Dr. J's Q&A

What is a subluxation?

A subluxation is often one or more of the vertebra in the spine is out of normal alignment putting pressure on the nerves, creating interference and causing either an injury or leading to lowered resistance and a weak immune system resulting in diseases.

Do subluxations hurt? Why should I go if I have no pain?

Quite often we are not even aware we have subluxations. Only 10% of our nerve system responds to pain (Dr. Roger Sperry, Nobel prize winner, Brain Research, 1984). It is similar to Dentistry. We might have a cavity and not be aware of it because there is no pain. When we do feel pain it is usually when the problem has progressed and caused severe damage to the tooth and even to the nerve. That is why people maintain their dental care and are taught to brush and floss daily. Since we may have subluxations without pain it is important to get checked by a Chiropractor regularly in order to maintain proper health.

What is an adjustment?

The purpose of the adjustment is to correct vertebral subluxation and remove nerve interference. There are over 150 documented chiropractic-adjusting techniques. Most utilized hands only, some utilize adjusting instruments. An adjustment is a specific application of force addressing a specific vertebra. At times you may hear a release from the joints like a "popping" sound. That sound is from the pressure that accumulates in the joint when it is subluxated, "locked up". Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective and allow the body to restore normal health.

Can I adjust myself?

No, you might hear similar releases from joints by twisting and turning your body in different positions but those movements cannot replace an adjustment. An adjustment is very specific and focuses on a specific vertebra in a specific direction. When we think we might be adjusting ourselves we are actually overstretching ligaments and can cause further problems in our spines.

Do I need to get adjusted if I get a massage?

Massage has wonderful therapeutic value and will help flush toxins out of our systems, however no matter how much you work the muscles and stretch them, unless you correct subluxations you won't take the pressure off the nerves and those muscles will not get the proper information from the brain to relax and return to normal length.

How old do you have to be to see a Chiropractor?

Subluxations can be caused by the birth process. Birth trauma can affect newborns whether they were delivered naturally or by c-sections and especially if vacuum or forceps were involved. That is why many parents have their newborn babies checked for vertebral subluxations. This allows those babies the opportunity to develop properly and grow up as healthy vital human beings. Chiropractic adjustments are modified for newborns and are adapted to their size and structure.

Is it ok for me to get adjusted when I'm pregnant?

There is more and more research being developed to show the benefits of Chiropractic care during pregnancy. Pregnant women not only have seen relief from various challenges such as low back pain, strains, sciatica, carpal tunnel, etc. but have also experienced better sleep, increased energy and most important quite often an easier labor. Furthermore, the late Dr. Larry Webster, a Chiropractor, created a specific technique for babies in Breech positions. The maneuver called "The Webster Maneuver" is used for in-utero constraint and has seen great success in over 75 - 85% of cases. Dr. Jacobson is certified in Breech Technique.