Reisterstown Family Chiropractic FAQ

How does Chiropractic work, what is it?

What is an adjustment?

What’s the noise or pop?

Can it hurt me?

Can I adjust myself?

Can I have Chiropractic care after surgery or fracture?

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Is there always pain associated with back or neck problems?

Do Chiropractors treat infants or children?

Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I'm pregnant?

How does Chiropractic work, what is it?
Chiropractic restores proper function to joints in the body or spine that are “stuck”. If you have a bone that is not in place, muscles will be spasmed, joints will be inflamed and this will cause pain. By putting that bone or bones precisely back into place, you relieve those symptoms. It can take more than just a few adjustments to keep the bone in its proper place.

What is an adjustment?
The use of direct pressure to a specific joint in a precise vector, whether in the spine or in an extremity, in order to restore function and improve motion within that joint. Often times this relieves muscle spasm as well. The Doctor usually uses his hands to perform the adjustment and may employ the use of a table to assist in certain type of adjustments.

What’s the noise or pop?
The noise is caused by the release of Co2 gas inside the joint. Each joint has a capsule that has a certain amount of pressure. When the pressure is released, similar to popping ones knuckles, there is a sound. This is referred to as an “audible”.

Can it hurt me?
The adjustment does not hurt, but muscles may be sore for a short time after the treatment.

Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Can I have Chiropractic care after surgery or fracture?
Yes. Rest assured that your doctor of chiropractic will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved levels. Often times these areas will be more likely to degenerate further and be weaker. These areas will often times be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Yes, of course. When developing a care plan, if the Doctor can accept your case. He will consider the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the joints of the body. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Is there always pain associated with back or neck problems?
No, often times it goes unnoticed for a VERY long period of time. Some patients have had a disc problem for several years, and one day, pick up a pencil, or sneeze and cause the already manifested problem to become a severe injury. You will often hear of this as "throwing out your back".

Do Chiropractors treat infants or children?
Yes! Most people think it is only for adults, but many times kids have experienced mild or severe traumas. Birth is often times very traumatic. Many times, the kid falls out of the crib, or tumbles and hits his head. These traumas (which at the time usually go unnoticed and without treatment) over a period of time can cause as much trouble as an adult getting in a car accident at 50 miles per hour. The Doctor will let you know, once he checks your kids, if they are candidates for chiropractic treatment.

Is it okay to see a Chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Yes. Pregnant mothers have found that chiropractic adjustments improve their pregnancy when it comes to the nausea, pain and headaches. It makes the delivery easier for both the mother and baby. Reisterstown Family Chiropractic features a Flexion Distraction table which adapts for the baby and enables treatment of patients regardless of a patient's size, weight, age, or health condition.