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FAQ

How does chiropractic care work?

Chiropractic helps to remove postural imbalances and structural misalignments that can accumulate in our bodies over time. Our spines change and develop problems just like our teeth, eyes and heart. Left unchecked, these changes may lead to pain, stiffness or other more serious problems.

The nervous system is a key part of your body. It is the communication system between your brain and all of your body's muscles, organs and tissues. For your body to remain healthy, your nervous system must function well. For your nervous system to function well, it must be free of interference. The spine is the most common site of nervous interference because nerves travel from the spinal cord through openings on either side of the spine to get to all of your cells and organs. Each of us is born with the ability to heal and recover from illness. Our bruises heal, cuts mend and common colds are overcome. Your nervous system regulates this inborn healing ability.

Think of your brain as a central command post sending and receiving information through telephone wires (your nerves), which branch out to connect all areas of a city (your body). A short circuit in a wire cuts off communication just like misalignments in your spine can put pressure on the nerves. This pressure interferes with your nervous system, affects your ability to self-heal and may prolong injury or illness.

The customized care you receive from Dr. Allen can help to improve your posture, muscle balance and mobility. It can also restore the integrity of your nervous system and get rid of pain quickly, so you can get back to feeling good today!

Is chiropractic effective?
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and effective. Scientific evidence proving that chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems. The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.

Why should I see a Chiropractor?

From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, children to seniors, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Many people see a chiropractor for back, neck or other joint problems. Still others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition. Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and heart. Yet, we take the spine - a crucial component of our body - for granted. Call our office today because regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.

What can I expect from my visit to see Dr. Allen?

  • As a licensed practitioner, it is Dr. Allen's duty to do the following:
  • A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.
  • You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.
  • In certain situations, an X-ray may be used to confirm the history and examination findings and to investigate for the presence of any underlying bone conditions or pathological developments.
  • A diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a chiropractic problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.
  • A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
  • Your response to treatment is monitored by Dr. Allen, who looks for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health. Two of the basic components of chiropractic care are wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve your overall well-being and promote active, patient-centered care.

What results can I expect from treatment?

That depends on your condition. The length of time you have had the problem, your age and the degree of your disability all affect the length of your treatment. Dr. Allen should be able to give you an estimate of the extent of relief you should receive from the recommended treatment and how long you can expect it to last. One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quick results. Individual cases vary and chronic conditions obviously need more treatment. However, Workers' Compensation Board studies show that people with low back pain return to work much faster with chiropractic care.

Why should I come back if I'm feeling fine?

Many times when your spine is misaligned and not functioning at its best, the symptoms you may eventually feel won't show up until degenerative damage is done. Degenerative arthritis, to name just one condition, progresses "silently" and only becomes symptomatic when you've had a fall or trauma. Then you may take much longer to recover than if you'd corrected the spinal misalignment. If you are feeling fine-that's great news. You should come back so we can check if you are in good balance or if there is something there that could cause you to get your painful symptoms back again very soon.

Do you adjust kids as well?

Of course we do and we love it! Kids are so enjoyable to work with because their spines are more flexible and most often respond to treatment much faster than spines that have hardened into adulthood. Would you rather work with a new package of clay that's easy to mold into something you need or want, or try to do the same thing with a stick of clay that has been left out in the air and allowed to harden? Isn't the soft, pliable play dough found in an unopened can much more easy to work with and mold into something you want than a can whose lid has been left off and allowed to dry and harden? If you know a kid with a spinal problem, get them in here before what they are dealing with becomes much more difficult to help.