How can the Abington Family Chiropractic Center help me? 

Chiropractic can help you by working with you and your other healthcare professionals (M.D., and D.O.) by maintaining your spine in proper alignment. We work with most aspect of musculoskeletal (muscles & bones) injuries. Utilizing a hands-on approach of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT), physiotherapeutics (e.g. - ultrasound, interferential electrical stimulation, traction, aqua jet therapy), Massage Therapy, Exercise Consultation, Nutritional & Supplement Guidance, we are able to create a program tailored to each person's individual needs.
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What is a Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT)?

Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy (CMT), also known as an adjustment is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust or a low velocity, high amplitude thrust given into a specific joint in order to provide a therapeutic result. This is not to say, however, that all manipulations are the same. Just as Chiropractors are different individually, so are our many techniques. We incorporate multiple methods of manipulation. We have very low force techniques such as Activator, drop cervical & pelvic. We also use traditional manipulative techniques such as the Palmer method and other Diversified adjustments.
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Does the manipulation hurt ?

Some techniques employed will cause a "snap, crackle, pop" sound or cavitations; other will not. These cavitations are the result of rapid release of air bubbles within the joint that have been under pressure, much like the opening of a carbonated soda can. The cavitations occur more often than not, but it does not have to occur for the manipulation to be effective. Some people feel NO PAIN and almost immediate relief from their pain. The manipulation can sometimes cause some minor discomfort, but it is not usually considered painful. Most of this discomfort will go away immediately. The discomfort that you may feel is often related to how long you waited before you sought treatment for your pain or illness. The sooner we can start the manipulations after injury or onset, the less discomfort you will feel and the fewer treatments you will need for your continued good health.
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Do Chiropractors prescribe any pills ?

No, we do, at times, recommend pills be taken by our patients. The pills we recommend, however, are high quality vitamins, minerals and other supplements that our body needs in order to maintain proper health. At times we may prescribe herbs such as glucosamine, echinacea, feverfew, garlic, milk thistle and others to aid the body in its attempt to cure and heal itself. We always refer you back to your Primary Care Physician or Family Doctor for medication (pills) advice.
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What is a subluxation?

The word "subluxation" comes from the Latin words meaning "to dislocate" (luxate) and "somewhat or slightly" (sub). A subluxation means a slight dislocation (misalignment) or biomechanical malfunctioning of the vertebrae (bones of the spine). These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels that branch off from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue as well as imbalance in the normal body processes.
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What causes a subluxation?

A fall, injury, sudden jar, trauma, or sometimes an inherited spinal weakness can displace a vertebra. Other causes include improper sleeping conditions or habits, poor posture, occupational hazards, incorrect lifting practices, obesity, lack of rest and exercise, and stress.
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Is regular chiropractic care necessary?

Regular chiropractic care may be necessary to correct spinal subluxations to help maintain sound health and fitness. Your spine is under constant strain during waking hours. Improper lifting techniques, poor posture, accidents, falls and bumps, and other causes can contribute to spinal strain. Timely adjustments can help restore the neuromusculoskeletal integrity of the spine to normalize the bodily equilibrium and increase resistance. The frequency of need varies from person to person. Some people do well with monthly chiropractic visits; others can go many months; yet others can only go weeks.
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Should I go to a Chiropractor if I feel fine?

Even if you feel fine, chiropractic care can help your body maintain its required level of health and fitness. Prevention is truly the "name of the game". We can recommend a preventive spinal-care program and advise you on correct posture, dietary information and back exercises. Regular spinal checkups can help detect and prevent spinal stress due to subluxations.
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How old should a person be before he or she begins chiropractic care?

Chiropractic patients range in years from birth to old age. Regardless of age, the vertebrae can become misaligned. For example, the birth process may cause trauma to the neck and spine. Left uncorrected, the vertebral subluxation may disturb the delicate spinal cord and nerves that control the youngster's muscles and organs. In some cases, an uncorrected subluxation may lead to a deformity of the spinal column. An early chiropractic checkup may detect many spinal problems while they are still easily correctable. Conversely, old, arthritic and osteoporitic spines can symptomatically improve with chiropractic treatment.
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Can I speed the Healing Process?

While there aren't any shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there's a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery. Learn proper sitting and lifting methods. Specific exercises may be suggested to help restrain the muscles that support your spine. Proper rest is an important aspect of the healing process, too. Get the appropriate amount of rest your body needs and avoid sleeping on your stomach. During the healing process, proper nutrition is more important than ever. Make sure you eat balanced meals, and if you are overweight now would be a good time to slim down and reduce unnecessary stresses to your spine. Perhaps the most important of all, keep your appointments and follow your chiropractor's recommendations for optimum results.
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Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe." Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough care history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient. Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and effective.
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