Frequently Asked Questions in Hoover AL

"Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health." _{The Association of Chiropractic Colleges}

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is subluxated, "locked up", or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to improve spinal function, nervous system function, and health.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate impulse. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient safely.

Spinal problems neglected from early childhood, may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These longstanding problems are often associated with muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.

Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find that a schedule of preventative visits is helpful in the maintenance of good health.

Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their ache or pain becomes unbearable. While this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and time-consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.

The benefits of Chiropractic Care can truly be limitless, but the key benefits include increased mobility and range of motion, pain relief without medication or surgery and strengthening of your spine. It also can help relieve migraine headaches, prevent ear infections, reduce inflammation, increase blood flow and so much more!

As with any type of medical treatment, there is a chance there are some risks associated with it. In some cases, there can be increased pain for someone who had a severe injury to the spine or has a rare underlying medical condition, however, research and experience has shown the benefits far outweigh the risks of chiropractic care.

Chiropractic adjustments are typically painless. Some patients may feel slight discomfort during their first few adjustments as their body gets used to the technique. You may feel a little soreness after, similar to how you would after a workout.

My Chiropractor is a care plan based clinic, which is the reason we don’t take walk in’s. Dr. Craig wants to get to know the patient, not just the condition, before he starts any treatment. Most of our patients are here long term by choice, and get adjusted regularly whether that is once a week or once a month! If you are looking for a quick fix for a new ache, we may not be a good fit; but if you are looking for a Chiropractor that will not only get you feeling better, but keep you feeling better for the long haul – then My Chiropractor is the one for you!

Absolutely! Pregnancy can put a lot of stress on the spine and hips. Dr. Craig has worked with many pregnant women over the years helping to reduce pressure and keep the spine aligned as the body shifts and changes throughout your pregnancy.

Chiropractic Care itself is not addictive! However, many patients have said over the years that their body “knows” when they’ve skipped an adjustment!

The ‘crack’ or ‘pop’ sound you hear during an adjustment are the gases in your synovial joints being released. Endorphins are also released during this process, which is why you feel so good after being adjusted!

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create a "popping" sound, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs!

The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.

Many different insurance plans do cover Chiropractic Care. In order to find out if your insurance does – we recommend you call the Member Services number on your card to see what your specific Chiropractic benefits are.

Back pain is the number one concern most Chiropractic patients have. We can help all different types of back/spinal conditions and many patients start feeling relief after their first or second adjustment!

Neck pain is the second most common concern Chiropractic patients have. Cervical kyphosis (also known as military neck, straight neck or a reverse curve) is the leading cause of neck pain, and we have several services that help this among other neck conditions.

Yes! A cervical adjustment “clears your atlas” (the top vertebrae in your neck) and releases trapped gases and endorphins. When this is done, blood flow and circulation increase, allowing your body to relieve your headache naturally.

Chiropractic care involves correcting subluxations in the spine and getting your neck and spine back in alignment so the body can heal itself, while physical therapy treats (mostly) non skeletal ailments such as muscles and ligaments surrounding the bones through strengthening exercises.

Short answer, Yes! Long answer: Many sports injuries happen to our extremities (arms and legs). Getting adjusted corrects subluxations in the spine and keeps you in alignment. It is the trickle-down effect… If your body is out of alignment, your hips may be off, which can affect your knees and feet. If you have a leg injury and you're out of alignment, your leg may not heal properly if your weight isn’t evenly distributed. Correcting your neck, spine, and then hips allow your whole body to stay aligned and thus, heal.

Absolutely! When your spine is back in alignment, your posture and balance begin to improve almost immediately.

Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor.

Many childhood health complaints that are brushed off as "growing pains" can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults.

Naturally, chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and report fewer ear infections and common illnesses.