How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic Treatment is based on the science that the nervous system controls every function in the human body. When spinal bones (vertebrae) move out of position (subluxate) they often put pressure on the nerves that exit the spinal column. These nerves serve as a communication line between the brain and the body. When pressure is put on the nerves by the vertebrae, they can no longer communicate correctly. This “communication failure” can result in many common conditions such as pain, numbness, tingling, headaches, weakness, infertility and decreased function of vital organs. Keep in mind that the nerves control everything that we do, from the way we blink our eyes to the way we move our arms. These nerves also control our heart, lungs, kidneys, bowels, reproductive organs, and bladder. ALL of our organs are controlled by nerves. Chiropractors relieve symptoms by addressing the root cause of many problems, which is usually nerve interference. This is done by removing the pressure from the nerves so they can communicate efficiently. The pressure is removed by performing a gentle procedure called an adjustment or spinal manipulation.
When will I see results?
Many patients see positive results after their first adjustment, however, seeing results from chiropractic treatment depends on many factors. Severity of the injury, length of time the problem has existed, and lifestyle choices are all to be considered when beginning chiropractic care. Many patients come to the clinic with chronic issues that have been present for months or even years. As a result, we discuss that because the problem did not arise overnight, most likely the pain will not resolve overnight. Our goal at Keefer Chiropractic is to get you back to feeling like ‘yourself’ as quickly as possible.
What conditions do we treat?
Chiropractors treat conditions such as but not limited to: Headaches, Sinus Pressure, Dizziness, Neck/Back Pain, Numbness/Tingling, Reproductive Complications, Sports Injury, Auto Injury, Foot pain, Wrist Pain, and Muscle Spasms. What is vital to remember when beginning chiropractic treatment is that our goal is to restore your body to its optimal functioning state. As the body begins to heal we have many patients state they have increased focus, sleep better, or have a better affect (mood). You can also visit our Treatments Page to learn more.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care is extremely safe. The spinal manipulations performed by a Chiropractor are very specific to each patient’s condition. Proper evaluations and x-rays are always performed on our patients prior to any treatments. Perhaps the most important aspect of the Chiropractic education is learning when NOT to adjust someone. This is why we do such a thorough evaluation prior to beginning treatment: to bring to light any potential dangers. The benefits of getting adjusted by far out-weigh the risks.
Will it hurt?
Most times the chiropractic adjustment does not hurt. That being stated, if someone comes into the clinic in significant pain, the first treatment can sometimes be a little difficult. Dr. Keefer is extremely well versed in multiple adjustment techniques and will tailor fit your treatment to best suit the situation. He applies the “toe in the water” approach: taking an extremely acute patient through a series of progressive adjustment techniques beginning with very gentle manipulations and changing as the patient progresses. This allows the body to accept the treatment and begin healing extremely quickly.
How often will I have to come?
Most chiropractic clinics adhere to a ‘one size fits all’ mentality when scheduling a treatment schedule for new patients. At Keefer Chiropractic, we tailor our treatment plans based on the individual and the symptoms they present with. Some patients may need several months of treatment to reach optimal results, while others may see those same results in just a few adjustments. Dr. Sean works with each patient, constantly evaluating and discussing results to determine the most appropriate course of action. During active treatment we will address lifestyle choices that may be positively or negatively affecting results (lack of exercise, improper workplace ergonomics, better nutrition choices) to help each patient reach their full potential. Once beginning treatment with Dr. Keefer, most patients come to understand the benefits of continued chiropractic treatment and adhere to a ‘maintenance’ or ‘tune up’ schedule once active treatment is finished to keep their body functioning at it’s highest potential.
Can my kids get adjusted?
Absolutely!!! Yes!!! It is actually recommended that children get adjusted from birth. The birthing process is traumatic for both mother and baby. Babies are twisted, turned, pulled, etc. as they travel through the birth canal to be born. This causes many vertebral misalignments which put pressure on their nerves just as these misalignments put pressure on an adult’s nerves. Many common infant and childhood conditions can be improved with chiropractic care. Both Dr. Keefer’s have adjusted their two daughters from birth. Often their youngest daughter (9 years old) will serve as a ‘model’ and allow trepedatious patients to watch her get adjusted to put their minds at ease!
Why don’t chiropractors prescribe meds?
This question leads to perhaps the biggest misconception regarding the chiropractic physician: that because we don’t prescribe medications we aren’t “real” doctors. A physician is someone who is concerned with promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease or injury. Medical doctors do this through prescribing drugs in an attempt to override the body’s natural physiologic processes (i.e. blood pressure medication). Chiropractic philosophy is based on the fact that the body is designed to heal itself. When there is disruption in the body’s communication system (nerves) the body will not function properly. At Keefer Chiropractic we believe there is absolutely a time and a place for medical intervention and regularly refer patients to not only medical physicians for acute pain management, but to orthopedic and neurosurgeons as well. Our goal is to find the cause of a problem and fix it rather than to mask symptoms with medications which only covers a larger problem.
Do I have to be hurting to go to a Chiropractor?
No. Dr. Keefer is fond of saying “It’s easier to Keep you feeling good than to GET you feeling good.” This simply means that once a high level of health is achieved, maintaining that level is much easier than achieving that level initially. Chiropractic is the only health profession that allows you to ‘not be sick’ and actually ‘get healthy.’ Most of our clinic is made up of what we call ‘maintenance patients.’ These are patients that understand the benefits of continued chiropractic care long after their acute symptoms have resolved. They actively participate in preventative care. We all understand the importance of preventative care. This morning you (hopefully) brushed your teeth. Did you do this because you have a cavity? Of course not. You did this to AVOID getting a cavity. Chiropractic care is the best way to maintain a healthy spine and body, so receiving treatments before you develop pain is much better than waiting until you are in pain. Degeneration (arthritis) forms in the spine and other joints of the body over time if there are prolonged bio mechanical problems. Chiropractic treatments realign the joints, restoring balance within the body and allowing the joints and nerves to work as they should.
Does my health insurance cover chiropractic treatments?
Yes. Most insurance companies do cover chiropractic treatments. Additionally, may plans also include massage therapy when prescribed as part of a chiropractic treatment plan. We will verify your coverage for you on your first visit to the office.