Frequently asked questions

Will the adjustment hurt?

What is the "popping/cracking" sound that can occur during an adjustment?

Is there a chance of stroke or paralysis when the doctor "pops" my neck?

Will I need to have x-rays taken?

Will I have to remove any clothing for the exam?

What happens after my first visit?

How long will I have to keep going?

What is Chiropractic?
A "Natural" system of health care with an emphasis on correcting the problem and keeping you well. Chiropractic accomplishes this by using gentle adjustments, freeing the nerve force necessary for you to heal and stay healthy. Chiropractic is the science, philosophy, and art, that helps restore the normal neurological, and biomechanical activity of the body, without the use of drugs or surgery.

Will the adjustment hurt?
Typically no. The adjusting techniques are designed to move the subluxated (mal-positioned) vertebra back into place by hand, with a minimum of discomfort. Some patients come to us in severe spasm, and we may use physical therapy to relax the muscles prior to treatment.

What is the "popping/cracking" sound that can occur during an adjustment?
The sound is from the opening of a space between two joints. There is a nitrogen based liquid in the joint that is temporarily converted to a gas by the vacuum created as the joint space opens.

Is there a chance of stroke or paralysis when the doctor "pops" my neck?
About 1 in 2 million. Research shows that you have a better chance for a stroke while sneezing. Dr. McConnaughy has given many thousands of adjustments over the years, and he is very cautious with his treatments.

Will I need to have x-rays taken?
The more knowledge the doctor has of your body, the better he can help you. If there are very recent x-rays from another physician, he may be able to use them. It’s smarter to see what is happening inside your body, rather than guess.

Will I have to remove any clothing for the exam?
Usually it’s not necessary to remove any clothing to do the examination, unless something requires a visual inspection.

What happens after my first visit?
After analysis of the patient’s health concern, examination and x-ray information, we report our findings to the patient for discussion and permission to start treatment. Spinal adjustments are given to reduce and stabilize the subluxated (mal-positioned) vertebra, and thereby improve neurological function. These adjustments do not usually take a long amount of time to receive, and the patient does not have to spend a long wait in the office.

How long will I have to keep going?
The length of rehabilitative care varies with each patient. Their age, activities, work, and degree of spinal misalignment, all add up to make their individual schedule unique for their condition. As a test, we may treat the patient 3 times/week for 2 weeks, and then determine with the patient if progress is being made. If we do not see improvement, they can be referred to another health provider. If they are seeing good results, we would determine if a decreasing frequency of care is appropriate. The goal is to relieve as much of the original problem as possible, and then help stabilize the spine. This would mean seeing the patient approximately 1 time per month to help maintain their spinal health, and slow further deterioration. Some patients like to stay well, and some choose to wait until they are hurting before returning. The options are always discussed with the patient.