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Inside Chiropractic FAQ
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What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially your spine, and the nerves extending from your spine to the rest of the body). 

 

"Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs, chemicals, or surgery, but by locating and adjusting an area of the body (the spine and/or extremities) which is functioning improperly.  In those cases where cooperative care is necessary, Dr. Lommell has a valuable referral network of medical doctors and other specialists that he refers to, and refer patients to him.

 

According to Dr. Lommell, "The only competition we have is with sickness and disease.  My primary goal is to get our patients back to a healthy and pain-free lifestyle as soon as possible, and I know that working with the medical profession is the best way to do that".

 

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is traditionally thought of to relieve low back pain, research studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as whiplash injuries, migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and thoracic outlet syndrome; among many others.

 

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. You may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds, and also hear several 'cracks' as the pressure/stress is relieved from the joints.  One treatment that can cause some discomfort - trigger point management - is required in certain cases, but the necessity of this treatment, and the results that it provides, will be discussed in detail before beginning treatment.

 

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.  Recent studies have demonstrated that chiropractic manipulation is 600-2,000 times safer than over the counter anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS like ibuprofen) and over 10,000 times safer than surgery.  Current research calculates the risk of serious complications from a neck adjustment at 1.5 in 1 million treatments.

 

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

 

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing we will do is have you complete some paperwork to ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. We will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.  Once the paperwork is completed, Dr. Lommell will sit down with you and discuss in more detail those things he finds may contribute to your present condition.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with Dr. Lommell's clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. Additional tests, depending on your condition or suspected problems, may be performed, including leg length x-rays, foot/ankle tests, range-of-motion or strength examinations, grip strength, or hand/foot sensory tests.  All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital for us to evaluate your problem and provide you with the information you need to decide on the proper care path you should take.

 

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Lommell Chiropractic also offers nutritional supplements for a number of maladies (see Nutritional Supplements).  Also, we offer post-surgical rehabilitation, trigger point management, customized rehabilitation programs, impairment ratings for attorneys, and health-education workshops for businesses by request.