Frequently Asked Questions
EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW!

HOW MUCH EDUCATION DOES A DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC RECEIVE?

WHAT DEGREE ARE CHIROPRACTORS GIVEN?

ARE CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES ACCREDITED?

DO CHIROPRACTORS NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE TO PRACTICE?

HOW MANY CHIROPRACTORS ARE THERE?

DO ALL CHIROPRACTORS USE THE SAME TECHNIQUES?

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC WORK?

WHO NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?

WHAT CAUSES SUBLUXATIONS?

HOW SHOULD I FEEL AFTER AN ADJUSTMENT?

THE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFITS.

DOES CHIROPRACTIC HURT?

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO BECOME HEALTHY ONCE YOUR SPINAL PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTED?

CAN A CHILD GET ADJUSTED AND EXPERIENCE THE SAME BENEFITS AS AN ADULT?

THE ANSWERS!

HOW MUCH EDUCATION DOES A DOCTOR OF CHIROPRACTIC RECEIVE?
A minimum of eight years of college study (the same legal requirement as for medical doctors) not including internships. Back

WHAT DEGREE ARE CHIROPRACTORS GIVEN?
Licensed chiropractors are entitled by law to use the title, "Doctor of Chiropractic." They may also add the degree's initials "D.C." to their name. Back

ARE CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGES ACCREDITED?
Yes, the CCE (Council on Chiropractic Education) which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is responsible for setting, evaluating, and enforcing high educational standards. Back

DO CHIROPRACTORS NEED A SPECIAL LICENSE TO PRACTICE?
As a licensed and regulated health professional, the doctor of chiropractic must pass a rigorous series of national exams, and a state exam for each state he chooses to practice in. Back

HOW MANY CHIROPRACTORS ARE THERE?
There are almost 50,000 chiropractors in the U.S., serving tens of millions of patients, and their use is growing rapidly as new research revalidates the effectiveness of chiropractic. Back

DO ALL CHIROPRACTORS USE THE SAME TECHNIQUES?
As with all professions, chiropractors have a large number of various methods to evaluate and take care of patients. In our office, we use numerous gentle and effective techniques such as Thomson, Gonstead, Activator, Toggle, Cox and Diversified techniques.  Back

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is the art, science and philosophy of realigning vertebrae (bones) that are out of alignment in the spine to restore function in the nervous system (nerves). 
Nerves control the human body. Everything (circulation, breathing, elimination, etc.) is under the direction of this unbelievably complicated system. If the impulses of this network are transmitted normally to and from the brain without interference, the body will be at its optimum and able to ward off disease to the best of its ability. If these impulses are stopped or interfered with, the area dependent upon them will malfunction and/or become diseased. A vertebral subluxation occurs when a vertebra in your spine becomes misaligned, and it causes nerve interference.
Chiropractic is the only profession that utilizes gentle spinal alignments to free pinched nerves so the body can heal itself. Chiropractors focus on the spine and the origin of the nervous system to correct problems throughout the body without the use of drugs or surgery. Back

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC WORK?
This is where the chiropractor comes in. The doctor applies a gentle force to the spine that unlocks the vertebra (bone) that is out of alignment and corrects their vertebral subluxation. Once the vertebrae are in alignment, the body can restore its normal nerve function.
Your doctor of chiropractic has gone through four academic years of chiropractic training, following undergraduate college, to learn human anatomy, physiology, and radiology in depth. Chiropractors are dedicated to learning how, when, why, and where to apply that gentle force called Chiropractic adjustment, and to help you, the patient, prevent your subluxation from recurring.  Back

WHO NEEDS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Everyone can benefit from modern, safe, effective, and painless chiropractic care. In our office, we use chiropractic techniques that are extremely effective for everyone including the elderly and infants. Back

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
How quickly a person responds to chiropractic care can vary greatly depending on the length of time the vertebral subluxation has been in their spine, though most people feel immediate improvement. It is important to remember that even though you may feel better, the underlying condition may take much longer to correct. In many cases it may take several adjustments or a series of adjustments to make permanent changes in the spine.  Each patient's progress is closely monitored by the chiropractor and treatment options are discussed.  Back

WHAT IS A SUBLUXATION?
A subluxation is a vertebra in the spine which is out of alignment putting pressure on a nerve affecting health in the body. Furthermore, a vertebral subluxation is a serious spinal condition that interferes with the health of the nervous system, the vertebral column (spinal column) and the general health of the entire body as a whole.
In order for a vertebra to be subluxated it has to have four qualities:
1. The vertebra is out of proper alignment with the other vertebrae in the spinal column, the skull or the pelvis. 
2. There is a narrowing of a canal through which the nerve lies. 
3. There is impingement of nerve tissue as result of the above canal narrowing. 
4. There is interference with nerve messages between the brain and the body. Back

