Frequent Ask Questions

Q. I have been told that I need major surgery for my spine. Is that my only option?
A. No. We can provide you with information about minimally invasive techniques for reduced trauma to the body, less pain and shorter recovery times.

Q. What is minimally invasive surgery?
A. These are procedures performed  through small incisions using specialized tools. There is no cutting of muscles or tendons and less exposure of internal organs, resulting in far less trauma to the body.

Q. What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?
A.  Patients experience far less pain and scarring, and enjoy a speedier recovery.

Q. What should I bring for my first visit?
A.  Please bring any x-rays or other diagnostic reports with you.

Q. Should Medical Doctors & Chiropractors Work Together?
A.  Patients need both medical physicians and chiropractic physicians. Many ailments that people experience need expert care from both disciplines. The two professions of medical doctors and chiropractic doctors working together can benefit the patient far more than just one profession alone. Medicines, as well as chiropractic, both have their limitations and areas of expertise. Working together between professions helps keep the best interest of the patients as the most important aspect of health care

Q. Are There Medical Doctors Who Refer To Chiropractors?
A.  Yes, there are many very good medical doctors who refer their patients for chiropractic care on a regular basis. For many years chiropractors and medical doctors did not agree with each other, but as time has gone on more and more medical doctors now understand and see the benefits of chiropractic care. If you have never tried chiropractic and traditional medicine has not resolved your problems ask your medical doctor to refer you for safe and effective chiropractic care.

Q. What is Chiropractic?
A. Chiropractic is a conservative and natural form of health care that concentrates on keeping people well. In fact, research has shown that patients under chiropractic care have stronger immune systems, and don't get sick nearly as much as the normal population. Doctors of chiropractic attempt to get to the cause of a health problem, rather than just treat the symptoms. The primary focus of chiropractic is the detection, reduction and correction of spinal misalignment (subluxations) and nervous system dysfunction. .

Q. What are some of the positive effects of a Chiropractic adjustment on the human body?
A.  The chiropractic adjustment helps to release endorphins (pain-killers) to alleviate the pain. It helps to improve motion to the spine. Motion in turn improves circulation and delivery of nutrients to the discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Motion helps in the oxygenation to the tissues and nerves reducing pain. An adjustment helps in the lubrication of joints. It helps to relax muscles that are in spasm. The adjustment helps to disperse toxic chemicals resulting from inflammation and tissue congestion. It helps to reduce pressure and swelling on nerve roots as they exit the spine. The chiropractic adjustment helps to slow down the degenerative process by improving health to joints and helps to decompress discs when swelling and inflammation occur.

Q. How does chiropractic care relieve stress?
A.  Chiropractic’s natural approach to relieving stress involves locating and correcting any interference to your body's state of good health. If bones in the spine deviate from their normal position and motion, it can limit the ability of your body to function properly and to react to other stresses you may encounter. This creates a condition called subluxation. Your chiropractor can rule out, or treat, vertebral subluxation, reducing the undue stressors on the body, mind, and spirit.

Q. Is a Chiropractor a "Real" Doctor?
A.  Yes, to receive the Doctor of Chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. A doctor of chiropractic receives education on par with medical doctors or dentists.

Q. What is the educational background of a chiropractic physician??
A.  Doctors of chiropractic are educated to offer "whole body" healing. A chiropractic physician takes 4 years of post graduate education and has to complete clinical internship followed by rigorous state and national exams. The science and clinical comparisons of medical physicians and chiropractic physicians are much the same. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care physicians. South Florida Chiropractic Physicians are supplying one-third of the primary health care in the state including health history and exams, laboratory and technical services, referral for MRI and CT studies, diagnostic x-rays, and nutritional counseling.

Q. What is the educational background of a chiropractic physician?
A.  Doctors of chiropractic are educated to offer "whole body" healing. A chiropractic physician takes 4 years of post graduate education and has to complete clinical internship followed by rigorous state and national exams. The science and clinical comparisons of medical physicians and chiropractic physicians are much the same. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care physicians. South Florida Chiropractic Physicians are supplying one-third of the primary health care in the state including health history and exams, laboratory and technical services, referral for MRI and CT studies, diagnostic x-rays, and nutritional counseling.

Q. Can Chiropractic care relieve the pain of an old injury?
A. Absolutely. Many people suffer daily with pain and stiffness from an injury that occurred years ago. The sudden impact of a car accident, a past fall, work injury, or years of improper posture can cause wear and tear on the muscles, tendons, discs, as well as misalign or jam the vertebrae of the spine, causing irritation to the nerves. As time goes on scar tissue can develop after an injury. The scar tissue limits normal function of the connective tissues and spine. The good news is that with chiropractic care old injuries can successfully be dealt with. The spine and connective tissues can be rehabilitated through spinal adjustments, muscle conditioning with physical therapy, nutritional support, and other home self-care procedures. The goal is to restore as much normal function to the injured structures in order to reduce and even eliminate nerve interference and irritation.

Q. What benefits can chiropractic care offer a patient?
A. Chiropractic care helps in the relief of pain and muscle spasms which returns normal function to the spine. Chiropractic care allows patients to achieve their optimal health by dealing with their structural and nutritional balance. Chiropractic care also allows the patient to return to their social activities sooner, experience greater productivity on the job, and aids in increased energy levels. Chiropractic care can improve relationships and improve a person’s quality of life. Chiropractic care can also help to prevent serious health conditions. Finally, chiropractic care can get car crash victims back to their pre-injury status

Q. How can I prevent whiplash injuries?
A.Since car accidents are the major cause of acceleration/deceleration injuries, defensive driving skills can help. Be sure your taillights and turn signals are working properly. Allow enough stopping distance in front of you. When you slow down or stop, always check your rearview mirror to see if the driver behind you is paying attention. Make sure your headrest in your car is in the up position to help prevent the whipping action of the head if you do end up getting in a car crash. If you are in a car crash make sure you get checked immediately by a chiropractic physician in order to prevent permanent damage from setting in.

Q. Is Chiropractic Care Safe and Effective For The Elderly?
A. Many elderly people find that regular chiropractic visits can help enhance their quality of life. Chiropractic care is covered by Medicare so that it will not become a financial burden. Many studies have shown chiropractic care to actually help reduce health care costs for the elderly. "[Elderly] chiropractic users were less likely to have been hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to report a better health status, more likely to exercise vigorously, and more like to be mobile in the community. In addition, they were less likely to use prescription drugs." Topics in Clinical Chiropractic, Coulter et al. (1996)