Frequently Asked Questions in Carrollwood FL

It is a health care discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. The practice focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health. We believe that just about anyone can benefit from the healing power of chiropractic care and are excited that more and more people are discovering the benefits of care beyond just bone and joint. Our bodies are regularly exposed to stresses of all kinds; physical, emotional and chemical. Stress affects the balance of our nervous system and our body's ability to adapt and regulate to stress is crucial for optimal health and development.

Subluxations occur when a misalignment and fixation within the spine creates stress and tension on the nerves. This dysfunction compromises the normal functioning of your nerves and can influence your overall health and wellbeing. A chiropractor is an expert in the detection and correction of subluxations, removing nervous system interference and allowing your body to express its full healing potential.

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free discipline and chiropractic adjustments are very safe when applied by a licensed chiropractor in a clinical setting. Adverse effects are very rare and your chiropractor will assess you individually for any risks before commencing care.

Our office offers a free consultation for new patients to learn more about what chiropractic care is about and what it can do for potential patients. There is no obligation to proceed with any services after the consultation, however, many choose to proceed to the next step which is a new patient exam. Costs for the new patient examination is $75 for patients ages 14 and up and $55 for patients under age 14. Adjustments are $45 per visit for all ages.

Generally, adjustments do not cause pain, as your chiropractor is specifically trained to deliver gentle and effective care. Minor soreness is possible but rare and usually short lived. Chiropractors spend many years of training on examination and correction of the spine and nervous system and are without a doubt the most qualified professionals to perform spinal adjustments.

Many patients will notice some instant relief following their first adjustments; others will take longer to respond. Various factors will affect initial symptomatic relief, including length of the severity of the presenting concern, along with other comorbid conditions and compliance to recommendations. Of course our goal is to make our patients feel better, however, the longer term goal is to allow our patients' bodies and nervous system to function better.

Spinal dysfunction always happens before pain presents, making most subluxations "silent". Your body has a natural way of altering your mechanics to avoid pain when dysfunction is present, which is a smart move in the short term but not good if you don't eventually correct the dysfunction. Regular assessments of your spinal biomechanics and nervous system function can help detect, maintain and prevent dysfunction throughout your body.

The popping noises are caused by gas bubbles being suddenly released from spinal joints during an adjustment. This noise is completely normal and does not accompany any pain or discomfort.

Broad manipulation may feel good, but it isn't the same as a spinal correction. Your chiropractor is specifically trained to check and adjust only the necessary spinal segments. Self-manipulation that becomes excessive or a habit can lead to symptoms such as chronic pain or muscle spasms due to ligament laxity and joint instability. The safest way to gain the benefits of chiropractic care is to leave it to the trained professionals.

Absolutely, before the end of a child's 2nd year of life, their neural development is at its highest. Ensuring a nervous system free from interference during this time enhances synaptic pathway development and optimizes potential health and the body's ability to adapt to stress. Once parents realize this, many choose regular wellness checkups to be proactive, rather than being reactive once dysfunction and symptoms occur. Although the intent of the adjustment is the same regardless of age, the methods of evaluation and delivery of an adjustment may differ, so as to be appropriate for the physical and developmental age of the child.

Absolutely, throughout the course of your pregnancy, there will be many physiological and hormonal changes as your body prepares for the birth of your baby. Chiropractic can help you better manage these changes as your pregnancy progresses. Some benefits besides pelvic alignment and balance include: less back pain, reduction in pre-eclampsia, less back labor, reduced need for pain medication, shorter labor times, more comfort while breastfeeding, greater production of breastmilk and less incidence of postpartum depression.

Chiropractors need to obtain an undergraduate degree as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic degree which usually takes an additional 4-5 years of classroom instruction and clinical training. Chiropractors spend many years of training on examination and correction of the spine and nervous system and are without a doubt the most qualified professionals to perform spinal adjustments. To become licensed, you must pass 4 separate national boards and state tests required for each individual state. Continuing education is also an important part of maintaining our licenses and being able to best serve our patients.

No, patents are not required to remove clothing or change into a gown during their appointments.

We believe that just about anyone can benefit from the healing power of chiropractic care and are excited that more and more people are discovering the benefits of care beyond just bone and joint.

Dr. Abby has received extensive advanced training in the management of infants, children, and pre-natal and postpartum women through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). She is also certified in the Webster Intrauterine Constraint Technique and is working toward the completion of her Certification by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP) through the ICPA.