WHAT CAUSES SUBLUXATIONS?
Three different types of stress can cause subluxations:
1. Emotional Stress: According to research, the #1 cause of subluxation in America today is emotional stress. Other patients may find their symptoms have begun to disappear, and the problems that initiated the visit to the chiropractor have begun to lessen after the first visit. Some patients feel no difference after an adjustment. This does not mean they are not benefiting from their adjustments, but rather they're not feeling any external reaction. Emotional stress can result from family problems, financial difficulties and work or school related problems. It is important to understand that emotional stress can cause tension in your muscles that in time can pull vertebrae out of alignment.
2. Physical Stress: Physical stress can be caused by accidents, sports injuries, falls, and other trauma, poor posture, repetitive movements that gradually wear down your body parts and difficult birth. Although vertebral subluxations are the most common forms of interference with nerve messages, they are by no means the only ones. Broken bones, arthritis, tumors, direct pressure (when your legs or arms 'go to sleep'), and neurological diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, polio and cerebral palsy, can also damage nerves.
3. Chemical Stress: Chemical addiction (drug intake), being over medicated, or being exposed repeatedly to industrial chemicals can cause Chemical Stress.  Back

HOW SHOULD I FEEL AFTER AN ADJUSTMENT?
Different people have different reactions depending on their condition (i.e. presence of swelling, inflammation and muscle spasms), the amount of time the condition has existed and the person's degree of sensitivity. Many people however will feel the following: 
1. Peace and relaxation:
After an adjustment you may experience a feeling of deepening peace and relaxation. This relaxed feeling may last for the rest of the day or the week and may lead to deep refreshing sleep. Other patients have reported a warm feeling flowing to various parts of their bodies which is very soothing. Some patients feel very energetic and do all their chores or business that day with a light, happy feeling.
2. Relief of symptoms:
Other patients may find their symptoms have begun to disappear, and the problems that initiated the visit to the chiropractor have begun to lessen after the first visit. Some patients feel no difference after an adjustment. This does not mean they are not benefiting from their adjustments, but rather they're not feeling any external reaction.
3. Overall improvement:
As you continue your chiropractic care and your spine and nervous system continue to release deep seated stress, you may begin to notice better balance, smoother movement, and as a result, more energy. Other benefits include increased awareness of your spine and its movements, areas of tightness and/or restrictions; awareness of your body stress; and more emotional relaxation. You may spontaneously change your eating habits, feel an increased desire to exercise, go for walks or become more sensitive to your work and leisure. Back

THE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFITS
The true benefits of an adjustment are usually found below the level of consciousness. Other patients may find their symptoms have begun to disappear, and the problems that initiated the visit to the chiropractor have begun to lessen after the first visit. Some patients feel no difference after an adjustment. This does not mean they are not benefiting from their adjustments, but rather they're not feeling any external reaction. The true benefits of chiropractic care are the preventive benefits: better night sleep, more energy and better nerve system function. Back

DOES CHIROPRACTIC HURT?
No. In our office we use gentle effective techniques which are painless and provide excellent results. After removing the vertebral subluxations of the spine the body is once again able to return to its normal function Back
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WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO TO BECOME HEALTHY ONCE YOUR SPINAL PROBLEMS ARE CORRECTED?
In our office, we recommend that you do the following once we have corrected your spinal misalignments.
1. Exercise
2. Follow proper nutrition
3. Reduce stress
4. Maintain proper posture
5. Get the proper amount of rest and sleep
6. Keep a positive mental attitude Back

CAN A CHILD GET ADJUSTED AND EXPERIENCE THE SAME BENEFITS AS AN ADULT?
Yes, in fact children respond quickly to chiropractic care primarily because the subluxations have not been in their spine for long periods of time interfering with the body's ability to communicate with itself. There are specific gentle techniques for children. Ear infections, colic, and immune responses such as fever are only a few other things caused by vertebral subluxations.Back

We understand that you can not change your lifestyle overnight. However, if you incorporate these ideas slowly, you will most definitely enjoy better health. Keep in mind that you are responsible for your health.

Take charge.

 
Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic, P.A.
839 Barton Boulevard
Rockledge, Florida 32955
Voice: 321-636-5200
Fax: 321-639-0418
Fogarty Chiropractic Life Clinic, P.A.
12484 Lake Underhill Road
Orlando, Florida 32828
Voice
: 407-281-0707
Fax: 407-273-4793