| Chiropractic Resources > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What is chiropractic?
2. How does chiropractic work?
3. What do chiropractic doctors do on each visit?
4. What type of education do chiropractic physicians get?
5. What is an adjustment?
6. What is a subluxation?
7. Does everyone need to be X-rayed?
8. Are all patients adjusted the same way?
9. Is it bad to pop your neck and back?
10. Is chiropractic safe?
11. Is chiropractic good for kids?
12. How old is too old for chiropractic help?
13. How long will I need to see a chiropractor?


1. What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is that science, philosophy, and art which deals with the inherent recuperative powers of the body to heal itself. Chiropractic deals primarily with the structure and function of the nervous system. Chiropractic is supported by science, which proves that bodies were designed for self-regulation and self-healing. The function of the nervous system is controlled by the brain and spinal cord. These structures are protected by the skull and spinal columns (vertebrae). When there is impairment in the function of the nervous system there will be a malfunction of tissues and organs throughout the body. This can be seen with pain or without pain.

return to top | close

2. How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring the natural function of joints, muscles, organs, and tissue that have malfunctioned due to impairment of the nervous system. When your body’s nervous system functions at its best with no impairment then you are capable of functioning at your maximum level of health. A common impairment seen within the nervous system is a subluxation of the spinal column. As subluxations are removed from the body, often the nervous system will function at a much higher level.

Return to top | close

3. What do chiropractic doctors do on each visit?
Chiropractic is the detection and correction of subluxations (see #6) within the body. Chiropractors use skilled techniques in the diagnosis of subluxations within the human body. After the chiropractic physician has located these areas of concern he/she will correct the structural subluxation in order for the body to function at a higher level. Today's chiropractor looks for the underlying problem within the nervous system in order to improve the functionality of the body as a whole. A high functioning nervous system can lead to the restoration of health and a full life.

Return to top | close

4. What type of education do chiropractic physicians get?
The chiropractic physician of today has a very good education based on science, skills, and philosophy. Doctors of chiropractic have a comprehensive background in anatomy, physiology, pathology, roentgenology (X-rays), spinal adjusting techniques, biomechanics, and other related subjects. To be a doctor of chiropractic one must graduate from a CCE-accredited school. To practice as a doctor of chiropractic, one must pass parts I, II, III, and IV of the National Board Examinations and a State Board Examination. A chiropractic education never really ends. Doctors of chiropractic have to take postgraduate studies in order to renew their license. Dr. Solomon is currently taking postgraduate studies to become a diplomate in the field of Chiropractic Neurology.

Return to top | close

5. What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is the use of specific forces in a precise direction applied to a joint that is subluxated (fixated). An adjustment properly aligns two adjacent bones and soft tissue so that they may function correctly. An adjustment helps to improve spinal function, neurological function, soft tissue function, and thus promote better health.

Return to top | close

6. What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a decrease in the normal position and motion of the spinal bones (vertebrae). The subluxation is made up of five components: kinesiopathology, neuropathophysiology, myopathology, histopathology, and pathophysiology. Kinesiopathology is the loss of normal motion and position. Neuropathophysiology is the impairment of the nervous system. Myopathology is the impairment of surrounding muscles. Histopathology is the swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels around the area of complaint. Pathophysiology is pathology directly related to the impairment of the subluxation. The subluxation can cause pain but not always. Subluxation is often the underlying cause of many problems.

Return to top | close

7. Does everyone need to be X-rayed?
Not everyone needs to be X-rayed. Chiropractic physicians practice with this principle in mind: “Above all, do no harm.” The benefit must outweigh the risks. The benefit of taking X-rays must outweigh the risk of not taking the X-ray and potentially doing harm to the patient. X-rays are taken only when they will help the doctor understand more clearly what will benefit the patient. X-rays are a great way to gather information without being invasive. Many times X-rays help in diagnosing what is the actual cause of the problem.

Return to top | close

8. Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. All patients are not adjusted the same way. Each patient is evaluated for his or her specific complaints and problems. The doctor of chiropractic treats each patient based on how they present on that particular day. What was good for you yesterday may not be the best for you today. We are always trying to give the best service possible to our patients. Each adjustment is specific to each patient.

Return to top | close

9. Is it bad to pop your neck and back?
Yes. It is very bad to pop your own neck or back. Many times you can turn or twist in such a way to create a popping sound, but this is usually counterproductive. By popping yourself you could actually be doing your body harm, rather than good. Damage can be seen to the ligaments and discs in the area being popped if not under the care of a chiropractic physician. Many people go to all kind of lengths to adjust themselves, but it is impossible to adjust yourself correctly with accuracy..

Return to top | close

10. Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic is extremely safe. Chiropractic has an extremely successful track record with regard to safety. Time has proven the safety of chiropractic. The education, experience, history of the patient, and examination of the patient help to make chiropractic safe and effective. There are many articles in peer reviewed journals which support the efficacy of chiropractic.

Return to top | close

11. Is chiropractic good for kids?
The reality is that most kids experience some sort of trauma that may cause spinal concerns. Learning to walk, ride a bike, play a sport, bang a knee, slip and fall—can cause spinal problems. Only a chiropractor can examine children for subluxations within the spine. Many times childhood complaints are brushed off as growing pains yet in fact are more than that. Chiropractic is good for children of all ages; many patients who understand the effects of chiropractic get their newborns checked by their chiropractor because of the trauma experienced in many births. Chiropractic adjustments are modified for children of different ages. A child’s spine is smaller and more delicate than an adult, and measures need to be taken to prevent further injury.

Return to top | close

12. How old is too old for chiropractic help?
You are never too old to benefit from chiropractic care. Newborns are adjusted as well as 98-year-old men and women. Chiropractors are taught different adjusting techniques in order to benefit all patients regardless of age and frailty. Naturally, we take special precautions with patients with special needs such as older patients with osteoporosis and/or newborn babies. Patients of all ages benefit from chiropractic care.

Return to top | close

13. How long will I need to see a chiropractor?
There are three levels of chiropractic care: palliative (soothing symptomes) care, corrective care, and preventative care. How long you need chiropractic is determined by how well you understand chiropractic. How long do you need to keep your teeth healthy? Palliative care is short and gets you out of pain, yet doesn’t correct for the structural problems that caused the pain in the first place. Corrective care is several months long and is used to correct the structural problem and strengthen the area of complaint so that the problem doesn’t come back. Preventative care is once every few months in order to prevent small problems from becoming larger ones. Preventative care is much like check ups to a medical doctor and dentist. You only get one set of teeth and one set of spinal bones, but unlike teeth, you can’t get replacements without causing further damage. Take care of the one you have.

Return to top | close