Your Chiropractic Questions Answered
/By Dr. Greg Freitag — Last Updated: November 15, 2024
As a chiropractor who likes to build rapport, I try to help my clients feel comfortable asking questions. Unfortunately, many people are afraid to ask questions. In some cases, they don’t want to be rude. In other cases, people may feel that their questions are too simplistic. Sometimes, people don’t even know what questions to ask.
Regardless, asking questions of health and wellness providers should be encouraged, and I encourage you to do so.
What follows are some of the most-asked questions accumulated so far in my years of practice. Hopefully, you find these answers enlightening. If you have additional questions, please reach out to me. I always welcome a phone call or complimentary in-person consultation, which can be set up through Green Lotus.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractors manipulate the spine and extremity joints using their hands or adjusting instruments to restore proper motion and physical function. The word chiropractic means "performed by hand."
Chiropractors also employ soft tissue mobilization, stretching, prescription of rehabilitative exercises, and therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, cold laser, electronic stimulation (e-stim), and other techniques to provide relief and promote healing.
Who can benefit from chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and conditions involving the nerves, including sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and radiculopathy (pain that radiates down your arms or legs).
Chiropractors also treat patients with sports injuries and disorders of the muscles and joints, including tendonitis and arthritis.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. The popping or cracking sound often associated with chiropractic adjustments is called "cavitation" and is caused by a release of gas within the joint being adjusted.
Some people experience soreness after a chiropractic adjustment. This side effect can be relieved by a hot bath or shower, gentle movement, stretching, or yoga poses targeting the area adjusted.
What is gentle chiropractic?
Gentle chiropractic, also known as low-force chiropractic, involves less intense techniques than traditional manual chiropractic adjustments, usually accompanied by a popping or cracking of the spine.
These methods are designed to be more comfortable and suitable for individuals sensitive to more forceful adjustments, such as children or seniors, or those who prefer a gentler approach.
Once I see a chiropractor, will I have to keep coming back for treatment?
No. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment for most musculoskeletal conditions. Typical new patient treatment plans range from 6 to 12 visits over 1 to 2 months. Patients are usually released from care after experiencing relief as the soft tissues heal and rehabilitative exercises are incorporated. Because chiropractic care helps people feel better, many patients choose to come back occasionally - like once a month or quarterly - for maintenance care, which helps prevent future injuries or irritation.
How does chiropractic care integrate with other forms of health and wellness care?
Chiropractic is an effective form of treatment for many conditions. However, it is more effective for treating chronic pain, muscular tension, and other conditions when combined with regular yoga, massage therapy, physical therapy, and acupuncture. Each of these modalities work to relieve stress and tension and balance the physical and energetic bodies of the patient, thereby making chiropractic adjustments more effective.
If patients do not experience relief from their presenting condition, chiropractors are able to order imaging such as X-rays or MRIs and refer to medical providers for other types of interventions, such as steroid injections, nerve blocks, or surgery.
What type of chiropractic care does Dr. Greg provide?
Dr. Greg specializes in the Activator Method of Chiropractic. This technique uses a specific, unique, valid, and reliable leg length analysis to determine when and where to perform a chiropractic adjustment. Using this technique, he can assess and adjust the whole body from head to toe. Dr. Greg is Advanced Proficiency rated by Activator Methods. This prestigious rating is granted to fewer than one percent of Minnesota chiropractors.
If you have any questions about chiropractic or about musculoskeletal condition, schedule a complimentary phone call, consultation of full appointment at the Green Lotus Lakeville center at 952-373-0055 or Mendota Heights at 651-319-9525.
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