Frequently Asked Questions


Here are some frequently asked questions regarding chiropractic care and office procedures:

* What will happen during my initial visit?
* Will you explain my condition?
* What will happen during following visits?
* How does chiropractic correction and treatment work?
* Is chiropractic care safe?
* Does it hurt?
* What is the noise I hear during manipulation?
* Will my condition return?
* Can I just treat myself?
* Can you treat children?
* Am I too old for Chiropractic Care?
* How often will I have to come in for follow-up visits?
* What other services do you provide?


What will happen during my initial visit?

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First, you will complete some health history forms and meet Dr. Grannis. Your initial visit will include a review of your health history as well as an examination to assess orthopedic and neurological problems. If needed, x-rays or other diagnostic tests will be performed. Our X-ray equipment utilizes low dose, precision-aligned radiography. Our policy is to only X-ray an area if there is concern of pathology, complication, or if absolutely necessary to be able to properly understand and treat a patient's problem. We will then develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you regain your health. If we don't feel that your condition will respond to chiropractic care, we will refer you to the appropriate provider.

If you have any previous documentation of your medical condition (MRIs, X-rays, etc.), feel free to bring them in, as they will give the doctor a better understanding of your medical history and current situation.

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Will you explain my condition?

Yes. We will review your diagnosis with you, so that you understand your condition. We feel this allows you to become more informed and involved in controlling your own health.

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What will happen during following visits?


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After the doctor has had adequate time to review the consultation, examination, and if applicable, x-ray results, he will meet with the patient and explain the significant findings, recommended treatment, and alternatives that may be available.

Assuming that there is indication and agreement to proceed, the recommended treatment will be described and then started.

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How does chiropractic care and treatment work?


The adjustment or correction of a subluxation, which is a mechanical dysfunction of one or more segments of the spine, is the means of care provided by the chiropractor. Most adjustments of the spine are gentle and painless. Our doctors are trained in many different treatment techniques of spine and related conditions.

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When treatment involves the neck, we use a specialized technique requiring advanced training called the Atlas Orthogonal technique which is painless and avoids the fear and discomfort that is often associated with more traditional methods of manipulating and 'cracking' the neck. The atlas vertebra is uppermost in the spine and is the most important of the vertebrae because it joins with the skull, close to the brain stem area, and can therefore create structural, neurological, and potentially vascular complications when found to be incorrectly aligned.

Padded tables of several types are used for adjusting, including a jointed version which accommodates a wide variety of postures.

Most patients find the treatment to be painless, but occasionally there can be mild discomfort or soreness for a few days after the initial treatment.

The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebra to its natural position and function. The soft tissues, the muscles and ligaments, are stretched when the vertebra is in an unnatural position, so these tissues must have time to "rehabilitate." Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position, and shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebrae in place.

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While this rehabilitation process is taking place, we stress the importance of general and specific exercise. Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After all, while the patient may be in our office for a few minutes, they will be able to affect their bodies all day, whether for good or ill. Therefore, we offer information on how to avoid aggravation, and how to strengthen the involved areas through exercises, postures, and stretches. We find that the better the compliance with the doctor's recommended exercise and home program, the faster recovery occurs.

Most patients will have treatment recommendations ranging from a month to occasionally several months in complicated or severe cases. Once treatment goals have been met, we encourage patients to continue their home care program, and to continue with chiropractic check-ups on a regular basis,or in the event of any new injury or flare-ups, so they will benefit from the kind of health preservation that chiropractic provides.

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Is chiropractic care safe?


Research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care.

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Does it hurt?


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We make every attempt to use procedures that are as gentle as possible. Most patients are relieved at how comfortable our treatments are. Any discomfort is usually temporary, lasting only seconds or minutes. We are proud of our reputation for gentle care. This is the reason why our patients continue to refer their friends and family members to our clinic.

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What is the noise I hear during manipulation?


When your spine is manipulated, tiny air bubbles in the fluid inside your joints pop. This is normal and is similar to the sound you can make when cracking your knuckles.

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Will my condition return?


Research suggests that 50% to 70% of all patients will see the problem return. However, in over 20 years of combined experience, we have found that whether or not a problem returns is often within the patient's control. When patients faithfully perform their exercises and modify previously detrimental lifestyles and work activities, the likelihood of reccurrence is reduced. Patients play an active part in healing their condition and preventing the likelihood of reccurrence.

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Can I just treat myself?


No. A chiropractor studies for years to understand when, where and how to deliver manipulative therapy to a patient. The likelihood of damage when attempting self-treatment is high and has been documented by researchers. Even a chiropractor cannot and will not perform the procedure upon himself.

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Can you treat children?


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Musculosketal care is not dependent upon age. Research has shown that some children experience back and neck pain. Although their tissues are generally resilient, some children need chiropractic care to restore normal function or alleviate pain from injuries.

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Am I too old for chiropractic care?


Chiropractic treatment is for people of all ages, including senior citizens. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, chiropractic care is more important than ever for the aging population. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement in arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments associated with aging.

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How often will I have to come in for follow-up visits?


Many chiropractors recommend continuing "maintenance care." However, researchers have not been able to demonstrate the benefit of seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis once a condition is stabilized or resolved. Therefore, at our office we generally do not encourage additional treatment beyond the point of maximum improvement. We do, however, recommend an annual examination in order to detect early changes in your spinal health. Additionally, we encourage you to come in if you sense an old problem returning or a new condition developing. Obviously, the earlier we begin treating a problem, the sooner you will experience relief.

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What other services do you provide?


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Physiotherapy Services -- We utilize ultrasound and electrical stimulation in acute pain cases to obtain pain relief and facilitate the healing rate of the injured tissues. While few cases need these modalities, they can be useful and offer significant pain relief and speed healing in acute cases.

Massage Therapy -- We do not currently have massage therapy services available in the office. However, we have many qualified, skilled, and highly experienced massage therapists whose services we can recommend to you should you so desire.

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©RJF Consulting 2006 and Atlas Orthogonality