Frequently Asked Questions

Will you explain my condition?
Yes. We will review your diagnosis with you, so that you understand your condition.  We feel this allows you to become more informed and involved in controlling your own health.

How long will therapy take?
The length of your treatment will depend upon a number of factors, including the length of time you have experienced your problem, your general health, your exercise habits, the nature of your work and/or daily activities, and your level of commitment to getting well. Treatment may range from a few visits for a simple condition to several months of visits for a more complicated case.  Our goal is to help you get well as quickly as possible, then give you tools and information to help you manage your condition on your own.  The extent to which a patient can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.

Is chiropractic care effective and safe? 
Yes. Many controlled and independent research studies indicate that chiropractic care is an effective and safe method of care for low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine.  A recent Canadian report supported the safety, effectiveness, and scientific validity of chiropractic.  The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services has also endorsed chiropractic services. And chiropractic services were shown to be effective in an issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. See our Patient Results. In terms of cost-effectiveness, studies show that chiropractic care lowers health care costs by decreasing the use of expensive technology and inpatient services. Chiropractic also provides higher patient satisfaction than other types of care.  Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems.

What do medical doctors say about chiropractic? 
Chiropractic treatment is gaining wider acceptance among the medical profession for a variety of spinal conditions. Many medical doctors recognize the value of chiropractors for the management of functional disorders of the spine. A recent research survey found, "A majority of family medical doctors have encouraged patients to see a chiropractor" (The Journal of Family Practice).  Moreover, New Hanover Chiropractic has an excellent professional relationship with the medical community of Montgomery County.

Does it hurt?
We make every attempt to use procedures that are as gentle as possible.  Most patients are relieved at how comfortable our treatments are.  Any discomfort is usually temporary, lasting only seconds or minutes.  We are proud of our reputation for gentle care.  This is the reason why our patients continue to refer their friends and family members to our clinic.

What is the noise I hear during manipulation? 
When your spine is manipulated, tiny air bubbles in the fluid inside your joints “pop”. This is normal and is similar to the sound you can make when cracking your knuckles.

Will my condition return?
Research suggests that 50% to 70% of all patients will see the problem return.  However, in our experience, we have found that whether a problem returns is often within the patient’s control.  When patients faithfully perform their exercises and modify previously detrimental lifestyles and work activities, the likelihood of reoccurrence is reduced. Patients play an active part in healing their condition and preventing the likelihood of reoccurrence.

Can I just treat myself?
No. A chiropractor studies for years to understand when, where and how to deliver manipulative therapy to a patient.  Yet, a chiropractor cannot and will not perform the procedure upon himself. The likelihood of damage when attempting self-treatment is high and has been documented by researchers.

Can you treat children?
Musculosketal care is not dependent upon age. Research has shown that some children experience back and neck pain. Although their tissues are generally resilient, some children need chiropractic care to restore normal function or alleviate pain from injuries.

Am I too old for chiropractic care?
Chiropractic treatment is for people of all ages, including senior citizens.  With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, chiropractic care is more important than ever for the aging population. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite.  Many patients report improvement in arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments associated with aging.

I have heard that once you start going to a chiropractor, you never stop.
Many chiropractors recommend continuing "maintenance care".  But researchers have not been able to demonstrate the benefit of seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis once a condition is stabilized or resolved.  Therefore, we generally do not encourage additional treatment beyond the point of maximum improvement.  We do, however, recommend an annual examination in order to detect early changes in your spinal health.  Additionally, we encourage you to come in if you sense an old problem returning or a new condition developing.  Obviously, the earlier we begin treating a problem, the sooner you will experience relief.