How to choose a chiropractor

When selecting a chiropractor, take time to find a DC who:

Is recommended by your physician, other health care professionals or friends.

Is licensed to practice chiropractic.

Has experience treating your specific condition or symptoms.

Is board certified if you need specialized care in areas such as such as chiropractic neurology, chiropractic rehabilitation, chiropractic orthopedics or chiropractic pediatrics. Board certification indicates the DC has completed studies and testing beyond those required to be a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Is willing to work with your other physicians as part of your medical team.

Uses diagnostic tools such as x-rays, ultrasound and paraspinal digital infrared imaging.

Offers holistic, preventive care and counsel.

Will provide an initial consultation free-of-charge.

Doesn't claim that chiropractic treatment will cure an alphabet soup of medical conditions.

Answering your questions about chiropractic adjustment

Q What is chiropractic adjustment?

A Chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a procedure used by DCs to correct misalignments of the vertebrae of your spine. Untreated, these misalignments can interfere with neurological communication between your brain, tissues and organs.

Q What happens when you have a chiropractic adjustment?

A After identifying your condition via examination and testing, and determining that spinal adjustment is the best treatment for you, your DC will position your body so that only the affected area is isolated. Next, your DC will manipulate the joint, freeing it from its "stuck" position. In restoring the joint's natural movement, inflammation and pain are reduced and your tissues begin to heal.

Q Is it true that there's a popping sound during an adjustment?

A Yes, this harmless popping sound occurs when gas bubbles in the fluid surrounding the joint are released during the procedure. Have you ever cracked your knuckles? It's the same thing.

Q Does this procedure hurt?

A Some people are squeamish about spinal manipulation if they aren't familiar with the procedure. When conducted by a licensed DC, however, spinal manipulation is effective in reducing muscle and joint pain. Only rarely does chiropractic adjustment cause mild discomfort that typically goes away in a day or two.

You should not have chiropractic adjustment if you have:

a fracture

cancer of the bone or bone marrow

severe spinal osteoporosis

tuberculosis of the spine

a disease of the spinal cord

severe arthritis

an infection in your bone or joint

acute gout

compression of your spinal cord or caudaequina (nerve roots at the end of your spine)

uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy

a bleeding disorder

pain down your leg or arm with increasing weakness, difficulty walking and bowel or bladder control problems

Prior to treatment, your DC willtake a detailed medical history. It's important to give thorough answers, even if you're not sure a health condition has any bearing on your chiropractic therapy. This will enable your DC to rule out treatments that aren't appropriate for you.