What is the difference between passive care and active chiropractic care?

Passive care is mostly about pain, and just because you are pain free doesn't mean you are well. It sometimes is only a matter of time that a second injury occurs as a result of the primary complaint, or the initial complaint returns. When you use active care protocols, you're accelerating the entire process, from the acute phase to the remodeling phase, to improve strength and the ability to be able to do all of your daily activities, and more. There is of course a case to be made regarding passive care early on in the treatment, but that should be very quickly transitioned out of for optimal resolution both for the short and long term.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

The chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, yet dynamic motion applied to a particular joint in such a way as to generate movement in a specific direction. It restores the proper mechanics of the spine, thus enhancing joint function, correcting specific joint problems, and preventing injury due to improper spinal dynamics.

What type of treatments do the chiropractors do at Fall Creek Chiropractic?

The Chiropractic physician at our clinic uses traditional chiropractic manipulations of the joints. These manipulations help restore normal joint function throughout the spine and body. The actual adjusting technique used by the chiropractor is 'Diversified Technique'. Although, we at Fall Creek Chiropractic will combine adjusting techniques with soft tissue treatment such as ART or other myofascial techniques.

Isn't it dangerous to get an adjustment, especially in the neck region?

Chiropractic manipulations are extremely safe and incredibly effective at relieving pain. The best example is through looking at the malpractice insurance levels that chiropractors pay compared to other medical providers. The insurance companies make providers pay premiums based on how risky the procedures are that they perform. Chiropractic has one of the lowest malpractice insurance premiums of any medical provider.

What exactly is that 'cracking noise' when someone gets manipulated by a chiropractor?

The chiropractor will find the joint(s) that are not moving correctly in your spine and then use a gentle manipulation to restore normal joint motion. That noise is simply the sound of the pressure being released from a joint that is being moved. Although, many of our patients don't create a popping sound and that doesn't determine the effectiveness of the treatment. In fact, others prefer us to provide techniques that don't elicit this noise. We at Fall Creek Chiropractic want to provide you relief, but can alter our treatment techniques to make you more comfortable, yet still be effective.

What is our opinion on monthly Chiropractic adjustments?

Our primary objective when you come to our clinic is to resolve your health concerns and have you reach a state of optimum health. The benefits of chiropractic adjustments will quickly be understood upon your treatment, but the frequency is entirely dependent upon your individual needs. As you learn to understand your body's requirements, you will find that you can identify when you need to come in for care. Symptoms such as restricted range of motion, headaches, high stress, and muscle/joint pain that do not resolve are good clues and indicators that you need relief. Many of our patients choose to receive regular monthly chiropractic adjustments because of the improvements they experience and the stress that is relieved. As a Chiropractic physician, I certainly don't push care upon a person, and leave that decision to the individual. I provide a recommendation and information to my patients and let them make their own decisions about how often they choose to come in for adjustments. However, many of our patients indicate that regular chiropractic care has been a major factor in their ability to cope with the daily stresses of their life.

What makes a good Chiropractor?

Patients moving to a new city often ask me for referrals to local Chiropractors. I am often asked what they should look for and here are a few of the things I would recommend:

• Chiropractic techniques- I cannot recommend any single technique. In fact, I would be skeptical of anyone who claims their specific Chiropractic technique is the perfect choice for everyone. The numerous techniques for one to choose from should depend upon: patient response to treatment, patient's request for treatment, and patient age and overall health status.
• Communication- it is very important to talk to, and question your doctor. Communication with any health care practitioner is critical. You should expect a reasonable, clear answer to your questions, and time to answer those concerns.
• Treatment results- expect results from the selected treatment therapy. If you don't get appropriate results, go somewhere else. Although, be reasonable, and provide sufficient time for the treatment to take effect. If you don't see results, doing the same procedure 112 more times will probably not help.
• Rehabilitation- exercises are fundamental to good recovery. Your rehabilitation program should address the four fundamentals of rehabilitation: flexibility, strength, balance and proprioception, and cardiovascular. If your doctor does not provide you with exercises for a musculoskeletal condition, the doctor is missing the point. Exercise is not an option, its fundamental.

Do chiropractors only treat backs?

Many chiropractors only treat the spine, but here at Fall Creek Chiropractic we address not only the area of complaint, but also the cause. For example, this could be the feet, which are the foundation of our bodies. Manipulation and therapy focusing on the feet could in turn help a person's back complaints. Many other conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, hip problems, and golfer/tennis elbow could need attention away from the spine.

Is there any scientific bases to chiropractic?

In the last 20 years chiropractic health care has established an impressive array of scientific studies to improve their diagnostic methods and treatment. These studies have demonstrated the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of our care. In fact, the chiropractic profession has accumulated a greater number of scientific trails on chiropractic than the medical profession has accumulated for many of the treatments rendered by medical doctors.

All medical doctors are anti-chiropractic?

At our office we receive many referrals for chiropractic care. M.D.'s now categorize chiropractic manipulation with the highest rating: "general accepted, well-established and widely used". From their point of view, it isn't so much the effectiveness of care, but what practitioner they trust. In a recent article of The Journal of Family Practice it stated that "a majority of family physicians admitted having encouraged patients to see a chiropractor, and two-thirds indicated a desire to learn more about what chiropractors do".

Does Chiropractic treatment require a referral from a MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. At Fall Creek Chiropractic we work very close with area Medical Doctors in various specialties. After a consultation with Dr. Dean Wiggers, he will arrive at a diagnosis that is treatable by chiropractic care, or refer to the appropriate health care provider if chiropractic care will not be of benefit.