+ What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a 100-plus year old discipline that centers on the spinal column and the nervous system. The misalignment of a vertebra may cause inhibited spinal nerve function resulting in headaches, lower back pain and other ailments. For the scientific explanation see: European Spine Journal, July 2005 article “A hypothesis of chronic back pain: ligament subfailure injuries lead to muscle control dysfunction” by Manohar M. Panjabi from the Yale University Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Department, School of Medicine.
Chiropractors want to know where you hurt, but our specialty is finding out why you hurt. By using physical examinations, discussing activities of daily living, and evaluating work ergonomics a chiropractor can detect, locate, and correct spinal misalignments, also called subluxations. Rather than just treating your symptoms we are trained to find the cause of the problem. Once the problem is identified, the solution varies. In addition to manual adjustments the chiropractor may recommend other procedures or health regimens. The chiropractor works with your body’s natural strengths and without drugs or surgery.
+ How is a chiropractic manipulation performed?
Chiropractic manipulation is a hands-on, manual procedure that uses highly refined skills. The doctor’s hands are used to adjust the spine or joints in the extremities. Each manipulation uses a controlled thrust of varying velocity, which is adjusted to the patient’s condition, or the doctor may use an instrument or a movable table to adjust specific joints. There are approximately twenty different chiropractic techniques and most doctors utilize a combination of these techniques to treat patients.
+ Concerned about neck adjustments?
Dr. Pinelli will address your concerns on an individual basis. Neck treatments are performed safely, accurately, and comfortably. Dr. Pinelli has performed neck care on several day old babies and 90 year old arthritic patients.
+ How do I know what type of therapy is appropriate for my condition?
We know that chiropractic has been proven to be more effective than acupuncture and physical therapy for certain types of musculoskeletal pain. Through exam and x-ray procedures, proper care or treatment can be formulated.
+ What is a subluxation?
Subluxations are problem areas of your spine that affect your entire nervous system. In these problem areas, the spinal bones (vertebrae) are misaligned or have lost their normal range of movement. This irritates or puts pressure on local nerves, which alters the communication between your Central Nervous System and Sympathetic Nervous System. It may also involve your muscles, discs, ligaments, tendons and other body parts as well.
+ How does one develop these vertebral misalignments or subluxations?
Life can cause subluxations. Yard work, home renovations, prolonged deskwork, improper lifting, or even sleeping on the couch, can cause spinal stress. So can falls, accidents (especially car accidents), sports activities and injuries, even in the absence of symptoms.
+ Subluxation Signs and Symptoms
Upper neck
Headaches
Periods of mental fogginess
Difficulty concentrating
Vertigo
Jaw (TMJ) problems or pain
Lower neck
Neck pain or discomfort
Neck stiff / catch or pulling in neck and/or upper back
Neck clicking / popping / grinding
Neck / shoulder muscle tension
Arms / hands / fingers falling asleep / numbness/tingling
Pins and needles in the hands or wrists
Pinching or pain radiating into shoulder, arms and hands
Mid back
Midback pain / Pain between the shoulder blades
Rib pain / pain radiating out from the spine or between the shoulder blades that becomes more intense with deep inhalation
Pain under the shoulder blade
Sleeping difficulties / feeling restless
Breathing restriction / chest tightening
Fatigue
Lower back
Pain and/or stiffness/muscle spasm low in the back
Sciatica / pain radiating into the buttock area
Sciatica / pain radiating into hamstrings, calf or foot
Sciatica / burning pain or numbness in the buttocks, which may worsen with prolonged sitting
Buttock, leg and/or foot falling asleep/numbness/tingling
Knees popping / knees or ankles giving out unexpectedly
+ Are X-rays required for my care?
X-rays can detect the presence of certain spinal disorders, arthritis, disc degeneration, etc., that cannot be found upon normal examination prodedures. X-rays are recommended prior to the onset of care.
When diagnostic testing is required, patients are referred to Washington Radiology & Associates or Progressive Radiology at Foxhall MRI.
+ Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Our office is a participating provider with many insurance plans. Most insurance policies chiropractic is at least partially, if not fully, covered. Please check with Dr. Pinelli, who can confirm your policy’s benefits with your insurance provider. We have several payment plans tailored to fit most budgets.
+ Is a referral required for chiropractic care?
MD referrals for referrals to specialists are only required by HMOs. Dr. Pinelli is not a provider with HMO plans, however she does work closely with other healthcare providers.
+ I have tried Chiropractic and my results were not as favorable as I had anticipated, Why?
Certain chiropractic techniques work better for different conditions. A different doctor using a different technique may be more suitable. If you avoided the activities that were causing the problem, had more than two chiropractic sessions and performed the recommended stretching and strengthening exercises, there could be additional problems that your chiropractor can help you identify.
+ Why does it take more than one adjustment to correct the problem?
What you do every day determines the condition of your musculo-skeletal system. Your body responds to how it is trained. People develop muscular imbalances that stress their spine and nervous system because they are engaging in activities that alter normal spinal biomechanics. You and your muscles and ligaments must be retrained so that the spine is not only flexible, but also stable.
+ Is chiropractic recommended for expectant mothers?
Yes, treatment is adjusted for each patient’s complaint and stage of pregnancy. A special table is utilized with a collapsible section for the baby so that the mother can lie on her abdomen comfortably if she desires. In fact, in most cases, women find that having chiropractic treatment during pregnancy actually facilitates childbirth.
+ If I begin chiropractic care, do I need to continue treatment for the rest of my life?
Some patients come only for treatment of acute symptoms, but others recognize the benefits as part of a healthy lifestyle like exercising at the gym, practicing yoga or meditating. While chiropractic care can treat acute pain such as neck or back pain, it is also a very effective preventative therapy. Visiting your chiropractor regularly, before you experience acute pain, supports the body,s optimal health.
+ Can I adjust myself?
It is possible to twist or bend in certain ways that create a popping sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive. Normally these joints move so freely because other areas of the spine are fixed or have limited mobility. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs or individuals who have taken a weekend course. There is a reason chiropractic school has a four year curriculum and requires 350 patient visits before graduation.
+ Did you know that Doctors of Chiropractic have been to chiropractic school for a minimum of four years?
Chiropractors actually complete more coursework in anatomy and physiology than most medical doctors. After receiving a degree from an accredited chiropractic college, all chiropractors must pass a series of National Board Exams and state licensing exams for each state in which they practice. Additionally most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to remain current on the latest research and adjusting techniques.
+ Does a chiropractor need a license to practice?
Yes, all chiropractors must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Dr. Pinelli is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, California, and New Jersey.
+ Could yoga practice and weight lifting cause musculo-skeletal pain and possible injury?
Yes, especially if the individual has altered spinal biomechanics. Conversely, weight lifting and yoga practice could also diminish certain pain and symptoms. Knowing what is appropriate for your body is the key.
+ Is chiropractic care addictive?
This question is never asked about massage therapy. It is possible to gain greater awareness of feeling more balanced, less stressed, and more energetic as a result or regular chiropractic care. Chiropractic is not addictive, however, good health can be.
+ How often should I have chiropractic care?
Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet: As long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits. Most people don’t wait until they are obese before they think about exercising. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with greater freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime. Although you can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care even if you receive care for a short time, the real benefits come into play when you make chiropractic care a part of your wellness lifestyle.
