If you should have a question that is not answered here,
please call (206) 522-6339 or email
your questions to
Dr. Fox
.
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 evaluate the risks of all professions, and charge a premium based
on the risk the profession poses. Chiropractors have by far the lowest
insurance premium of all medical providers. Even though thousands of
chiropractic adjustments are made each year, only a few complaints are
registered. Moreover, at Fox Chiropractic Inc. we specialize in the most widely used "low force" chiropractic method, Activator Technique. Any risks are minimized due to the light force of the activator adjusting instrument.
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What
is an adjustment?
An adjustment is a force to adjust your vertebra back into position, effectively restoring spinal motion. It resets the muscles to function normally and freely, so that your body can heal in the correct pattern of motion.
The Activator instrument deliveres a controlled, light, and fast thrust. This results in an oscillatory response in the spinal tissue. "It is estimated that there may be up to 144 different frequencies of vertebral oscillatory motion in each individual in any posture". The adjustment is designed to affect the nervous system and its reflex mechanisms. It is not simply a method of moving bones, however vertebral motion is effectively restored.
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What
is a subluxation?
Subluxation refers to a spinal bone (vertebra) that is not moving correctly moving in its normal range of motion. This distoration impairs the function of nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affects the
function of tissues and cells throughout your body. The body's natural ability
to heal itself is greatly improved when the subluxation is corrected.
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Does
the adjustment hurt?
Our Activator adjustments are painless. They actually feel great
and relieving. It may take a while to respond to the adjustment. Activator adjustments are so quick and controlled that your body's muscles do not tighten. We also utilize muscle massage techniques either before or after the adjustment to speed your body's recovery.
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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.
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Is
it safe to crack my own neck or back?
This question is often posed to chiropractors, and concern has been raised over 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
has not been corrected. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him/herself. You
should not try to do it yourself either.
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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. 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're easy to correct.
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Can
chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Dr. Fox has well established relationships with other healthcare professionals. Like other
doctors, she will make referrals for patients when necessary. Like all chiropractors,
she is trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside
her scope of treatment and will not hesitate to make a referral when
it's in a patient's best interest.
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Can
chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Chiropractors believe in the body's ability to heal itself and for that reason
we don't prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures. We focus on
providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring
free-flowing communication between all parts of your body and recommending healthful lifestyle habits that are congruent with optimum health.
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Should
chiropractic care continue even after I feel fine?
Chiropractors are trained to detect problem areas in your spine before they
develop into overt conditions or symptoms. When symptoms disappear,
it does not mean your subluxations are corrected. Regular adjustments help to
maintain and support a healthy spine and nervous system. Maintenance or wellness
spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition, and
exercise, can effectively prevent pain. However, how you choose to use
chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. If your spine wears
out, there is no solution. Because your spine directly influences the function
of your nervous system, spinal decay permanently damages the nerves and spinal
cord. Nearly everyone flosses and brushes their teeth even though their teeth
don't hurt. Spinal adjustments are like flossing the spine. Lifetime care of
the spine should be a priority!
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