FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Answered for You

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC WORK?

Chiropractic works because the body is a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by the nervous system (brain & spinal cord). Millions of instructions flow from the brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if the body is working right. Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine causing joint restriction can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve health and function.

WHAT IS AN ADJUSTMENT?

Chiropractic adjustments usually involve a quick thrust that helps add motion to joints that aren't moving properly. Dr. Jess uses her hands, instrumentation, a special table or the force of gravity to aid in the adjustment.

HOW DO YOU ADJUST AN ANIMAL?

The word “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek meaning “To perform with the hands”. Adjusting an animal is somewhat similar to being adjusted by a human chiropractor in that, once Dr. Jess finds an area that has either decreased or restricted motion, the she applies a low force, quick impulse or ‘thrust’ to a specific area of a joint, in a specific direction or angle, thereby restoring normal movement. Dr. Jess knows animal anatomy very well and adjust specific joint segments using special techniques created for the species.

DO ADJUSTMENTS HURT?

It is possible to feel discomfort both during and after an adjustment. Depending on how severe the injury, the muscles may be spasmed, causing some discomfort as they are stretched. There may be some associated soreness after the treatment.

ARE ADJUSTMENTS DANGEROUS?

Adjustments are very safe as long as your chiropractor does a comprehensive exam. Some sources say that adjusting the highest bones of the neck may cause damage to arteries in the area and cause a stroke. In humans, the estimated risk of serious injury after neck manipulation is 1 in 2 million manipulations (Dabbs V, Lauretti WJ. J Manip Physiol Ther 1995 (oct); 18 (8): 530-6). To make a comparison, in the year 2000 a study by the Institute of Medicine found that between 44,000 and 98,000 Americans die each year from medical mistakes (Charatan F. Brit Med J 2000 (4 mar); 320:597). A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe."

ARE X-RAYS REQUIRED?

Maybe. When clinically indicated x-rays may make help diagnose a condition that may be causing problems. X-rays are almost always necessary after an accident or trauma; in this case they are used to rule out fracture, confirm injury, etc. Dr. Jess will refer to your primary doctor as needed. You are always welcome to bring in previous imaging .

HOW LONG DOES MY ANIMAL NEED TO BE OFF?

Sometimes the animal may require a day or two of rest depending on exam findings and activity level. Each animal is evaluated on an individual basis and the Dr. Jess will provide you with the best course of action that is right for your animal.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and your goals. Many sense progress within a few visits. Visits become less often as the spine regains proper motion and function. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years. It is also important to remember that all pets are different and respond at different rates. Years of wear and tear on the body cannot be corrected overnight, it takes time to function at full potential.

CAN PATIENTS WITH OSTEOPOROSIS BE TREATED WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

Yes. When developing a care plan, Dr. Jess considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

CAN ONE HAVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE AFTER BACK SURGERY?

Yes, once clear by the primary doctor. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be Dr. Jess's focus for your chiropractic care.

WHAT IF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DOESN’T WORK?

If we're unable to find and correct the cause of the particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Our patients health and wellness is our primary goal.

DO CHIROPRACTORS BELIEVE IN MEDICINE AND SURGERY?

Yes. There is a time and place for everything. Chiropractic should strongly be considered prior to surgery.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Cost varies depending on the patient and their needs. Aspen Chiropractic & Wellness offers packages, cash discounts and referral rewards. Click here for more information. Please note fees are subject to change and vary based on location.

COMMON SAYINGS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC ARE:

Chiropractors treat bones that are “Out of Place”. The truth; Chiropractors are distinctive in that they adjust joints that are not moving correctly, and the examination and adjustment of these joints ALWAYS remains within the normal range of joint motion. Among chiropractic professionals, the term “subluxated’ may be used, referring to the complex functional entity involving these specific areas of joint restriction, often involving soft-tissue changes, nerve irritation, etc. True ‘bones out of place’, or medically luxated joints(or dislocations), can be manipulated back ‘in place’, but a trained animal chiropractor refers these patients to their veterinarian for emergency care.

Chiropractors “Crack Backs”. The truth; The noise you might hear during a chiropractic adjustment, especially in humans, is called a cavitation. Joints are surrounded by a strong capsule and the joint space is filled with fluid for lubrication. If separated slightly, as in a chiropractic adjustment, tiny bubbles escape from the fluid creating a “pop” noise. This is NOT the bones cracking; this cavitation does not always happen, and is NO indication as to the effectiveness of the adjustment. Cavitation is uncommon when treating animals as their joint physiology is different than humans.

AND FOR THE SKEPTICS

'I don't believe in chiropractic'

While chiropractic is unique and different, it certainly isn't something that you have to "believe in". Chiropractic, like gravity, works whether you believe in it or not. Instead, chiropractic produces results because it acknowledges scientifically confirmed facts:

The nervous system controls everything in your body. Nerve impulses flow from the brain, down the spinal cord where nerves branch off to every organ and tissue. Impulses sent back to the brain confirm that the body is functioning normally. The bones of the spine can have dsyfunction and interfere with this exchange of communication by irritating the corresponding nerves. Dysfunction and ill health will result from a compromised nervous system. Chiropractic care removes the interference and helps restore the integrity of the nervous system thereby promoting health and healing.

'If you start, you have to go the rest of your life'

You don't have to do anything you don't want to. But if you're like most, spinal hygiene is new to you. Your pet's spine, just like your teeth, need ongoing care at some level or problems and decay will inevitably begin again just as before care began. Would you go to the dentist to get your cavities filled and not maintain some level of care? If you don't what will happen?

'Chiropractic results are all in your head'

This is a convenient claim made by critics who have chosen to overlook convincing proof to the contrary. Being "all in your head" implies the power of suggestion. Yet, chiropractic results have been experienced by newborns, infants, pets and others for whom the power of suggestion isn't possible! Many objective diagnostic tests show improvement after chiropractic care. There's no question that the power of suggestion can be an important ally in the healing process. However, it can't begin to explain the millions of clients who have been helped with chiropractic care. Turst us your pet will know, it's not all in your head.

'Chiropractic will wear out the joints'

Actually it is just the opposite, chiropractic care can help prevent joints from wearing out! Using car tires as an example, if they are mis-aligned, they will wear down faster and unevenly. Getting the tires of your car realigned will add life to your tires and car. The same is true for the joints in your body. When a spinal bone loses proper motion and/or position, the degenerative process sets in. With proper position and motion, the joints will be well "lubricated" and should offer a lifetime of friction-free movement without decay.

'Don’t let a chiropractor adjust the neck, it can cause a stroke'

Those in the medical profession who make this statement either have unknowingly been misinformed or they choose to spread misleading and inaccurate information. It was discovered in a study that the claims of injury were the result of non-chiropractors performing manipulation of the spine. These included a medical doctor, a naturopath, a physiotherapist, an Indian barber, a wife and the individuals themselves. None of which are properly trained to evaluate the need for or perform an adjustment.

According to data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics, even including the incidents by those not trained, the mortality rate from stroke in the chiropractic patient population is less than half that of the general population. So, we could conclude that by having chiropractic care, your chances of having a stroke are reduced by more than 50%.