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 Chiropractors
don't cure anything - the body cures itself because of our amazing ability
to self-heal. A chiropractor adjusts segments of the spine so that the
body can get on with the job of curing or healing itself. The philosophy
first put forth by the founder of chiropractic more than 100 years ago,
Daniel David Palmer, still holds true today.
The focus of traditional medicine is on germs and blood, and treating
diseases or symptoms with chemical intervention. Chiropractic, on the
other hand, focuses on helping your nervous system perform the way it
was meant to perform.
Chiropractic treats the underlying causes and produces results
based on helping your body heal itself naturally. The doctor of chiropractic
does not compete with the traditional medical doctor, but provides non-invasive,
holistic health care.
Here, we answer some of the most common questions about chiropractic care.
However, if there is something else you need to know, please contact us
and we will be happy to answer your questions and concerns.
Q: "What is Chiropractic?"
Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts that focuses on human health
and disease processes. Doctors of Chiropractic are physicians who see
each person as an integrated being, rather than a sum of parts. They pay
particular attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects of the
human system, including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological,
vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.
Doctors of Chiropractic receive four years of academic and clinical training
in accredited chiropractic colleges. This training includes, but is not
limited to, the use of current diagnostic and therapeutic procedures -
specifically, the adjustment and manipulation of the articulations and
adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly the spinal column.
Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science and does not include
pharmaceuticals or invasive surgery.
Q: "How does Chiropractic work?"
Your brain, spinal cord and nervous system control every aspect of your
body, including all the other systems like circulatory, respiratory etc.
If the nerve links between your brain and body are blocked, hindered or
damaged, the result will be ill health.
Chiropractic seeks to maintain good connections between the nervous system
and the rest of the body, clearing the way to good health and wellness.
Chiropractors manage neuromusculoskeletal disorders and related conditions
including, but not limited to, back pain, neck pain and headaches.
Chiropractors are expert providers of spinal and other therapeutic manipulations
or adjustments. They also provide patient evaluation and recommendations
for disease prevention and health promotion through proper nutrition,
exercise and lifestyle design.
At Dr. Korchok's clinic, we focus on the total package of your health
and wellness. Ask us for more details on how you can live your life more
healthfully.
Q: "Is Chiropractic safe?
Many government studies the world over have shown over and over again
that chiropractic adjustments are remarkably safe. By avoiding drugs and
irreversible surgery, chiropractic care has an excellent track record
for lifelong wellness, strength and vitality. Adjustments are about 100
times safer than taking an over-the-counter medication.
At Dr. Korchok's clinic, we emphasize patient knowledge and education.
We are happy to provide information, assistance and materials to help
you take responsibility for your own recovery and health.
Q: "Do I have a slipped disc?"
A so-called slipped disc is a common way to refer to a wide variety of
disc problems. However, a disc cannot slip because of the way it attaches
to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc, which has a fibrous outer
ring, holds in a jelly-like material and is like a shock absorber in the
spinal area. It can bulge, tear, herniate, thin, dry out or collapse.
But it can't slip.
Dr. Korchok is experienced in determining what the problem is, and how
to correct it.
Q: "Do I have a pinched nerve?"
Not likely. Usually, an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs
or chafes a nerve. This distorts the messages sent between the brain and
body and can produce unhealthy alterations to the tissues and organs connected
by the affected nerves.
Q: What is a subluxation?"
A subluxation is an area of the spine that doesn't move properly. It occurs
when spinal bones become misaligned or lose their normal range of function,
and can stress the entire nervous system. The subluxation may involve
just one vertebra (segment of the spine) or a number of vertebrae.
Dr. Korchok's objective is to identify and correct the abnormalities
of the spine so the nervous system is restored to a normal function.
Q: "How do you get subluxations?"
Physical causes of subluxations include slips, falls, accidents, repetitive
motions, improper lifting or body mechanics and sports injuries. Emotional
causes of subluxations include stress, anger, fear. Other causes can include
alcohol, drugs, pollution, poor diet, poor sleeping habits, poor posture,
obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Q: "How do I know if I have a subluxation?"
You can have a subluxation and not know it. Dr. Korchok can provide a
thorough chiropractic examination to show the location and severity of
any subluxations you may have. In many cases, subluxations can be present
before any symptoms or warning signs occur. One of the first subluxations
in your life probably occurred during the birth process, which puts tremendous
pressure on the spine.
Q: "Can a subluxation clear up on its own?"
Sometimes. Our bodies are able to self-correct many of the minor problems
that occur during our hectic lifestyles. When subluxations don't resolve
themselves, Dr. Korchok can start you on the road to recovery. He treats
subluxations with a healing technique called a spinal adjustment, which
involves applying specific thrusts to return vertebrae to their proper
position and motion.
Q: "What is an adjustment?"
