FAQs

The medical term “luxation” refers to a dislocation of a joint. Subluxation simply means a joint condition less than a complete dislocation. A subluxation is a term often used in Chiropractic to refer to the abnormal alignment or motion of a joint that is causing pain or irritation locally or to an adjacent area.

There are three basic causes of vertebral subluxation; physical stress, chemical stress and emotional stress. Physical stresses on the spine and nervous system may include slips and falls, motor vehicle accidents, repetitive motion, and improper sleeping. Chemical stress includes smoking, alcohol abuse, not drinking enough water, improper diet, or the overuse of drugs or medications. Finally, emotional stress is a major cause of subluxation due to its effect on the hormonal and muscular systems of the body.

Actually, you can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay, diabetes or high blood pressure, subluxations can be present long before any symptoms emerge. Only chiropractors have the specific training to detect subluxation. Using special techniques in x-ray, examination, surface electromyography and postural analysis, chiropractors are uniquely trained in determining whether or not subluxations are present.

Adjustments are used by chiropractors to move or reposition the bones that are out of proper alignment, fixed in place or subluxated. There are various techniques of adjusting the vertebrae. Depending on the patient’s age, condition a variety of techniques may be used. The purpose of adjustments is to remove any interference/irritation to the nervous system, which improves spinal function and overall health. Adjustments are safe for all ages and are completely natural.

Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” It is the result of chiropractic’s conservative and natural approach that makes it so safe and helps millions of satisfied patients.

Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. However, some techniques do often create a “clicking” or “popping” sound. This audible release sound is believed to be the result of fluid in the joint momentarily changing to a gas as the joint shifts. This sound is painless and causes no harm.

Because chiropractors rely on the natural recuperative powers of the body, medication is not commonly used with chiropractic care. Typically, chiropractors use ice packs or moist heat to help control pain or muscle spasm. When properly applied, these methods can have an analgesic affect without the unwanted side effects of many medications. Many patients choose to use over-the-counter medications along with their physical treatment. Fortunately, Chiropractors and medical doctors now enjoy better working relationships than ever before. In severe cases, patients may seek concurrent care to other health care professionals if services outside of the scope of chiropractic are needed.

In order to properly diagnose a patient’s condition, x-rays are commonly taken. These x-rays are used to check vertebral alignment, disc degeneration, proper curvature, scoliosis, and other serious pathology. With the advancement of high-speed film, filters and collimation, we are able to gain much useful information by actually seeing the patient’s spine.

Chiropractic is no more addictive than exercise, proper diet, or brushing your teeth. Most Chiropractors recommend getting your spine checked for subluxations periodically throughout your lifetime, because it is healthy for you to do so. Patients under long-term chiropractic care report an overall sense of health and well being, far beyond diet and exercise alone.Is Chiropractic care addictive?

Yes. Patients who suffer from the various forms of arthritis may get significant results from chiropractic. Depending on the patient, results may vary. However, by keeping the spinal joints moving freely, the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis can be minimized. If your doctor deems necessary, a referral to another health care provider may be suggested. Additionally, studies show that those who enjoy chiropractic from a younger age reduce their risk of osteoarthritis later in life.

Yes. Many patients have had previous back surgery prior to seeking care in our office. Research shows that up to one-half of those who have spinal surgery report a relapse of their original symptoms within months or years. This common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome,” and usually results in the necessity of additional procedures. Chiropractic care may prevent repetitive surgeries, or better yet, if used initially, may help avoid surgery in the first place.

Yes. Naturally, Dr. Richey’s adjusting procedures are adapted for the child’s spine. Many childhood health complaints can be traced back to nerve interference somewhere in the spine. Having the spine checked throughout childhood could prevent health problems that emerge in adulthood. Parents often prefer chiropractic care for their children because of its safe, non-chemical, non-invasive nature.

Yes. Pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Our tables are adjustable to comfortably fit any stage of pregnancy. Because of the inability to take medication for pain, the natural approaches of chiropractic are the logical choice for pregnant women. More and more pregnant patients are seeking chiropractic care for pain relief due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments. Lastly, studies have indicated women under chiropractic care often have a significantly faster delivery than those who are not.

Discs are known as the “shock absorbers” of the spine and are made up of a fibrous outer ring and a jelly-like center. Commonly, a variety of disc problems throughout the spine may be referred to as a “slipped disc.” A disc cannot actually slip because of the way it attaches into the vertebrae above and below. Discs can tear, decay, bulge, or dehydrate, all of which can be serious problems. However, discs cannot slip.

A Pinched Nerve is a rare occurrence. Most likely, the pain you are experiencing is an adjacent spinal bone out of its proper alignment or not moving properly, causing localized swelling or irritation, slight compression or stretching of a nerve. These misalignments, joint fixations and subsequent nerve irritations, called vertebral subluxations, can distort the impulses being sent between the brain and the body. Any interference to these nerve signals can produce disorders in their associated tissues and organs.