FAQ's

Is chiropractic care safe?

Absolutely. Compared to other medical treatments, which include medication and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest. It is estimated that 140,000 people in the USA die each year from drug-related reactions and nearly 100,000 people die as a result of medical errors. Insurance companies who evaluate the risks of all professions, charge a premium based on the risk of the profession. Chiropractors have, by far, the lowest insurance premium of all medical providers.

What is a subluxation?

A subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebrae) that is not in its right position or not moving in its normal range of motion. Misaligned vertebrae are irritating nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the way your body communicates with your spine. Subluxations are the cause of many pains and dysfunctions in muscles and organs. The body’s natural ability to heal itself is greatly improved with the subluxation removed.

How do I know if I have a subluxation?

Unfortunately, many people mistake subluxations as normal aches and pains, or a range of other ailments. Many people also have minor subluxations, which produce no obvious symptoms. The only way to identify a subluxation is to have a thorough chiropractic examination.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a gentle, carefully placed thrust which moves vertebrae into their proper position. The chiropractor usually delivers the adjustment by hand, but occasionally uses other instruments. The purpose of the adjustment is to correct the spinal subluxation.

Does the adjustment hurt?

Most chiropractic adjustments are not only painless, they actually feel very good and relieving. In cases of recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to adjustments and cause some discomfort. Application of ice after treatment may soothe any irritation.

What causes the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?

The sound is no reason to be concerned. The sound is not coming from the bones themselves. It is coming from a lubricant called synovial fluid that is found in every joint. That fluid contains dissolved gases. During the adjustment, the joints are slightly separated to move into proper position. This releases the built-up pressure on the fluid and gases and creates a “pop” similar to the release of pressure when the cork comes off of a bottle of champagne. Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even if you do not hear any noise.

Will repeated chiropractic adjustment lead to arthritis?

There is no evidence to suggest that manipulation of the spine or other chiropractic care can lead to arthritis. On the contrary, chiropractors often care for people with arthritis by maintaining joint health. Motion is life when it comes to joint health.

Is it safe to crack my own back or neck?

This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over its safety. While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on the joints, the “cracking” or “popping” of one’s back or neck is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment. The problem usually keeps coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment. The cause of the spinal tension, the fixated or jammed vertebrae, has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You should not try to do it yourself, either.

Is there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?

There is no age excluded from chiropractic care. Even babies can have subluxations, due to the rigors of birth. In Denmark, for example, Chiropractic Doctors are part of the birthing team. Children’s subluxations should be treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles and organs. The body consists of cartilage growth centers that the bone grows from. Abnormal stresses on a rapidly developing spine and other bones and joints can cause them to develop abnormally. Your chiropractor can detect these problems while they are easy to correct.

How long will it be before I will feel better?

You may start feeling better as soon as your first adjustment. Many patients sense improvement very early in their treatment, however the time required to get to your ultimate goal (i.e. no pain, full range of motion etc.) will vary depending on the severity of your subluxation, the length of time you have had it, and your overall health.

Can chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?

Chiropractors are part of a network of health-care professionals. Like other doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary. Chiropractors are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside of their scope of treatments and they will not hesitate to make a referral when it is in a patient’s best interest.

Can chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?

Chiropractors believe in the body’s ability to heal itself and for that reason they don’t prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. They focus on providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring free-flowing communication between all parts of your body.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

This decision is really up to you. Many patients decide to continue occasional treatment to maintain the gains that they have achieved from their initial care. Others achieve their goals and choose to discontinue treatment. However, experience shows that patients who continue occasional treatment maintain their gains better and continue to feel good. They are also able to identify future problems earlier and therefore need less treatment later on.

What insurance do you accept? How will I pay for my care?

We accept most insurance plans, but coverage for chiropractic care varies between individual plans. We will gladly call your insurance provider for you when you come in for your first visit. We will let you know what services are covered and what your responsibility will be. On your second visit, we do what we call a “report of findings.” This is when you will talk with the doctor to discuss her recommendations and treatment. This is our chance to talk with you about how chiropractic works, how long it will take, how much it will cost etc.
We cover this with you up front so that you will know what to expect right from the beginning. We accept cash, checks and Visa and Mastercard credit cards for payment.

Can I talk to the doctor before I decide if I need chiropractic care?

Of course. Just let us know when you call that you would like a FREE CONSULTATION with Dr. Mulcahey to see if she thinks you could benefit from chiropractic care. This can be done in person in our office or even over the phone. We’re here to serve you!

This website is hosted by the National Directory of Chiropractic.