FAQs in Petaluma

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. They use a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments or instrumented assistance adjustments, to help alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing. The goal of chiropractic care is to help the body heal itself without the use of surgery or medication.

1. Chiropractic care is a form of traditional medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. The practitioners of this form of care are called chiropractors. We use a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments and instrumented assistance adjustments such as activator, to help alleviate pain, improve function, and promote healing. The goal of chiropractic care is to help the body heal itself without disruption of any external factor that may hinder the natural healing processes.
2. Chiropractors know that the body has the ability to adapt, heal itself and that the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, plays a crucial role in this process. When the spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves, causing pain, discomfort and other symptoms. By using different techniques and adjustments, we aim to correct these misalignments that distort nerve function and improve the adaptability of the nervous system. Once the nervous system begins to adapt and return to its normal state of well-being, many people begin to see their symptoms disappear.
3. Chiropractic care is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, digestive issues, and other conditions related to the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors may also provide advice on lifestyle changes, such as exercise and nutrition, to help improve overall health and well-being.

Chiropractors are considered neuro-musculoskeletal doctors. Chiropractors are well trained in the treatments and diagnosis of any neuro-musculoskeletal related disorders. Disorders such as: Cervical and lumbar radiculopathies, herniated discs, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylolisthesis, piriformis syndrome, tension type headaches, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, and migraines.

Every chiropractor is different, but we all have the same goal and that is to improve people's lives. A chiropractor will consult with someone, do an analysis such as postural and x-rays, history, orthopedic and neurological examinations, educate, diagnose, and create a proper treatment plan. A chiropractor usually will adjust by hand only, but some will use instrumented techniques such as activator or torque release technique, or a soft tissue approach. Please understand that soft tissue work is a physical therapy technique and not pure chiropractic. It can be used in conjunction with chiropractic to enhance the healing process of the human body.

Chiropractors may be very useful for the majority of people when it comes to neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. A study was conducted by blue cross and blueshield that showed it saved an average of 40% on health care costs. Another study showed that it led to a 60% decrease in spinal surgeries and produced more favorable outcomes. Chiropractic is the largest alternative form of healthcare in the world, that being said; it is safe to say that American medical association and insurance companies understand that chiropractors play an integral part in the health, wellness, and prevention of long term issues. Even if you are not dealing with pain based issues, chiropractic is now known to improve athletic performance, improve immune system response, and balance people's mood. Everyone that walks the face of this earth should be adjusted on occasion.

1. Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Studies have found that manual adjustments, a primary technique used by chiropractors, can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions. For example, a systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation was an effective treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain.
2. Additionally, chiropractic care has also been found to be safe and cost-effective when compared to other forms of treatment. A study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that patients who received chiropractic care for low back pain had fewer symptoms, higher satisfaction, and lower costs compared to those who received medical care. Another study found that patients who received chiropractic care for neck pain had fewer symptoms, higher satisfaction and lower costs compared to those who received physical therapy.
3. Overall, the research suggests that chiropractic care is a safe and effective form of treatment for a variety of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and can be a viable alternative or complementary to other forms of treatment.

Chiropractors are safe. We pay some of the lowest malpractice insurance rates; meaning the risk of chiropractic care causing harm is amongst the lowest in all healthcare professions. 1-100 million adjustments world wide may cause harm to an individual and usually that individual has pre-existing conditions that warrant other treatments in conjunction with chiropractic care.

Rarely. Majority of people experience general soreness as if they did a hard workout.

This really depends on a few different factors, with the first being the duration you've been dealing with the issue at hand. The second being the severity of the issue, and the actual underlying cause of your symptoms. Most people always begin with 12 visits because that is the average number of visits it will take to become pain free. An additional amount of visits may be recommended based on your progress exam.

We pride ourselves on being welcoming and laid back compared to the normal atmosphere of a doctors office. We want everyone to feel like they're walking into a positive environment that feels down to earth. Everyone always says they hate the white coat sterile atmosphere and they appreciate we keep everything relaxing and enjoyable for all. Read our reviews, you'll notice everyone states we have some of the best adjusting skills and we get results.

Google chiropractor near me. Location is ideal, but not always worth it. Quality of care is what you should be seeking out, not by location. Look at reviews and reputation of the chiropractor.

Diversified, Gonstead, Activator Methods, Drop-table, Upper cervical chiropractic care, and Torque Release technique.

Chiropractors do not treat anything. We simply find the cause of the issue in the spine, adjust the spine, and allow the body to begin healing. If we are going to say we treat disorders then we can positively state we are good at helping neck pain, back pain, vertigo, migraines, headaches, ringing in the ears, digestive problems, and balance issues.

Yes! The spine houses the most pain receptors in the body, which is why when adjusting the spine we see people symptomatically improve over the course of care.

TMJ, shoulder pain, wrist pain, ankle pain, knee pain, carpal tunnel, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, and sciatica.

Yes, we take specific measures before adjusting. Most adjustments are less forceful, specific, and safe. Chiropractic is known for improving quality of life while going through pregnancy and decreases labor time by 50% according to the international chiropractic pediatrics and pregnancy association.

Majority of people say "No", but when you're already in pain then the adjustment may sting initially. When people are not in pain the adjustment does not hurt.

Majority of people are adjusted in similar fashions but there are some changes when it comes to the adjustment itself such as line of drive and contact point. Some people need an adjustment in an area that will stimulate the spine in a way to decrease general ache or soreness. Some people are adjusted in ways to provide space to the joints to decrease unspecified neurological issues such as sharp shooting pain, tingling, numbness, and burning sensations.

There is no guarantee, but there are some instances where people have zero back pain after 8-12 visits.

No. Anyone who states they self adjust are not truly adjusting anything. They simply have a hypermobility issue that allows them to self crack, but they are not specifically getting the area that truly needs to move.

Not in our office, unless you have a question about a skin issue. Some office require you to put on a gown that exposes your back which is valid for their analysis and technique.

1. Year One: The coursework in the first year focuses on basic sciences. Students learn intricate details of the anatomy and physiology of the human body at a professional doctoral level. Students also receive opportunities at hands-on learning, including receiving instruction on how to palpate and assess the spine and the basics of chiropractic technique.
2. Year Two: Students apply the science to the function and assessment of the human body. More chiropractic technique and examination skills are added to the curriculum, as are patient communication and business skills. Students are introduced to the clinic and begin to apply what they've learned in the classroom.
3. Year Three and beyond: Students are applying everything they've learned in the classroom to real people in a clinical setting. In the third year, students are taught advanced techniques. They have the opportunity to narrow in on the specialties of their choosing, and more coursework related to the business of running a chiropractic office is offered.
4. After chiropractic college, many people like myself spend time going to technique seminars, educational seminars, and we have to do 24 hours of continuing education per a year to obtain our license.