| Q: | What is chiropractic? |
| A: | Chiropractic is a natural, (drug and surgery free), healing art and science based on the fact that the human body has a recuperative, self-healing capability and that there is a correlation between skeletal structure and optimum bodily function. The interdependence of structure and function, and the relationship between the nervous system, particularly the spinal nerves, and the rest of the body is the core element of chiropractic's approach to healing and wellness. Chiropractors assess patients for disorders related to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints and their effect on the nervous system. As a result of taking a physical assessment and patient history, Chiropractors are able to provide a differential diagnosis for the patient's presenting condition(s) and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Chiropractors are also trained to recommend specific therapeutic exercises, nutritional changes, dietary and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractic adjustments are the most common form of treatment utilized by Chiropractors. An adjustment is a non-invasive, manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed through four years of intensive chiropractic education. An adjustment is a carefully controlled procedure delivered by a Doctor of Chiropractic to dysfunctional spinal or extremity joints. |
| Q: | How long has chiropractic been around? |
| A: | Doctors of Chiropractic have been providing health care for over a century and chiropractic is now one of the largest health care professions in the world. See: The Evolution of Chiropractic, Science & Theory by Scott Haldeman, D.C., M.D., Ph.D. |
| Q: | Can you help me? |
| A: | Dr. Ali treats people of all ages, infants to the seniors, for many different problems. Chiropractic deals with the whole person and treats the cause(s) of problems as well as their symptoms. Please contact us with any concerns or questions regarding a specific symptom or problem you are having. |
| Q: | What would I need chiropractic for? |
| A: | At the Austin Chiropractic Center we treat headaches, neck & back pain, arm & leg pain. We work with pregnant women and new moms and their infants. We work with people suffering from headaches, stress, and sleeping issues. We also treat people who have been injured either at work or home. Anyone suffering from issues due to sporting accidents, motor vehicle accidents, postural faults and all types of repetitive stress injuries (i.e. computer work) can benefit from Chiropractic care. |
| Q: | Is chiropractic effective and is it safe? |
| A: | The American Chiropractic Association states: "Few (if any) other health care interventions have been assessed as extensively as chiropractic spinal manipulation, both in terms of safety and effectiveness. Furthermore, few other health care professions have been as thoroughly researched as chiropractic." |
| Q: | How will Dr. Ali know what treatment is right for me? |
| A: | Dr. Ali performs the appropriate orthopedic, neurological and muscular tests to determine if you are a good candidate for Chiropractic treatment. She will take a complete past health history and all current issues. She is always focused on patient safety and the success of all treatments. Dr. Ali will provide the best treatment according to your individual condition. If you are not a good candidate for Chiropractic care, you will be referred to the appropriate health care provider. |
| Q: | Will it hurt? |
| A: | Dr. Ali makes every treatment as comfortable as possible by applying the appropriate therapies according to your condition and comfort level. Usually, your treatment is pain free and you can feel positive results right away. Patients frequently experience immediate decreased pain and increased mobility. Keep in mind that the soft tissues surrounding your joints, (the joint capsule, ligaments, tendons, and muscles), can become contracted, fibrous, or tender when irritated. During or after a Chiropractic adjustment, or any other form of manual therapy, these tissues may occasionally feel tender. |
| Q: | What are those "cracking" noises during therapy? |
| A: | During joint manipulation and adjustments, you can often hear "cracking" or "popping" sounds. These sounds are generated when gases are released from your joint fluid during rapid distraction of the joint surfaces. The effect is similar to the bubbling and "hissing" you hear when you open a pop bottle and in no way harms your joints. |
| Q: | How long will it take to get better? |
| A: | Time for recovery and return to full function depends on many factors such as; your particular condition, its severity, your level of involvement in the healing process and your commitment to the treatment plan proposed by Dr. Ali. It is important to keep in mind that pain is usually the last symptom to appear and the first to go away. While your symptoms may decrease dramatically within your first few Chiropractic adjustments, the underlying cause of the pain is not usually fully resolved. It is important to follow your personally tailored treatment plan including any home care instructions given. |
| Q: | How much will it cost? |
| A: | The cost of chiropractic treatment is generally covered by most insurances. Check with your insurance company to find out your individual details. We offer reasonable cash plans for those individuals and families with no or limited Chiropractic coverage. |
| Q: | Do I need a referral? |
| A: | You do not need a referral to see a Doctor of Chiropractic. While most patients initiate contact directly with a Chiropractor, some are referred by other health care providers, most often medical doctors. |
| Q: | Will I have to work on my own too? |
| A: | As a Chiropractic patient, you are required to take responsibility for your own health. The first and most important steps to healing and achieving wellness is seeking and receiving help. The next big step is to follow all home care recommendations from your doctor. Depending on your condition, you will be assigned specific stretches, strengthening exercises, and possibly dietary and lifestyle changes. Your active involvement helps to reduce your dependence on passive therapy and improve your quality of life. |
