Frequently Asked Questions

A safe & gentle low-amplitude high-velocity impulse provided to specific regions of the body where a subluxation was found. By using a manual adjustment (done by hand) or with the assistance of an adjusting tool (such as an activator), subluxations are corrected with the goal to improve the bodies function and restore its natural movement, subsequently positively affecting the nervous system and its many responsibilities.

Life is movement — Movement is life.

Pediatric-specific chiropractic care is considered safe for children when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Here are some key reasons why:

1. Gentle Techniques: Chiropractors trained in pediatric care use gentle and specific techniques that are suitable for children's developing musculoskeletal systems.

2. Adjustment Precision: Pediatric chiropractors understand the unique needs of children and adjust their techniques accordingly, using lighter pressure and smaller movements.

3. No Forceful Manipulation: Unlike adjustments for adults, pediatric adjustments do not involve forceful manipulation. Instead, they use gentle pressure or tools designed for children.

4. Focus on Wellness: Pediatric chiropractic care focuses on promoting overall wellness and addressing specific issues related to children's health, such as colic, ear infections, and musculoskeletal problems.

5. Safety Precautions: Chiropractors take extra precautions when working with children, ensuring that the adjustments are safe and appropriate for their age and condition.

6. Holistic Approach: Pediatric chiropractors often take a holistic approach, considering the child's overall health and well-being, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors.

Yes! You may be surprised to learn that Chiropractic Programs typically require 200+ additional credit hours than modern western medical training. A chiropractor's doctoral education typically involves a comprehensive program focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Here is an overview of the educational path for chiropractors:

• Prerequisite Education: Before entering a chiropractic program, individuals typically complete a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field, which includes coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and other relevant subjects.

• Chiropractic Program: Chiropractors attend a four-year doctoral program at an accredited chiropractic college. The curriculum includes a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical training. Key areas of study include:

• Anatomy: Detailed study of the structure of the human body, with a focus on the musculoskeletal system.

• Physiology: Understanding the functions of the various organs and systems within the body.

• Pathology: Study of disease processes and their effects on the body.

• Chiropractic Principles and Philosophy: Learning the core principles and theories that guide chiropractic practice, including the importance of the nervous system in overall health.

• Clinical & Imaging Diagnosis: Training in the assessment and diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, including the use of diagnostic imaging and other tools.

• Chiropractic Techniques: Instruction in various chiropractic adjustment techniques used to treat musculoskeletal disorders.

• Clinical Training: Hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of licensed chiropractors.

• Licensing Examination: After completing their education, chiropractors must pass 5 Board Exams, a licensing examination in the state or country where they wish to practice as well as a jurisprudence exam.

• Continuing Education: Chiropractors are required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their licensure and stay current with advances in the field.

Overall, a chiropractor's doctoral education provides them with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to diagnose and treat a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, with a focus on improving the function of the spine and nervous system to enhance overall health and wellness.

Chiropractic care is considered safe for pregnant patients and their babies when performed by a qualified and experienced chiropractor. Here are several reasons why chiropractic care is unlikely to harm a pregnant patient's baby:

1. Gentle Techniques: Chiropractors trained in prenatal care use gentle and specific techniques that are safe for pregnant women, such as Webster Technique. These techniques are adjusted to accommodate the changes in the mother's body during pregnancy while taking into account the baby and its development in utero.

2. Pain Relief: Chiropractic care during pregnancy is often sought to help manage back pain, pelvic pain, and other discomforts associated with pregnancy. By relieving these symptoms, chiropractic care can improve the mother's comfort without harming the baby.

3. Improved Pelvic Alignment: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve pelvic alignment, which may benefit the mother during pregnancy and labor. Proper pelvic alignment can also potentially reduce the risk of complications and/or interventions needed during delivery.

4. Careful Approach: Chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care are trained to use techniques that are safe and appropriate for pregnant women. They take into account the mother's health, the stage of pregnancy, and the baby's well-being when providing care.

5. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers: Chiropractors often work closely with other healthcare providers, such as obstetricians and midwives, to ensure that the care they provide is coordinated and safe for both the mother and the baby.

The Webster Technique is a chiropractic technique that is commonly used to address sacral misalignment and balance in pregnant women. Developed by Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA), the technique is often used to help improve pelvic alignment and function during pregnancy.

The Webster Technique is based on the idea that sacral misalignment may contribute to difficult labor for the mother (dystocia). By using specific chiropractic adjustments, the technique aims to reduce sacral misalignment and improve nerve function, which may help facilitate a more comfortable and easier pregnancy and delivery.

It's important to note that the Webster Technique is not intended to be used as a method to turn breech babies. While some chiropractors believe that the technique may help create a more favorable environment for the baby to turn on its own, research on this specific aspect of the technique is limited and inconclusive.

The Webster Technique should only be performed by a chiropractor who is trained and certified in its use, particularly one who has experience working with pregnant women. If you are considering chiropractic care during pregnancy, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

When a patient is afraid of the popping sound that can sometimes occur during a chiropractic adjustment, chiropractors can use techniques that don't produce this sound. Here are some common approaches:

1. Low-Force Techniques: Chiropractors can use gentle, low-force techniques that don't involve quick, forceful movements. These techniques aim to realign the spine and joints without causing the popping sound.

2. Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Some chiropractors use specialized tools, such as an activator or an arthrostim, to perform adjustments. These tools deliver a controlled, gentle force to the joint without the need for manual manipulation.

3. Mobilization Techniques: Instead of traditional adjustments that involve a quick thrust, chiropractors can use mobilization techniques. These involve gentle stretching and movement of the joints to improve their range of motion.

4. Soft Tissue Techniques: Chiropractors can also use soft tissue techniques, such as massage or myofascial release, to relax muscles and improve joint function without the need for joint popping.

5. Patient Education: Chiropractors can educate patients about the popping sound and reassure them that it is a normal and safe occurrence. Understanding the process can help alleviate fear.

It's important for chiropractors to communicate openly with their patients and address any concerns they may have. By using gentle techniques and providing reassurance, chiropractors can help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during their treatments.

Children can receive chiropractic care at any age—even as newborns. Care is always adapted to your child’s stage of development, size, and comfort level.

For infants and young children, gentle, low-force techniques are used (often similar in pressure to what you would use to test the ripeness of a tomato). There is no “popping” or forceful adjustments.

Many families choose to bring their child in early to support nervous system development, feeding, sleep, digestion, and overall movement patterns, but care is always individualized and never required.

Nope! However it is encouraged and it is common for patients to want to continue seeking chiropractic care for routinely to maintain their results and improved function as a proavtice form of health. It is certainly not a requirement!