Frequently Asked Questions About
Chiropractic Care:

What Problems do Chiropractors treat?

Doctors of chiropractic treat many different types of problems but mainly focus on those conditions that affect your muscles, joints and nerves. Problems such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain into your arms and legs, carpal tunnel syndrome and whiplash injuries following car accidents are just a few examples of what we treat effectively. It is only after a thorough examination that ANY doctor can really tell if chiropractic is right for you.

I have been told that Chiropractic can make me worse, Is that true?

As with all types of healthcare, there are potential risks in the delivery of treatment. Chiropractic however, IS REMARKABLY SAFE. The key to secure effective care is determined by the information the doctor gathers from you. During your first visit, the SpinalWorks team will begin by taking a thorough history to identify the nature of your problem. You will be asked detailed questions regarding your past and present conditions. A comprehensive examination will also be done to determine how we can treat you most effectively. Once all of this information is obtained, you will receive a report on your test findings along with a program of recommended treatment. Our systems and procedures at SpinalWorks are specifically designed to keep your care safe, enjoyable and effective.

What does an adjustment do and is it painful?

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and effective. Adjustments are movements of your joints by the chiropractor’s hands, performed for the purpose of restoring normal position and movement. Once these bones or vertebrae are restored to their proper position the spinal cord and nerves are no longer compressed. Remember that the nervous system makes EVERYTHING in your body work. Once the spine is put back in proper alignment the body has the ability to be strong, healthy and if injured, heal.

What is the noise that I hear during the adjustment?

Popping or cracking occurs in a joint when the joint moves quickly and creates a space. This space is filled immediately, usually by nitrogen that occurs naturally in joints, which creates a popping noise. It is nothing to be concerned about and it is not harmful at all.

Can you have adjustments if you have spinal disease or surgery?

That depends on your particular case but in most instances…yes! The whole purpose of your consultation and examination is to determine if chiropractic is right for you. Once we gather all information important to your case, we can then determine whether we can help you. If for some reason we cannot help you, we will find somebody who can.

Why do I need x-rays?

X-rays are taken for your own safety. If you had past injuries such as old fractures, broken bones or other health problems related to arthritis, scoliosis (etc), it is vital for the doctor to know so he can assess the condition completely. X-rays ensure the best possible results in care. The doctor performs re-exams periodically and will take a new set of x-rays to show your progressive results. . We use state-of-the-art equipment which offers lower radiation and better quality films. Once the doctor studies your x-rays he will provide a treatment plan specifically designed for you.

Are chiropractic doctors trained the same way as medical doctors?

According to a National Health Federation survey utilizing curriculum statistics from 22 medical universities and 11 chiropractic colleges, the first two years of study to be a medical doctor or a chiropractor is very similar. The minimum number of hours for medical students studying classes like anatomy, pathology, chemistry, etc is around 2750 hours. For chiropractors it is 2900 hours. During the last two years of medical school, students spend more time studying classes like pharmacology (prescription drugs), general surgery and immunology. Chiropractors learn more about adjusting the spine, nutrition and natural approaches to health also. When it all comes down to it, according to the NHF (National Health Federation) there is a minimum requirement of 4250 classroom hours the first four years of medical school and 4500 classroom hours involved with chiropractic school.

Do Chiropractors use technology as well as hands-on techniques?

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Some chiropractors use their hands to move the bones while some use instruments or mechanical “tools” to adjust the vertebrae. While going through the examination we will determine what approach will work best for you.

Do the chiropractors use vitamins or herbs in treatment?

Some do and some don’t. It has been our experience at SpinalWorks that you get out of life what you put into your health. Putting good vitamins, supplements and minerals into our body is a healthy choice.

Corrective Rehab

What is corrective rehabilitation? Corrective Rehabilitation is a course of treatment designed to assist in the recovery from injury, illness or disease. This will also help with regaining strength and mobility. Specially designed exercises will target weak areas and over time help speed up your recovery. One of the main goals for our SpinalWorks team is to enhance the quality of life to our patients. From sore shoulders to sports related injuries Dr. Steve will take the time to properly diagnose each ailment. After a thorough diagnosis, the SpinalWorks team will create a custom plan just for you. This plan will combine various exercises and treatments to help bring our rehabilitation patients back to full health as quickly as possible.

One of the added benefits of the rehabilitation services offered in our office is the prevention of future injury. With the proper care and treatment, SpinalWorks Chiropractic can help you to get back to your full strength. By knowing the proper exercises and techniques you may even be able to prevent future injuries.

Phoenix Chiropractor Dr. Steve Van Laecken has been applying the principals of Corrective Rehabiliation and Chiropractic Care as a leading chiropractor in the Phoenix, Arizona area since 2004.  He has applied his broad knowledge of rehabilitation, chiropractic care, and health to remove pain from numerous patients. To see about eliminating the pain in your body, please visit us at 15640 N. 7th St #A3 Phoenix AZ 85022 or call for an appointment with Dr. Steve Van Laecken, the leading Phoenix Chiropractor.

Schedule an appointment TODAY! Call us at 602.298.1600 or fill out our online appointment form.