< Although painkillers do ease of the pain, they do not unfortunately deal with the possible underlying problem of this pain, which can be a lack of motion between the vertebrae. So, although you might experience less pain, the problem can actually slowly worsen making it more difficult to treat and resolve.  

< The cause of a lot of different complaints lies within the spine. When a spinal joint doesn't move properly, it will have an effect on the surrounding tissues attaching to these joints, like muscles and ligaments. These muscles and ligaments tense up and might cause even more pain. By restoring motion of the spine, using gentle and specific adjustments, the motion of the spine is restored. When motion is restored, joints start to ache less, muscles and ligaments relax and blood flow is increased. Chiropractic does not involve the use of any drugs or surgery and helps the body heal itself.  

< No, not all headaches originate from the vertebrae and muscles in the neck. As stated before there are numerous causes for a headache. That is why we do a thorough examination to identify the most likely cause.  

< There are numerous causes for lack of motion of the cervical spine leading to headache. Emotions or prolonged poor posture are amongst the most frequent causes. But slips and falls or accidents in the past might also be a cause for headache, since the body might have been able to adapt for a long time.  

< No, it is not. During an adjustment a very careful, gentle and specific force is used to restore motion of spine. We use just the right amount of force to restore motion. You might hear a "popping sound" which is merely air escaping from the joint. This popping noise is similar to the noise you hear when "cracking" your fingers, and it doesn't hurt. You are in safe hands, we have given many thousands of adjustments.  

< A lot!! The treatment plan set by us involves you in a big way. Results will come a lot faster if you comply to the advise given. As soon as possible, we will give you exercises for you to do at home, again to speed up recovery and advise you on activities like walking or swimming which help to prevent future episodes of pain.  

< A chiropractic adjustment involves using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixed, locked up, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this procedure is to improve spinal function, nervous system function, remove muscle tension, and enhance health. A chiropractic adjustment is not painful.

There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually, the chiropractors' hands are used to deliver a brief and highly accurate thrust, although specially designed instruments, or tables may also be used. After years of training and clinical experience, each chiropractor at Milton Chiropractic Clinic is highly skilled in delivering a variety of adjusting approaches.

< Recent research on this subject shows that a gas (in this case nitrogen), which is normally dissolved into the surrounding tissues of the spine, rushes in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joint surfaces are slightly separated. Another example of this phenomenon would be the "pop" you hear when you take the cork out of a champagne bottle. The carbon dioxide in the champagne rushes out of the bottle when the cork is removed. This phenomenon is called a cavitation.

It is not always necessary to cause a "crack" or cavitation in order to gain the desired effect of an adjustment. The main aim is to increase movement at the specific segment of the spine to positively influence the surrounding tissues. In fact, some chiropractic adjustment techniques use little force and thus produce no sound.

< Despite common belief, getting older does not mean you have to endure aches and pains! People often disregard treatable joint and muscle problems by saying "I'm just getting old". This is often not the case, and these aches and pains of getting old may be treatable. Regardless of your age, chiropractic care can help to improve mobility and function of your body. More and more people are consulting chiropractors, especially in their later years. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.

Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, and endurance. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the aging process.

The adjusting technique used by the chiropractors at Milton Chiropractic Clinic will be modified for maximum comfort and results. Even patients with osteoporosis and other ailments can receive treatment with the right modifications.

< In short, NO!

Some people crack their own necks and backs in order to gain some relief or a 'pressure release'. There is no denying that it can give some relief in the short term, but in the long run, it may be detrimental to your spinal health.

If your neck cracks by a simple turn or bend of the head, or your lower back by a twist, it is likely that the joints are actually hypermobile (moving too much). This means that you are self-manipulating and increasing the movement of joints that are already moving too much.

These joints may be moving too much in order to compensate for a lack of movement in other joints. If joints of the spine are restricted, other joints will attempt to make up for the lack of movement. These are the joints that will crack easily, and not the joints that are causing the problems.

Spinal pain is often due to this phenomenon. If a joint has to increase its movement due to a restriction somewhere else, more stress is placed upon the supporting ligaments. With this extra movement, the joint is more prone to sprain and resultant pain. Cracking these joints will give short term relief only. In order for sustained improvement the actual cause must be addressed. This is where a chiropractor comes into play. Chiropractors are trained to locate and treat the cause of your problems.