FAQ
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic care is the method of treating physical ailments through the manipulation or adjustment of the spinal column. Chiropractic prides itself in the fact that it looks for and treats the source of the problem and not just the symptoms. For example, although headaches are very painful, they are often only a symptom of a deeper issue.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment, or chiropractic manipulation, is a quick thrust or force applied to a specific part of the spinal anatomy in order to restore motion and function to a vertebrae which has become "stuck" or "fixated." It is typically accompanied by a distinct 'click' or 'pop' which is a normal and healthy byproduct of the procedure.
I’ve had chiropractic care before, can I just come in and “get adjusted?”
No. Every patient is taken on a case by case basis and no two situations are the same. Just as your primary care doctor would not blindly write you a prescription without evaluating it’s necessity, Dr. Buys will not perform any treatment without knowing it is the best option and solution for you.
What is Mckenzie and why does it matter?
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, also known as the McKenzie Method, is a highly specific method of evaluation and assessment that focuses on patient movement patterns in order to evaluate a patient’s problem. MDT is a system of treatment for derangement of joints and surrounding tissue focusing on repetitive motion exercises performed by the patient to assist in their healing process. Although most frequently employed to treat disc derangement, the principals can be used to manage other joint issues and promote patient independence. Dr. Buys uses this method to manage most of his patients and finds it is often the key to their successful recovery.
Do adjustments hurt?
Typically the answer is no. Most patients describe receiving a spinal manipulation as relieving and relaxing. Manipulations promote pain relief, reduce muscle spasm, and improve range of motion. All of these are positive results that help patients feel better and increase their spinal function. While some patients do occasionally experience some mild discomfort with certain spinal manipulations, it is almost always very brief and less intense than the symptom that brought them to the office in the first place.
is chiropractic care safe?
Very safe. Although there are inherent risks involved with any procedure in the healthcare field, chiropractic care is among the safest ways to care for the human frame. It has been said that it can be more risky to take a single aspirin than to receive a chiropractic manipulation and this is something that most of us have done countless times without even a second thought.
Don’t chiropractors just make you keep coming for care forever?
Although long term care is supported by some doctors in our profession, Dr. Buys believes a successful treatment is one that is short lived, direct, and finite. While there are some patients who may benefit from occasional care for a chronic condition, we prefer our patients to be released from care as soon as they are able and return only if needed.
Do you adjust every patient that comes in for care?
No. Just like you don’t need a filling every time you go to the dentist, a visit to our office does not mean that spinal manipulation will be employed to manage your problem. Although it is sometimes advisable, there are many other management strategies and care options such as soft issue work and exercise therapy that may be more appropriate.
I’ve heard chiropractors don’t “believe in using medication.” Is that true?
Far from it. Chiropractors recognize and acknowledge the use of prescription medication for the treatment of a wide variety of ailments. To ignore the influence and capabilities of modern medicine would be foolish and a gross disservice to our patients. However, chiropractors do believe that medication, and more drastic measures such as surgery, should be used as a second and third approach rather than the first approach as they are often used. Chiropractors pride themselves as taking one of the most conservative approaches to healthcare but also recognize that there is a time and place for all types of healthcare.