Most Asked Questions

We listed the questions we are asked most often.

If you should have a question that is not answered here, please call or email us.

Is chiropractic care safe?
Absolutely!  Compared to other medical treatments, which include medication and surgery, chiropractic is by far the safest.  It is estimated that at least 140,000 people in the USA die each year from drug-related reactions and nearly 100,000 people die as result of medical errors.  Insurance companies who evaluate the risks of all professions, and charge a premium based on the risk the profession poses.  Chiropractors have by far the lowest insurance premium of all medical providers.  Even though millions of chiropractic adjustments are made each year, only a few complaints are registered.

 What is an adjustment?
A gentle, carefully placed thrust which attempts to help move vertebrae into their proper position.  Most chiropractors deliver the adjustment by hand.  Dr. Presnick uses special equipment to deliver a more precise and guaranteed accurate and painless adjustment, every time.  The purpose of his adjustment is not just to “pop the joints,” but to restore the normal flow of energy and information between your brain and your body, allowing your body to function more efficiently.

 Does the adjustment hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are not only virtually painless, they actually feel great and usually provide some relief, but in cases of a recent injury, inflamed tissue may react to adjustments and cause some discomfort.  This is where Dr. Presnick's approach has it’s greatest advantage.  His technique uses a very low force manipulation that is guaranteed NOT to further irritate inflamed muscles, tendons and ligaments, even immediately after severe trauma.  Dr. Presnick has even adjusted post-operative spinal surgery patients within hours after their surgery.

 What causes the “cracking” sound during an adjustment?
The sound is no reason to be concerned.  The sound is not coming from the bones themselves. .It's coming from a release of negative pressure in the joints, similar to the pop when you pull a suction dart off a window or mirror.  The release of this pressure is what allows the joints to move more easily after the adjustment.  Not all patients “pop” and not all adjusting techniques produce the noise, which means an adjustment can be proper and effective, even when you don’t “pop”.

 Will repeated chiropractic adjustment lead to arthritis?
There is no evidence to suggest that manipulation of the spine or other chiropractic care can lead to arthritis.  On the contrary, chiropractors often care for people with arthritis by maintaining joint health.  Motion is life when it comes to joint health.

 Is it safe to crack my own back or neck?
This question is often posed to chiropractors and concern has been raised over its safety.  While people might have the right idea by trying to relieve pressure on the joints, the "cracking" or "popping" of one's back or neck is not the same as a chiropractic adjustment.  The problem usually keeps coming back, which should be a clear indication that there has been no real adjustment.  The cause of the spinal tension has not truly been corrected.  There have been many documented instances where people have seriously injured themselves when forcefully twisting their neck or back.  Popping knuckles is one thing, but popping the joints in the spine, which surrounds the spinal cord and central nervous system, can be very dangerous.  Better to leave that to your doctor.

 Is there a minimum or maximum age for a person to receive chiropractic care?
There is no age excluded from chiropractic care.  Even babies may need to be adjusted, due to the trauma to which they are often subjected during birth.  The only way to be sure is to have them checked as soon as possible.  In Denmark, for example, Chiropractic Doctors are part of the birthing team so the babies can be checked, immediately after birth.  Children's problems should be treated early, as they interfere with nerves that control developing muscles and organs.  Abnormal stresses on cartilage growth centers that the bones grow from in a child’s rapidly developing spine can cause them to develop abnormally.  Your chiropractor can detect these problems while they're still possible to correct, if he sees your children early enough.

 Can chiropractors refer patients to other specialists?
Chiropractors are a licensed part of the entire network of health-care professionals in every state.  Like other doctors, they will make referrals for patients when necessary.  Chiropractors are trained to recognize risk factors and signs of disease that are outside their scope of practice and will not hesitate to make a referral when it's in a patient's best interest.

 Can chiropractors prescribe medication or perform surgery?
Chiropractic focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself, and for that reason they don't prescribe medication or perform invasive procedures.  Chiropractors emphasize providing your body with the right elements for self-restoration by restoring free-flowing communication between all parts of your body.

 Should chiropractic care continue even after I feel fine?
Just because symptoms disappear, does not mean your problems are corrected.  If you took the cast off a broken arm as soon as the pain stopped, you’d more than likely break it again, and injure it even worse than before.  Regular adjustments help to maintain and support a healthy spine and nervous system, which promotes more complete healing.  Maintenance or wellness spinal care programs, which may include advice on posture, nutrition and exercise, can effectively prevent future injuries and pain.  However, how you choose to use chiropractic care is ultimately up to you.  If your spine wears out, there is no solution.  Because your spine directly influences the function of your nervous system, spinal decay can permanently damage the nerves and spinal cord.  Nearly everyone flosses and brushes their teeth, even though their teeth don't hurt.  Spinal adjustments are like flossing the spine.  Lifetime care of the spine will help you stay healthier and more active throughout your life!

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