Levine Chiropractic, PLLC

How does chiropractic work?

Since the main focus of chiropractic is a properly functioning nervous system along with normal spinal joint function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on both musculo-skeletal health and other health conditions not normally associated with the spine.Through the application of spinal adjustments, chiropractic works by restoring normal joint position and motion and by removing any stress, irritation or pressure to the delicate nerves that exit the spine. These nerves carry commands from the brain through the spinal cord to every cell, tissue and organ system of the body. With restoration of your own inborn (innate) healing ability your body has a stronger resistance to disease and ill health.

Why do chiropractors check your feet when your back hurts?

Your feet are the foundation for a healthy posture. But if the arches in one or both of your feet are weak or if they are collapsed (flat foot), your body isn't getting correct postural support.Without support, foot problems may contribute to stress or pain in your ankles, knees, hips, back or neck--even if your feet don't hurt! That is why, in our office, we automatically check your feet and your gait as part of your initial examination. We use the latest infrared foot analysis tool engineered to interface with computer software that is linked 24/7 with the factory. Your custom made arch supports (aka foot orthotics or spinal pelvic stabilizers) can be made and shipped by the next business day.

Do I have a "pinched nerve?"

"Pinched nerves" are actually quite rare. Although many people will come to our office thinking they have a pinched nerve, more often than not they are experiencing symptoms of vertebral joint motion dysfunction associated with either localized inflammation or muscle spasm that is contributing to an irritation of the delicate nerves that exit the spine.Research suggests that approximately 10-15% of "pinched nerve" symptoms are actually caused by spinal bones that are putting direct pressure on nerve roots. And this is most likely due to long standing degenerative changes in the spine.

Do I have a "slipped disc"?

Because of the way discs and vertebrae are physically attached to each other, discs can't slip. But because of years of poor spinal hygiene, poor posture, repetitive stress , trauma, excessive weight etc., discs can tear, bulge, herniate or even rupture. Although some things like car accidents are unpredictable, there are many things that you can do throughout your life to help your spinal discs stay as healthy as possible. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending.If you do have a disc problem, it is important to determine the extent of that problem. Now while results differ from patient to patient, many chiropractic patients have been able to avoid needles surgery and/or a dependence on dangerous pain meds.

Is chiropractic care safe?

This is , without a doubt the most common question I hear. More than likely this question comes up because of years and years of "old wives" tales.The fact of the matter is that chiropractic is incredibly safe. In the words of a the New Zealand Government's inquiry into chiropractic safety they said "chiropractic is remarkably safe". One merely has to make a comparison of malpractice premium rates between the chiropractic profession and the medical profession. Chiropractor insurance premiums are a fraction of what medical doctors pay. Insurance companies base their premiums by the amount of risk involved.

Do I have to go my entire life?

This is another question I hear quite often. The answer of course is absolutely not. Unlike many prescription medications, Chiropractic care does not make you or your spine "addicted" or "dependent" on care. Chiropractic is designed to restore normal alignment and motion to your spine so that your spine and your body can function as close to optimum as possible. Does that mean you only go to a chiropractor when you are in pain? Well,  do you only brush and floss your teeth or go to the dentist when you have a cavity? No, of course not. A chiropractor should be a part of your health team no different than your family dentist, medical doctor or eye doctor.

Once your immediate problem is solved, periodic spinal check-ups should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle in order to maintain good spinal health and to address potential problems long before you "throw your back out".

Can I "adjust" myself?

When I adjust your spine, I do so after careful analysis and I am addressing a specific area that needs to be corrected in a specific direction.

I can't count how many times people have actually made their condition worse or caused the correction process to take longer because they had the need to "POP" themselves.

A person may be able to turn or twist themselves to get a joint release, but in actuality you could be undoing the corrections we are making. Worse, if done repeatedly you could actually weaken or damage the supportive ligaments and discs that attach to the spinal bones making that area of your spine unstable and more susceptible to repeat injury.

How can I reduce or prevent workplace related pain?

We have an excellent and short video presentation on this. Just click on this link to watch this video. Preventing Workplace Pain