Spinal joints that are locked up or not moving right can affect your
health by irritating nearby nerve tissue. Chiropractic adjustments add
motion to these areas and help restore nervous system integrity and aid
the healing process. In performing an adjustment, Dr. Korchok may deliver
a quick, accurate thrust to a fixated spinal joint. Other times, he will
use a slow, constant pressure. Several areas of the spine may be adjusted,
or just one area. The key is to deliver the precise amount of energy to
the exact spot, in the right direction to get the spinal joints moving
properly again.
Q: "What does an adjustment feel like?"
After the initial thrust, patients report improved mobility, ease of
pain and tension, and a sense of calm and well being. Dr. Korchok is an
expert at making adjustments comfortable and effective. Most adjustments
are completely painless. If you've had an injury, however, adjustments
many irritate inflamed tissue and cause some discomfort. Discussing your
injury with Dr. Korchok will help you understand the chirorpractic process,
and his role in helping you heal.
Q: "What makes that "popping" sound during an adjustment?"
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. During an
adjustment, the gas and fluids in the joint shift, making a popping or
cracking sound. It's like opening a champagne bottle or removing a suction
cup. It's interesting, but the sound doesn't reflect the quality of the
adjustment.
Q: "Can I adjust myself?"
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not
an adjustment. Adjustments are specific and take years of experience to
master. Even Dr. Korchok must consult a colleague to receive an adjustment
for himself.
Q: "Are all Chiropractic adjustments the same? "
No. Each patient is treated in a way that is unique, with a plan designed
for his or her individual care. There are 24 moving bones in the spine,
each of which can move in seven different directions - so there are many
different spinal patterns. Each patient's care is based on individual
needs, age, condition and health goals. Dr. Korchok is experienced in
developing individual treatment programs for optimum health and wellness.
Q: "How many treatments will I need?"
Treatments are designed for individual needs. Some patients report progress
in a few visits, while in chronic cases, treatment could take months.
A treatment schedule depends on your particular condition, health care
goals and rate of healing. After patients get the relief they want, many
choose to continue with chiropractic care to support the final stages
of healing and resolve or prevent new problems from developing.
Chiropractic care helps maintain a healthy spine and nervous system.
Regular checkups can help ensure that stresses on the spine don't develop
into major problems. At Dr. Korchok's clinic, we offer the very best care
and you decide how much you need and want.
Q: "Will I have to go for the rest of my life?"
Some patients experience immediate relief, while others may needs weeks
or months to recover and heal. Many factors can affect the healing process.
How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping up with regular appointments?
Are you getting proper rest, nutrition and exercise? Do you smoke? Are
you in good condition?
Within a short period of time, most patients achieve enough progress
to make a difference in their lives - you and Dr. Korchok will work together
to achieve your health care goals.
Q: "Who can Chiropractic help?"
Chiropractic is safe and effective for people of all ages, shapes, sizes
and conditions. From newborns to seniors, for those with special needs,
even those who have experienced back surgery, chiropractic can be part
of your lifelong blueprint for overall health and wellness.
Q: "Do adjustments help newborns and children?"
Childbirth can affect an infant's spine and cause subluxations. It's
best to treat these subluxations early before other problems develop.
Preliminary studies show that colic, excessive crying, poor appetite,
ear infections, breathing problems, allergies or erratic sleeping patterns
can be signs of spinal distress. Detecting and correcting childhood problems
can help avoid problems later in life. At Dr. Korchok's clinic, pediatric
adjustments are gentle, and tailored to fit a newborn's or child's size,
weight and specific spinal condition or problem.
Q: "Can adjustments help someone who's had back surgery?"
Yes. Dr. Korchok will focus on any instability above or below the involved
area of your spine - instability that is often caused by surgical modification
of the spine.
Q: "Are adjustments safe for someone with osteoporosis?"
Absolutely. There are many ways to adjust the spine and Dr. Korchok will
choose the method best suited to your age, size and condition. He will
also work with you to develop a nutritional and exercise plan that will
help offset the effects of osteoporosis.
Q: "Will I receive any medication for my pain?"
No. Chiropractic is a natural form of health care. Spinal manipulation,
chiropractic's primary treatment, is used instead of drugs or surgery
to promote the body's natural healing process. The word "chiropractic"
is derived from the Greek words "cheir" and "praktkos,"
meaning "done by hand."
Based on an extensive study of all currently available care for low back
problems, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research - a federal government
research organization - recommends spinal manipulation as the only safe
and effective, drugless form of initial professional treatment for acute
low back problems in adults.
Q: " What if my insurance company doesn't cover Chiropractic?"
Talk to us. Your health affects everything you do, and only you can place
a value on your own health, well being and happiness. If your insurance
company or a third party doesn't cover your health care costs, we will
be happy to work out a payment plan that suits you, and make your chiropractic
care an affordable choice in your life.
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