A.) Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bone of the spine, called a subluxation, can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

A.) Chiropractic is among the safest of the healing arts. By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuitable. 

A.) A subluxation is a misalignment between adjacent vertebrae in your spine. This misalignment can interrupt communication to and from your brain, which is called nerve interference. This nerve interference can cause noticeable symptoms in your body, such as pain. Hartzell Family Chiropractic has a state-of-the-art machine called the Millennium 2nd Generation Subluxation Station, which allows you to see possible areas of nerve interference in your spine and helps us to better take care of you!

A.) There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

A.) You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxatons you may have.

A.) Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to spinal joints that aren’t moving right. Some methods use the doctor’s hands, an instrument, a special table or the force of gravity. There are many ways to adjust the spine.

A.) Actually, not all adjusting techniques produce the sound associated with “popping knuckles.” Some create no sound at all, some a little. Many techniques, however, do create the sound of a spinal “release.” This is because of the shift of the gas and the fluids that make up the joints in our bodies. It’s much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn’t a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

A.) No. Each patient’s spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient’s care is custom-tailored for his or her age, condition and health goals.

A.) The number of adjustments varies with each patient and his or her individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as you spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.

A.) Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor’s recommendations.

A.) Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It’s convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don’t allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

A.) If we’re unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.