From Dr. Waldron: Questions I often hear in my office
Can chiropractic help me?
I see patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. Many of these conditions involve back pain, neck pain and headaches, but I also help people with a wide range of injuries and conditions involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which means that pain can be referred to other related areas of the body. But it’s important to remember that since our body structure affects our overall function, the benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues as well.
What, exactly, is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure in which I use my hands to manipulate a patient’s joints to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. The main areas of focus for this procedures are the neck and spine, but in some cases depending on the condition they can also include extremity areas such as ankles, wrists or knees. I adapt this procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient; in some cases I may use an instrument called an activator, rather than my hands. Adjustments rarely cause any discomfort and often have an immediate effect, with patients noting positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released.
How long will my chiropractic treatment last? Do I have to keep coming back?
How often you come to our office is up to you, but here’s the bottom line: The hands-on nature of the chiropractic care is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that can be done at home (for example, taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). During my report of findings following a patient examination, I recommend a course of treatment that includes how long you can expect it to last.
Can chiropractic help my (insert one of the following — or any other combination you’d like!) accident-prone child, elderly mother, disabled spouse, teen athlete?
I see patients at all ages and stages of life and with a variety of health concerns, from toddlers to senior citizens. Everyone has a spine, and chiropractic care is a safe, effective treatment with no drugs, no surgery and no side effects.
More questions? Call our office today at 425-778-9600 and schedule a consultation.
— Dr. Waldron
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