908 Waukegan Rd.
Glenview, IL 60025
847.657.8686
847.657.8661 fax

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic and how does it work?

Chiropractic is based on the principle that the human body is designed to heal itself, if obstacles to healing are removed.

The central nervous system, made up of the brain, the spinal cord, and all the nerves of the body, control all the body's functions, including the important ability to heal. When the vertebrae that protect the spinal cord are misaligned through injury or other condition, it interferes with the function of the nervous system, inhibits mobility, and causes pain or discomfort. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

Chiropractic is the science of locating the vertebral subluxation (or part of the spine that is out of alignment), and the art of making adjustments to realign the spine so that the dysfunction is corrected, the nervous system is no longer impaired, and the body can return to normal.

When the body's spinal function is improved, the nervous system's function is also improved. Since chiropractic care focuses on improving nervous system function as a whole, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions that are not commonly thought of as "back" problems.

Chiropractic care stresses natural healing without the use of drugs or surgery.

What type of education does a Doctor of Chiropractic have?

After undergraduate studies, a student of chiropractic completes an additional four-year curriculum of over 4500 college classroom hours of health sciences, emphasizing anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, and spinal adjusting techniques. To graduate with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree, each candidate must pass the National Board Examination. Then candidates apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass another exam before being granted the privilege to practice.

Licensing involves completing a minimum of six years of college study, and a clinical internship at an institution accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency of the U.S. Department of Education. To maintain a chiropractic license, doctors must complete yearly continuing education requirements.

Is chiropractic care right for me?

Chiropractic care is a natural way to better health. Because chiropractic treatment uses a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or drugs, it is actually safer than back surgery, muscle relaxers, or even ordinary medications such as aspirin.

There are three types of primary care physicians today: the Medical Doctor, MD; the Doctor of Osteopathy, DO; and the Doctor of Chiropractic, DC. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose conditions and ailments throughout the body, and treat the patient if the problem falls within the scope of chiropractic.

Your chiropractor will perform a thorough case history and examination before any course of care is administered. If the examination reveals areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan with you.

If the condition cannot be effectively treated with chiropractic, the doctor will refer you to the appropriate care provider.

What is an adjustment?

Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to apply specific force to the spine or extremities in a precise direction to correct joint disfunction. This is called an adjustment. An adjustment adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and range of motion.

The purpose of adjustment is to achieve improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. Most commonly, the doctor's hands are used to deliver a brief and accurate thrust. There are also specially designed instruments used for adjustment. Some methods are quick, while others require constant, slow pressure. The chiropractor is highly skilled in delivering adjustments with a variety of methods.

Regardless of the technique used in adjustment, chiropractic care is individually tailored to each individual's condition, age, and spinal problem.

Can I adjust myself?

Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs. To achieve the healthful benefits of chiropractic, you should only receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, so it is impossible to adjust oneself. Even your doctor seeks out the services of another colleague to help maintain and restore his or her own proper spinal function.

Do children need chiropractic care?

Chiropractic can help with scoliosis and many other childhood health problems. Regular chiropractic check-ups can identify these problems and avoid many health complaints in later life.

Am I too old for chiropractic care?

Regardless of age, chiropractic care can improve overall health, improve mobility, and maintain vitality. The adjustment technique used for seniors is modified for maximum comfort and results.

Can I help speed the healing process?

Unfortunately there are no shortcuts to make your body's natural healing process work faster. But you can do several things to assist in the recovery process.

Practice good posture. Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Your doctor may suggest specific exercises to help retrain the muscles that are responsible for supporting your spine.

Get enough rest. Sleep is very important to the healing process, but you should avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Proper nutrition is more important that ever when you're trying to heal. Eat balanced meals, and if you have a weight problem, now is a good time to lose weight and reduce unnecessary spinal stress. Your doctor may suggest a special nutritional plan according to your needs.

And finally, follow your chiropractor's care plan. It's important to keep your recommended appointments if you want to achieve optimum health.