Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic
WHAT IS CHIROPRATIC?
Chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the body's main structures-the skeleton, muscles, and nerves-and the patient's health.
WHAT IS SUBLUXATION?
In the simplest terms, a subluxation (also known as Vertebral Subluxation) occurs when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) move out of position and create pressure on the spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and exit between each vertebra of your spine. The pressure and irritation on these nerves and altered joint motion cause interference that affects communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This promotes a decline in health, which results in sickness and disease. It is both the severity of the subluxation and the length of time it has been left uncorrected that determines the decline in body function.
WHAT CAUSES SUBLUXATIONS?
Subluxations are caused by STRESS, specifically three types: physical stress, chemical stress, and emotional stress. When our body is unable to continue adapting to the relentless physical, chemical, and emotional stressors, our health becomes compromised.
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Physical Stress: including car accidents, childhood falls, athletic demands and injuries, scoliosis, poor posture, chronic low back or neck pain, sustained or repetitive work postures, and even the birthing process
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Chemical Stress: including diabetes, colitis, long-term use of birth control pills, poor diet, headaches and migraines, hormonal changes, high blood pressure, and altered blood glucose levels
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Emotional Stress: including anxiety, work, school, relationships, financial issues, and the death of a loved one
When we live in a chronically stressful environment, our body undergoes significant physiological changes that affect our overall health and well-being. Chiropractors help the body combat this stress by removing subluxations and allowing the body to heal itself and restore inner balance.
Kids and Chiropractic
IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE FOR INFANTS & CHILDREN?
Yes! Chiropractic care is safe for people of all ages, including children. Infant and pediatric adjustments are very gentle and typically soothe the child. Dr. Jessica has been receiving outside training to obtain certification through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) specifically for the care of pediatrics. Her specialty and passion is for pediatrics and pregnant women!
WHY SHOULD CHILDREN GET ADJUSTED?
A lot of parents these days are searching for proactive lifestyle habits that will benefit their child's health. Chiropractic care is a great choice for preventing sickness and pains, as it allows the nervous system to function at its optimum. However, chiropractic care has also been shown to help with the following childhood conditions (and many more!):
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Ear infections and sinus infections
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Asthma, breathing difficulties, and allergies
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Headaches, scoliosis, and torticollis
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Bedwetting and constipation
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Nursing issues, colic, and reflux
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Autism and other autism spectrum disorders
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ADHD and learning disabilities
WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE THE SAME KIND OF CARE AS ADULTS?
Absolutely not! Adjusting an infant or child is performed with less force and is extremely gentle. There is no "popping" or "cracking" with an infant or young child's spine. Gentle mobilization techniques are used to mobilize their spine and joints.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE ADJUSTED?
The frequency of adjustments varies for each individual child and their conditions. A thorough consultation and examination will allow Dr. Jessica to make the best recommendations for your child's care.
Prenatal Care
IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?
Not only is chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy, it is also highly beneficial. There are no known contraindications of chiropractic care in pregnancy. We take special care of our pregnant patients and adjustments are gentle and effective for helping with the many physical complaints experienced during pregnancy.
WILL ADJUSTMENTS BE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY GROWING BELLY?
Absolutely not! At Family First Chiropractic, our tables can be adjusted to raise the pelvic piece higher so your belly can rest comfortably. The angle of the table allows the mother to comfortably face down without putting undo pressure on the baby. Many pregnant mothers say the table is so comfortable they don't want to get off once they've received their adjustment because it is the only time they can lay face down with comfort! We also have chiropractic pregnancy pillows to ensure your comfort!
WHY SHOULD I RECEIVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY?
As explained at the top of the page, there are MANY physiological changes that occur within your body in order to create the best environment for your developing baby. The following changes that occur can cause misalignments (subluxations) of the spine and joints:
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Protruding abdomen
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Weight gain
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Pelvic changes
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Postural adaptations and increased lumbar (low back) curve
Maintaining balance of the pelvis is important to allow the most room for the baby to develop. When the pelvis is misaligned, it causes restrictions called intrauterine constraint, which may make it difficult for the baby to get in the optimal position for delivery. Correcting these misalignments in the spine and pelvis reduces the risk for breeched deliveries and invasive birth procedures.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY?
There are multiple benefits of receiving chiropractic care throughout your pregnancy. The following are some benefits that have been researched and identified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA):
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Relieving many of the common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as back, neck, and joint pain
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Maintaining a healthier pregnancy
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Reducing the time of labor and delivery
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Reducing the need for medications and medical intervention
Other benefits pregnant women may experience while under chiropractic care include relief of the following: sciatica, headaches, nausea, pubic pain, hip pain, breech presentation, and general discomfort.
WHEN IN MY PREGNANCY CAN I RECEIVE CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
A pregnant mother can begin chiropractic care at any point in her pregnancy. However, it is recommended to start care early in your pregnancy to avoid or minimize the aches and pains of your pregnancy, as well as keep you and your baby as healthy as possible!