FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Chiropractors commonly treat musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches.  The chiropractic approach is holistic –treating the whole person – so the benefits can be felt throughout the body. Doctors of Chiropractic consider all facets of a patient’s life, including diet, exercise, physical, emotional and environmental stress.
Chiropractic is a conservative and natural form of healthcare. It utilizes a hands-on approach, grounded in the fact all life has an innate ability to heal. The principle treatments are adjustments to the spine and supportive tissue, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
Chiropractors provide corrective, preventative and supportive care to people of all walks of life- from infants to elders.

HOW DOES A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT WORK?

A chiropractic adjustment is a manual force delivered to the body to improve alignment and/or motion to a joint that is not functioning correctly. A joint that is not functioning correctly is referred to by chiropractors as a subluxation or joint dysfunction.
Chiropractors adjust joint dysfunctions in order to improve motion, alignment, and most importantly nerve function. This, in turn, relieves pain and tightness felt in the body.
Often, when an adjustment is delivered to the body a pop can be heard or felt. This pop is merely the release of gas trapped within the joint and indicates that the joint has been moved properly.
Most people feel immediate relief following the adjustment. However, adjustments may need to be repeated based on the severity or chronicity of the problem.

WHAT IS A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT?

A chiropractic adjustment starts with an analysis of the spine to determine where misalignments and/or fixations of the spine exist.  An adjustment is a specific form of spinal manipulation that chiropractors use to align the spine.  By applying a precise force into the joint the chiropractor is able to free up the motion of the spine and align the back creating balance within the body.
The technique chiropractors use can vary depending on patient preference and what the chiropractor deems most appropriate. One of the most common adjustments is the type where an audible cracking sound can be heard when the spine is adjusted.  The cracking sound is a release in pressure within the joint.   
Dr. Nick Baiata offers traditional chiropractic adjustments as well as lower force options for those where the cracking style of adjustments is not appropriate or for the patient does not want to be “cracked”.
Low force options include using a hand-held device called an Activator to deliver a specific force into the affected joint.  This technique is very gentle and is appropriate for those that prefer not to hear the cracking sound and/or cannot tolerate a deeper adjustment to the spine. 
Another option is Flexion-Distraction technique which utilizes a special table that elongates and allows the chiropractor to traction the lower back while the back half of the table moves up and down.  This technique is particularly helpful with those with disc herniations.

IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Yes.  Chiropractic is a safe option for expectant mothers.  Research continues to tout the benefits of chiropractic care such as a 2012 study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showing that woman who utilized chiropractic services had a significant reduction in their back pain symptoms.
Dr. Baiata works with a lot of expected mothers through the duration of their pregnancy.  In addition, Dr. Baiata is certified by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) in the Webster Prenatal Chiropractic Technique.

IS CHIROPRACTIC APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?

Yes.  Just like adults, kids can benefit from chiropractic care.  Chiropractic is safe for people of all ages from infants to elderly.
Dr. Baiata loves taking care of children and most children find the experience quiet enjoyable and fun.  In addition, Dr. Baiata is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.

DO I NEED A DOCTOR’S REFERRAL?

You do not need a referral to see a chiropractor.  Chiropractic physicians are portal of entry providers and are able to see patients without a referral from a medical provider.  However,  some insurance plans do require a referral prior to initianting care.

DOES A CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT HURT?

Most people enjoy the feeling of getting their back adjusted and frequently will experience less pain immediately after the adjustment.  A chiropractic adjustment should be comfortable. However, if a joint is inflamed any movement can cause discomfort which includes the movement of the adjustment.
Some people following the chiropractic adjustment may feel some temporary discomfort.  Generally, the symptoms from the adjustment are mild and resolve within a day.

IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE ADDICTING?

Our goal is to get people out of pain as quickly as possible.  Once the care is complete we release our patients from active care.  Usually, this happens fairly quickly depending on the severity of the case.
Some people are hesitant to start chiropractic in fear of becoming addicted to chiropractic.  Chiropractic care is not addicting but feeling good is.  This is why some people choose to continue with chiropractic care.  Once people discover chiropractic they are more likely to utilize chiropractic when they get an episode of back pain or neck pain.
Some people will visit a chiropractor when injured.  Some people choose to utilize chiropractic to improve performance and take a proactive approach to health.