About Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care, at Allen Family Chiropractic, focuses on correcting improper movement in the body which we call subluxations. Any time a joint stops functioning properly it may cause pain to you and cause other areas of your body to function poorly. Manipulation of these joints to correct this improper pattern of movement is a chiropractic adjustment, and this adjustment leads to decrease stress on our nerves which improves our bodies function.
What is a Subluxation?
The term "subluxation" is used to depict the altered postition of a vertebra and it's subsequent functional loss. These are the areas which need adjustment.
A subluxation may cause slight blood loss and/or decreased nerve conduction to areas of the body "downstream" from the effected area. Hence adjustments of these areas are crucial to promote proper body function.
Will I have to go to a chiropractor for the rest of my life?
The short answer is "No." Most treatments will eventually lead to a reduction or recovery of symptoms over the period of just a few visits, and that is our goal.
After a treatment schedule is over, many patients may choose to return in order to maintain that proper healthy feeling. Just as we have our oil changed every so often, our teeth cleaned once or twice a year, and a regular physical exam, routine chiropractic check-ups can keep you feeling healthier for longer.
You are not required to continue care to prevent injury, but sometimes it just makes sense to stay in the best shape we can.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
YES! Chiropactic is safe and typically very little pain, if any, is felt during treatment. In fact most adjustments show some immediate symptom relief.
However, some conditions you have may put you at greater risk of pain or injury after the adjustment, which is why it is important to be honest and open with your doctor about any conditions you may have. Our moto, like any medical professional, is do no harm!
Chiropractors Are Not
"Real" Doctors, Are They?
Medical Doctors, Physical Therapists, Osteopathic Doctors, and Chiropractors all receive very similar training. Each receive approxiamtely 4,000-5,000 hours of training on top of any education they have before attending their doctoral schooling. The difference is in the focus. Chiropractic focuses on adjustments of the spine and limbs to aid recovery. Physical Therapy focus on exercises to reduce and recover from injury, and medical doctors focus on surgical and pharmaceutical approaches to health problems. Each has their place. Chiropractors have a minimum of 3 years of education toward a bachelors degree before they can get into a chiropractic college. Then another four years of school to be a chiropractor, for a total of 7-8 years of study.