Q: What Is Chiropractic?
A: Chiropractic was founded in 1895.  It is based on the theory that the nervous system controls the function of every cell, tissue, organ and system of the body. The brain and the spinal cord are protected by bones, specifically the skull and vertebra. When the vertebra lose their normal position or move improperly, they irritate the nervous system. We now know that the theory is wrong but what remains is a system of manipulation that is the best in the world.

Chiropractors locate and correct the areas of the spine not functioning properly. The correction is done through a procedure some call an adjustment. The word adjustment describes a specific movement that is directed with specific force. This gentle force allows the vertebra to return to a more normal movement.

Doctors of Chiropractic go through a five and a half year graduate program after completing medical school prerequisites. That's a total of eight years. They receive thousands of hours of scientific education in anatomy and the function of the human body. The training also teaches Chiropractors the skill to use just the right amount of pressure at the proper time. This process makes Chiropractic an art. You can't learn it at a weekend seminar.

Therefore, Chiropractic is not just a science, but also an art. To learn this art takes time. Any one can kick a football. How many are good enough to play professionally?

Q: Are Chiropractic practitioners doctors?
A: Yes in the United States of America. Board-qualified and licensed chiropractic practitioners are entitled by law to the Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). To become state licensed, the candidate must complete a minimum of eight years of college study and clinic internship before entering into private practice.

Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic use drugs and surgery as part of their treatment?
A: No. Doctors of Chiropractic follow the concept that the body is usually capable of restoring function given the proper food, water, rest, and changes in lifestyle. Sometimes supplements are called for but these are just concentrated food.

Q: Is chiropractic treatment painful?
A: No. Reaction to treatment depends on the patient. It is rarely painful; sensations can vary from temporary soreness in the spinal joints or in muscles to a sense of exhilaration and relief.

Q: Do Doctors of Chiropractic treat only spinal conditions?
A: No. We treat joint and muscle problems away from the spine also. It would also not be unusual for a practitioner to provide a patient with appropriate nutritional advice or supplamentation to augment recovery. Additionally, some Chiropractic Doctors specialize in the treatment of more unusual musculoskeltal conditions such as those involving sports injuries.

Q: What if I have a slipped disk?
A: There is actually no such thing as a "slipped" disc. The spinal discs are a cushioning piece of tissue that lie between each bone of the spine. There are two parts to the disk, the annulus (the tough part, like gristle) and the nucleus (a soft center, about the consistency of peanut butter). If the spinal vertebra tilt and create a wedge, the nucleus can bulge toward the open end of the wedge area. This can cause undue pressure on the spinal nerve roots or on the spinal cord. If the annulus becomes torn (partially or fully) the nucleus can migrate into the tear, putting even more pressure on spinal nerves or on the cord. The correct terminology for this is "herniated" disc. Chiropractors can (gently) treat a herniated disk, within all but the most severe tears.

Q: When can I expect to feel better?
A: Different patients have different healing times. Some experience relief within 1-2 weeks; others notice changes before the end of the first month. Healing is dependent on the length of time a patient has had the problem, the severity of their problem and (very importantly) how well they follow the instructions given to them.

Q: Do I have to keep coming back forever?
A: No! In our office we have three types of care: relief care, corrective care and maintenance care. Pain usually subsides in the first 4-6 weeks. However, correcting the cause of a problem takes longer. You have the option of discontinuing care when the pain subsides, when you complete the corrective procedure, or you can continue with what we call maintenance care. It is completely up to you. The purpose of maintenance care is to keep your spine healthy and to avoid a reoccurrence of a spinal-related problem. Just as you go to the dentist for regular checkups, having your spine checked by the doctor is as important, if not more so. But the choice is always yours.

Q: Will chiropractic improve my posture?
A: Some patients have seen their posture improve as a result of chiropractic care. It depends on age and other factors. Everyone is different.

Q: How long will each appointment take?
A: The first visit make room for an hour. After that 30 minutes, depending upon what you need done and the day of the week. We get very busy. Be sure to call for an appointment.

Q: Do I have to have x-rays?
A: The doctor will determine if films are necessary during the examination and then will discuss this with you. Usually no. If you have x-rays, please DO bring them, as they will help the doctor with his examination. If the doctor determines at the end of the examination that new films are necessary, he will advise you and discuss why he feels they are necessary.

Q: Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
A: It depends on what is causing the spine to NOT be straight. If the cause is a lot of arthritis and degeneration, it is unlikely that the spine can be straightened. If the cause is related to muscle tightness, there is a much greater chance that the spine can be straightened.

Q: Does chiropractic cure cancer or other diseases?
A: Chiropractic does not cure cancer or any other diseases. The chiropractic treatment can help relieve the pain associated with different conditions. There are a number of different health conditions which have been helped through chiropractic care. As a result of chiropractic care, many patients experience improvement in their quality of life and that is a big, big thing.

Q: Is chiropractic good for children or elderly people?
A: Chiropractic is good for all people, because chiropractic care centers on increasing function and decreasing pain. Different techniques are used for children and the elderly due to their spine's delicate nature. Children need chiropractic care so they do not develop the problems we see in most adults, like muscle pain and arthritis. It is especially important to have children checked by the Chiropractic doctor when they are young. Chiropractic care can help the elderly from developing more serious complications from their longstanding spinal and muscle related conditions. Personally I have treated babies a few days old to patients 102 years old.

Q: How long does a chiropractor go to school?
A: After completing the same prerequisites for medical school, chiropractors attend chiropractic college for five and a half years. Eight years total.

Q: Why are there so many techniques used in chiropractic?
A: Let me answer this question politely, I have strong feelings on this subject. Many techniques are based on opinion and, I think, imagination. The techniques used at the Green Total Health Centre are Manipulation, Cox Flexion-Distraction and Muscle Repair Techniques (not exclusively Chiropractic techniques). Cox technique is one of the few Chiropractic treatment methods that has stood up to peer-reviewed research. If your Chiropractor is putting things on your tongue or belly button and pulling on your arm, they might actually be pulling your leg. If he is signing you up for a package deal costing thousands of Ringgit he is thinking of his bank account not your health.

Q: Can I come in whenever I feel like it and not stick to a regular schedule?
A: The doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you which will best benefit your health. For you to obtain the best results from chiropractic care, it is important that you stick to the schedule the doctor recommends.

Q: Can I just drop in without a scheduled appointment?
A: We are available to see a patient in an emergency, otherwise, please call ahead for an appointment or plan on waiting several hours to be seen. We are usually very, very busy.

Q: Where can I get more information on health in general?
A: Listen to my Podcast
or Read my Health Blog
or go to our Links page.