How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nerve system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interference to your natural state of being healthy. A common interference to the nerve system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nerve system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses.
With improved spinal function there is often improved nerve system function. We help remove interference that may be impairing normal health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved nerve system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems. Each of us is designed to be healthy. Chiropractic care helps restore optimum function.
At Back to Health Chiropractic we look for the underlying nerve system involvement that can be the cause of many health problems.
Is chiropractic just for back pain?
Absolutely not! Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic care as a means of preventing disease and maintaining health. Some symptoms and problems that can be relieved by chiropractic care include: stress, headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, fibromyalgia, fatigue, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, allergies, etc…For more information or an appointment, call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
Should I go to a chiropractor if I feel fine?
The best time to go to a chiropractor can be when you feel fine, since most chiropractors will recommend a preventative spinal care program. Chiropractic care can help your body to maintain its healthy state, and regular spinal checkups can help and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
How do I know I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.
What causes vertebral subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxation: physical, emotional and chemical. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions, such as grief, anger and fear, can cause subluxations. Chemical causes of subluxation could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.
What is an adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to the spine to correct abnormal spinal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to improve spinal function, improve nerve system function and improve health.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor's hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly specific thrust. Some adjustments are quick whereas others require a slow and constant pressure. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractic doctor becomes highly skilled in the delivery of this safe, painless procedure.
Call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square) to find out if we can help you.
Does it hurt to be adjusted?
At Back to Health Chiropractic we use several different techniques, many of which are extremely gentle. If you are new to chiropractic, it's not wrong to be afraid. Ask us about our gentle techniques – we've found that most people love the “feeling” of being adjusted. Call to ask about our low-force techniques: 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
What is that "popping" sound associated with the adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.
Can I adjust myself?
Some people go to great lengths to adjust themselves, but you cannot effectively, safely adjust yourself. Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific area of the spine, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even I, as a chiropractic doctor, must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.
Why do children need chiropractic care?
"As the twig is bent, so grows the tree." Why let a child suffer when they can have their Subluxations easily corrected?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for vertebral SUBLUXATIONS as soon after birth as possible. Later, learning to walk, ride a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. While a bandage and some comforting words can help a skinned knee, the unseen damage to the child's spine is the unique domain of a chiropractic doctor.
Many childhood health complaints that are brushed of as "growing pains" can often be traced to the spine. Regular chiropractic checkups can identify these problems and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally, chiropractic-adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem healthier than other children.
To learn how chiropractic can prevent your child from serious disease and illness, call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
Am I too old for chiropractic care?
Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help improve mobility and maintain vitality. More and more people are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many people report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process such as elimination and sexual function. The adjusting technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results.
Is it safe to see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?
Not only is chiropractic care safe for a pregnant woman, in some cases it can actually alleviate the headaches, nausea, back pain and leg pain which are common during pregnancy. Most D.C.'s adjusting tables are designed with a “drop pelvic piece” designed specifically for pregnant women. Many chiropractors care for expectant mothers in the regular course of their daily practices. It is a good idea, however, to first inquire about the experience of your chiropractor in caring for pregnant women and what he or she would recommend as a plan of care for you.
Discover how chiropractic can improve you and your child’s health:
Call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
Do you take x-rays?
Dr. Wilkins will evaluate each person independently; however based upon his chiropractic technique, x-rays are very useful tools to evaluate the appropriateness of chiropractic adjustments and prognosis for correction of SUBLUXATIONS. Any further discussion can easily be discussed on a complimentary consultation visit.
How long will the exam take?
Exam times vary, but in most cases you can expect a complete exam and consultation to take about one half hour. If additional diagnostic tests are needed, such as x-rays, this could extend the length of the exam.
Do you need my medical records?
It is not necessary to have your medical records with you when you visit a chiropractor for the first time. If the chiropractor has a need to see medical records, he will let you know after the initial consultation and examination. It is important, though, to complete the health history form you will be given and to make the chiropractor aware of any medications you are taking and any chronic medical condition.
Should I let my medical doctor know I'm considering chiropractic care?
There should be no reason not to make your medical doctor aware that you are seeking chiropractic care. In many cases, you may even be required to obtain a “referral” from your primary care physician if you plan to see a chiropractor or any other specialist. If you have medical insurance, you may want to contact the carrier to see if you need a referral and if chiropractic care is covered under your plan. It is important however, to make sure that the chiropractor you are visiting is aware of your complete health history and any medications you are currently taking for any medical conditions.
Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or do surgery?
Chiropractic is a natural healing art and science. A chiropractor will never prescribe drugs or perform surgery. Want to have a natural and drug-free health strategy? Call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
Can I bring someone with me in the exam room?
We encourage every patient to have their significant other, spouse or even family members present for their initial appointment. It is that important!
How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each person and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a few weeks of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.
Do I always have to come back?
NO, only if you and the doctor agree on WHY you should go regularly. The first step is to discover if chiropractic is even an option for your complaint or condition. After your initial exam and consultation, your Chiropractor should go over with you his “Report of Findings”. During this report, he will discuss the plan of care he feels will benefit you most. You're specific situation will determine the number of visits the doctor feels will be needed to restore your vertebrae to normal position and proper functioning. Once this occurs, the doctor will discuss a maintenance plan that will keep you healthy and prevent problems in the future. A maintenance plan will vary, but in most cases a Chiropractor will suggest a “wellness” visit every one to three months, depending on the patient. REMEMBER …the end result is optimal health and preventing future problems…Compare maintenance care to your routine dental exams. Why do you visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning? To avoid cavities and tooth decay, right? Same principle.
Understanding why a healthy spine equals a healthy you –
Call 610-361-9531 (Glen Mills) or 610-444-8155 (Kennett Square).
Can I speed the healing process?
While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there's a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery.
Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Don't cross your legs above the knees. Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach. During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important that ever. Make sure you eat balanced, nutritional meals and consider taking nutritional supplements. If you are overweight, now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary stress to your spine. Perhaps most important of all, keep your appointments and follow our recommendation as closely as possible for optimum results, correcting SUBLUXATIONS.
What if my insurance doesn't cover chiropractic?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. Most insurance plans will cover chiropractic care for both you and your dependants. Most chiropractic offices will contact your insurance company on your behalf to verify coverage and terms. If, for some reason your plan does not cover chiropractic care, find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone. You may also contact your insurance plan administrator and request that full direct access chiropractic services be added to your plans' coverage. If you do contact your plan administrator, be sure to specify that you want these services to be provided only by a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Are chiropractors licensed professionals?
Chiropractors (D.C.'s) must be licensed to practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To receive a chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites, four years of graduate-level instruction and an internship at an accredited chiropractic institution.
How can I learn more?
To inform patients about the role that a healthy spine plays in overall good health, Back to Health Chiropractic offers a free spinal health program at our Glen Mills location on Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. This “Half-Hour to Health” presentation is a 30-minute class designed to explain the basics of chiropractic care and how to live a healthier life. Call 610-361-9531 for advanced seating due to limited space. See Calendar for this month's topics.
For more information or an appointment, call 610-361-9531 for the Glen Mills office or 610-444-8155 for the Kennett Square office.
