What Problems do Chiropractors treat?
Doctors of chiropractic treat many different types of problems but mainly focus on those conditions that affect your muscles, joints and nerves. Problems such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain into your arms and legs, carpal tunnel syndrome and whiplash injuries following car accidents are just a few examples of what we treat effectively. It is only after a thorough examination that ANY doctor can really tell if chiropractic is right for you. At Healthsource, we pride ourselves on the policy that if we think we can help you (for whatever your condition may be) we tell you. If we think we cannot, we tell you that too.

I have been told that Chiropractic can make me worse, Is that true?
As with all types of healthcare, there are potential risks in the delivery of treatment. Chiropractic however, is remarkably safe. The key to safe, effective care is most often determined by the information the doctor gathers from you during your first visit to our office. It is during your first visit that your Healthsource doctor begins by taking a thorough history to identify the nature of your problem. You will be asked detailed questions regarding your past and present condition and also receive a thorough examination so that we can determine how we can best help you. Once all of this information is obtained, and before any treatment begins, you will receive a report on your test findings along with a program of recommended care. Our systems and procedures at Healthsource are designed to keep your care safe, enjoyable and effective.

What does an adjustment do and is it painful?
Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and effective movement of your joints by the chiropractors hands or an adjusting tool and performed for the purpose of restoring normal position and movement of those joints. Once these bones or vertebrae are restored to their proper position and movement, the spinal cord and its nerves are no longer irritated and so can work as they should. Remember that the nervous system makes EVERYTHING in your body work. Once the spine is simply "in line" and no irritation is on the nerves or spinal cord, the body has the ability to be strong, healthy and if injured, heal.

What is the noise that I hear during the adjustment?
The noise that you hear is similar to when you crack your knuckles. When an adjustment is made, the gases that are present in the adjusted joint are released. When the gases are released, you hear that familiar popping sound. It is nothing that one needs to be concerned about and it is not harmful at all.

Can you have adjustments if you have spinal disease or surgery?
That depends on your particular case but in most instance, yes! The whole purpose of your consultation and examination is to determine if chiropractic is right for you. Once we gather all information important to your case, if we think we can help you... we tell you that. If we think we cannot, we tell you that too.

Why do I need x-rays?
X-rays are taken for you own safety. Sometimes bad things show up on x-rays, such as old fractures, arthritis, scoliosis and other problems that are important for doctors to be aware of. X-rays can ensure your best possible results in care. Ultimately, x-rays help doctors see what they need to see to help them design a program of care that's just right for you.

Are chiropractic doctors trained the same way as medical doctors?
According to a National Health Federation survey utilizing curriculum statistics from 22 medical universities and 11 chiropractic colleges, the first two years of study to be a medical doctor or a chiropractor, are very similar. The minimum number of hours for medical students studying classes like anatomy, pathology, chemistry, etc is around 2750 hours. For chiropractors it is 2900 hours. During the last two years of medical school, students spend more time studying classes like pharmacology (prescription drugs), general surgery and immunology while chiropractors learn more about adjusting the spine, nutrition and natural approaches to health. When it all comes down to it, according to the NHF (National Health Federation) there is a minimum requirement of 4250 classroom hours the first four years of medical school and 4500 classroom hours involved with chiropractic school.

Do Chiropractors use technology as well as hands-on techniques?
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Some chiropractors use their hands to move the bones while some use instruments or mechanical "tools" to adjust the vertebrae. All techniques work, it's just that some work better for some people and others work better for others. You just have to find out which works best for you. Doctors at Healthsource are trained in a variety of techniques to help them treat a wide range of people and conditions.

Do the chiropractors use vitamins or herbs in treatment?
Some do and some don't. It has been our experience at Healthsource that you get out of life what you put into health. Putting good vitamins, supplements and minerals into our body is a healthy choice. We carry a complete line of physician grade supplements that can certainly assist you on your road to recovery.