FAQ

A chiropractor is a health care professional focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. These conditions can result from stress produced from trauma secondary to injury or even daily activities.

According to WebMD, About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other complaints include headaches or pain in the neck, arms, and legs.

Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint. The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve your body's physical function by restoring normal joint motion.

The audible sound commonly heard with an adjustment is called a cavitation. The audible release is caused by a cavitation process whereby a sudden decrease in intra-capsular pressure causes dissolved gasses in the synovial fluid to be released into the joint cavity. The gasses released from the synovial fluid make up about 15% of the joint volume and consist of approximately 80% carbon dioxide. A good example of this sound would be similar to the vacuum release heard with pulling a suction cup from a smooth surface.

To answer the importance of treatment we must first understand the nature of injury and what is happening with the tissue as it heals. When injury occurs, tissue responds in kind to heal itself. The process by which the body heals can be divided into three phases:

1. Phase I, or Inflammatory Phase: During this stage, inflammation begins to develop almost immediately for up to four days. In this instance, inflammation is not the enemy. In fact, inflammation will help to defuse toxins to allow the repair process to begin.
   
   The acute inflammation stage is where swelling, redness, heat, and pain will occur. When the inflammation diminishes, the repair process can begin. Instead of brand new tissue being formed, the body will heal with scar tissue formation – a very important step! 

2. Phase 2, or Repair Phase: This stage will occur between four and twenty-one days after the injury or surgery. During this stage, damaged structures begin to become repaired by the new growth of connective tissue and capillaries. Scar tissue keeps growing during this stage. These scar tissues are fragile; therefore, it is not recommended that anyone touch this area except for a qualified therapist or doctor.
   
   Inflammation will begin to decrease during this stage; however, pain associated with damaged tissue may occur. At this point in time, doctors will recommend a gentle stretching program to help elongate the tissue. Doing these stretches will expand the range of motion of the scar tissue, which will result in less pain. The pain is not a result of the actual tissue, but of the tethers that are formed over the nerve root to connect the tissues together. Once a movement goes past the end range, pain or discomfort will occur.

3. Phase 3, or Remodelling Phase: This is the stage where the patient will take a more active role in the healing process. Generally, this stage of healing begins after twenty-one days. During this stage, scar tissue is “remodeled” through the exercises and ranges of movement that are placed on it. Scar tissue will develop where it is useful for protecting the injured area.

Now that we know a little about the healing of tissue injuries. Let’s take a closer look at scar tissue.

Scar tissue is fibrous tissue formed by the body to act like a glue. Scar tissue is not as tensile and strong as regular, healthy tissue. Scar tissue does not just form along the surface of injured tissue, it forms between and along fibers of the injured tissue and, without proper management, it can lead to adhesion between tissue.

With the appropriate treatment, the formation of scar tissue and how scar tissue is modeled along with healthy tissue can be managed, reducing the cumulative injury cycle associated with weaker and less elastic tissue or developing chronic pain and/or dysfunction of the injured tissue.

Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, the theory being that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as injury or repetitive stress.

Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment and physiotherapy.

To prevent cavities and/or early caries, known as white spots, you must brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a toothpaste that contains fluoride. We recommend brushing with a pea size amount of toothpaste for adults (13 years and older) and a rice size amount for kids (2 to 12 years). Flossing once a day is crucial for preventing interproximal cavities. We also recommend rinsing with an anticavity mouthwash, which can be purchased over the counter. This mouthrinse is used after brushing and, when used correctly, has shown to prevent caries and remineralize incipient carious lesions on teeth.

Of course! It is much harder to keep your teeth clean while in braces than without them. So, it is imperative to keep up with your orthodontic appointments, as well as your general dentist appointments. Your teeth are more susceptible to decay when in braces, since it is more difficult to brush and floss them around the brackets and wire.

It is recommended that you go to the dentist at least every 6 months. If you have periodontal disease, it is recommended that you visit your dentist every 3 to 4 months.

Bad breath is caused by bacteria. Neglecting to keep up with regular dental visits, cleanings, brushing and flossing causes food particles to remain in your mouth. These food particles cause bacterial growth between and on teeth, gums and on the tongue, causing bad breath.

If you have dry mouth caused by medications, we always recommend over-the-counter dry mouth products. These help to stimulate saliva flow and come in several different products: mouth rinse, toothpaste, moisturizing spray and moisturizing gel. Just chewing gum with xylitol can help to stimulate saliva flow.  If you have severe dry mouth and these products do not work, it is suggested that you visit your medical doctor for further treatment.

Clean your removable retainers by rinsing them daily with water and rubbing your fingers around indentations where food may get caught. Brushing your retainer with a soft toothbrush and using a mouthrinse always helps.  An at-home remedy of soaking retainers for about 30 minutes in a mixture of 10% distilled white vinegar and 90% water works, as well.

Celebrity Dental accepts MEDICAID and CHIP payments, as well as most commercial insurances. We offer Care Credit for those in need and will walk you through the procedures.

As one of the leading clinics for personal injury cases, we work with your attorney to get the care you need. We have more than twenty years of experience in personal injury medical needs, and we will get you the treatment you deserve.