What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor is trained to examine the body for mechanical problems which lead to the body's malfunction.  This malfunction is ofter realized by the patient as pain.

What is a typical experience with a chiropractor?

With a new problem, the chiropractor will typically:

• Take a careful history: asking you questions about where and when the problem began, and how it relates to the rest of your health.
• Physical examination: This detailed examination may be similiar to those used by other types of doctors.
• X-rays: if indicated, the chiropractor may take x-rays to locate mechanical problems, pathologies, or congential problems.  Pieratti Chiropractic Center has an x-ray facility on-site.  Other types of specialized tests may be arranged.
• Adjustment: The chiropractor will typically adjust joints which have been found to work improperly.  Other therapies that the chiropractor may apply are ultrasoundm muscle stimulation, massage, or traction.
• Advice: The chiropractor will provide you with detailed advice on excercise, home care, and recommended activites.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the chiropractor's way of moving joints which are restricted from their normal motion.  THe chiropractoe may apply an adjustment to spinal joints or extremity joints.

Does an adjustment hurt?

No. With some adjustments (and some methods of adjusting), there may be a 'popping' sound which is caused by the rapid release of nitrogen bubbles inside the joint as it is move quickly.

Can children benefit from chiropractic care?

Yes. Children are subject to many of the same stresses to the body as adults.  Chiropractic care can help remove these mechanical problems in children, which cause back pain, neck pain, headaches or other symptoms.  Young children are ofter prone to recurring ear infections, which can be helped with chiropractic care.  The chiropractor has experience in tailoring the adjustment to the size and age of the patient.

What is a pinched nerve?

The spinal cord and spinal nerves are situated adjacent to the vertebra and discs.  With any type of mechanical dysfunction of the joint, the nerve may become inflamed.  When this happens, the surrounding mescles ofteh tighten or spasm, increasing the pressure on the nerve.  This cycle perpetuates the problem, resulting in more pain and more dysfunction.  Chiropractors correct this problem byadjusting the spinal joints which caused the nerve to be 'pinched'.

What is a slipped disk?

A disk really does not 'slip'.  The disc is a piece of cartlage located between two vertebra.  When discs are subjected to trauma, injury or overuse, the disc can tear or herniate.  The 'slipped' disc is a generic term used to describe any deviation of the disc from normal.

Can I 'adjust' my own spine?

No. The direction, speed and location of the adjustment as given by the chiropractor make it impossible to duplicate.  It takes years of practice and training to develop experise in this area.

Is chiropractic care really safe?

Governmental studies, such as the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the US Deparment of Health and Human Services (1995) found chiropractic care to be 'remarkably'safe'.

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