Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic Care
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self regulating,
self-healing organism, controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves of the body.
The vertebrae, which protect the brain and nervous system, when misaligned or
subluxated, causes malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your inborn ability to be healthy. By restoring spinal
function with Chiropractic adjustments, nerve interference by misaligned vertebrae is
removed, thus allowing optimal nervous system function and normal health.
What Type of Education Do Chiropractors Get?
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is well educated with an education curriculum similar
to medical school. Special emphasis is placed on anatomy, neurology, biomechanics,
nutrition, x-ray, physiology, diagnosis, and spinal adjusting. Post graduate education
totals 4 years and demanding national and state boards must be passed.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, Chiropractic care is
"...remarkably safe." It is safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, and even aspirin.
All ages from babies to the elderly enjoy safe, effective care.
Is Chiropractic Scientific?
Research from New Zealand, Australia, the United States, England, Denmark,
and Canada have validated Chiropractic. Recently, the "Manga Report" produced
at the University of Ottawa has validated Chiropractic for it's safety, efficacy, and
cost-effectiveness for low back pain. On going research is now validating Chiropractic
and headaches, asthma, whiplash, and pre-menstraul syndromes to name a few.
Why Do Children Need Chiropractic Care?
A recent study by Nilsson in Denmark reports that children under Chiropractic care
are healthier than other children, miss less school, are more attentive and have less
need for drugs. Children with conditions such as ear-aches, colic, bed-wetting, scoliosis,
"growing pains", torticollis, and asthma respond wonderfully to Chiropractic.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?
There are 3 types of care in Chiropractic : Initial care to remove symptoms; Corrective
care to correct the cause of the underlying muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and
degenerative changes, and Wellness care. Similar to brushing teeth, tuning up your car,
or regularly visiting a dentist, wellness care is important for maintaining optimal health,
saving money, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle. How long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic
is always up to you.
Need a Referral to Visit a Chiropractor?
Absolutely not! A Doctor of Chiropractic is a primary contact physician. This means you do
not need a referral. If yours is not a Chiropractic case, a responsible Chiropractor will refer
you to the appropriate health care provider.
What are Instrument Adjusting Techniques?
The use of instrument adjusting has been an integral part of chiropractic care for over 60 years. As research and technology advance, we are uncovering the very BEST ways to achieve an effective, comfortable adjustment to optimize patient care. The ProAdjuster and Activator Methods are some of the most well proven techniques in the profession! As a patient, you will see an instant, graphed analysis on the condition of your spine at each appointment. Notice the difference before and after the adjustment – see and feel immediate results!
How does Instrument Adjusting work?
Instrument adjusting uses the latest in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations to find joint dysfunction in the spinal column and extremities. The ProAdjuster and Activator Adjusting Instruments are then used to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments, restoring the proper motion and health of the joint. Over 38,000 doctors have been trained in, and use, some form of instrument to aid adjustments. Dr. Jolly is proficiency rated in her techniques and trains continually to provide the best care possible.
How Unique is ProAdjuster in Our Area?
Mercer Wellness is proud to be one of only four chiropractic clinics in Western Washington selected to provide the advanced care that ProAdjuster delivers. This is considered the revolution in chiropractic similar to what Lasik has been to optometry. We are using technology to advance health care!
What is a Treatment with and Instrument Like?
The adjustment begins with the patient comfortably seated in a specially designed chair. The doctor then analyzes the mobility/flexibility of each spinal segment using the peizoelectric sensors in the adjusting head. These results are graphed and displayed immediately. The areas with the most restriction and disruption to the body/nervous system are then adjusted with a comfortable tapping motion from the hand-held instrument. The sensors read that segment’s status after each tap and it stops the adjustment when the joint restriction has been relieved. This makes for the PERFECT adjustment each and every time! This is a completely painless process, and the patient is relaxed the whole time. The adjustment is completed when the body is re-balanced and interferences have been cleared. Usually, during the treatment portion of your care, this can be completed within ten minutes. You’ll enjoy the relief that comes with being in alignment and allowing your body to be as healthy as possible!
Your care is our #1 Priority
Through extensive training beyond the standard intensive chiropractic education curriculum, Dr. Jolly maintains the highest quality of care and proficiency with ProAdjuster and Activator. She attends continuing education seminars annually and is a part of select international referral services offered through each technique. Her patients can be assured that they are receiving world-class care!