition. During this time of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mothers seek chiropractic care because it is drug free. Many report shorter and easier births.

No. Chiropractors don’t dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When properly used, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects commonly associated with many pain medications.

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care we can, and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

Naturally, results vary. Many report restored spinal curves and renewed energy and vitality. Those who neglect their health or delay care often see slower progress. Even after improvement, many patients discover periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.

If we’re unable to find and reduce the underlying cause of your particular health problem, we’ll refer you to other trustworthy specialists who may be able to help. Your health and satisfaction are our only goal.