Frequently Asked Questions in Anchorage AK

Chiropractic is a drugless, natural healthcare discipline that uses gentle manual or precise instrument adjustments to the spine to improve alignment and function. The purpose is to restore proper spinal motion and allow the connection between the brain, spinal cord, and the body--the spinal nerves--to carry the proper messages. A variety of techniques can be used to suit clients of all ages.

Chiropractors take 4-5 years of academic training beyond undergraduate studies, as well as passing national and state board testing, to receive their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Topics of study include human biology, anatomy & physiology, adjusting methods, neuroanatomy, radiology, nutrition, biochemistry, and pediatric care.

The chiropractor analyzes the spine to determine areas of dysfunction or lack of proper motion. Once detected, specific adjustments (application of gentle force) are applied to restore movement and function. Typically, chiropractors are also passionate and knowledgeable about healthy lifestyle practices and can offer advice on nutrition, supplements, movement, breathing, sleep, rest, and stress reduction.

Chiropractic has an excellent safety track record, reflected by extremely low malpractice insurance rates. A 1995 study found that chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine (neck area) were several hundred times safer than taking NSAIDS.

Chiropractors are trained to adapt their technique to the needs of the patient, but occasionally, patients may experience some mild soreness following a chiropractic adjustment. This is typically short-lived.

This can vary based on your individual goals for your health. Do you want to use chiropractic to get out of crisis (pain) only, or to improve structure and function more completely? Do you go to the dentist when your tooth hurts, or for regular maintenance? Our families, ourselves and many of our patients use chiropractic on a regular basis to keep feeling and functioning well.

This can vary quite a bit. We have chosen a model of care that allows our fees to remain affordable for most people, including whole families, with or without insurance. Typically, we have an introductory initial visit fee, allowing people to determine if chiropractic is a good fit, if our office is the right place, and to have their questions answered without a large financial commitment.

There are quite a few chiropractic techniques. I think, traditionally, people tend to think of manual adjusting techniques that result in the ‘popping’ sound. In truth, there are many techniques that utilize instrument adjustments or low-force techniques that involve little or no twisting or popping. There really are a lot of options and, in our office, patients can choose from multiple techniques. Traditional Diversified manual adjusting, Activator Method, Athrostim instrument adjusting, Atlas Orthogonal, and Cox Technique are the most common techniques we use.

Chiropractors don’t treat conditions but rather look to normalize the function of the spine and the delicate nerves it houses and protects. Some of the common conditions that patients present with are back or neck pain, headaches, jaw pain, chronic muscle tightness, pain/tingling/numbness in arms or legs, abnormal spinal curvatures, sciatic pain, general body dysfunction, and poor sleep. Allowing the spine and nervous system to function better by adjusting the misaligned area can help optimize movement and health.

Patients visit us for a variety of conditions, ranging from minor ailments to severe conditions that haven’t benefited from conventional medicine. Here are some conditions that we treat at Atlas Disc + Spine Clinic:

• Neck, back, shoulder, leg, and foot pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Headaches and Migraines
• Sciatica
• Asthma
• Neuralgia
• Herniated discs
• Fibromyalgia