Frequently Asked Questions in Winter Haven

Chiropractic care is a method of treatment focusing on the spine and other joints of the body and how they connect to the nervous system. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders (most often neuro- or musculo-skeletal) in a patient centered, hands-on and non-invasive way. While chiropractic is very effective at reducing and eliminating pain or discomfort, adjustments are also a huge part of being and staying healthy. Chiropractic care helps to restore proper spinal and nervous system function, promoting the body’s natural healing process and strengthening its immune system.

After receiving a four-year undergraduate degree, applicants apply to an accredited chiropractic college, and receive three to five academic years of rigorous, professional graduate study. Doctors of Chiropractic are educated in human anatomy, physiology, pathology, chemistry/biochemistry, orthopedics, neurology, clinical diagnosis including diagnostic imaging, laboratory procedures, exercise, nutritional rehab and more. Because chiropractic care includes manipulation and adjusting techniques that require a high level of skill, a large portion of time is also spent in clinical training to master these procedures.

Overall, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, clinical, and lab experience. Graduates must also pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (Parts I, II, III, IV-practical) exams and a physical therapy exam in order to treat patients. As part of their education, chiropractic students also complete a supervised residency with real patients, in a clinical setting, alongside a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic. Once a chiropractic student graduates and passes the four levels of national board exams, they may also have to pass state board exams in the states where they want to practice.

The above class hours were compiled following a review of the curriculum catalogues of 22 medical schools and 11 chiropractic colleges and updated from the National Health Federation bulletin and other publications' statistics- it is from the Parker Foundation flyer of the same title.

Adjustments are treatments that a licensed chiropractic physician uses (after years of development through intensive education and training) to either manually or with special instruments manipulate the joints of the body in order to reduce pain, correct body alignment, increase mobility, and improve nerve and physical function. Adjustments are highly controlled procedures that are tailored to the needs of each patient and their unique symptoms.

Generally, treatments do not hurt or cause pain. Slight discomfort or soreness (similar to the feeling after a workout) are sometimes reported as an after effect. This is to be expected, since during an adjustment, muscles are being used in new ways, and bones and joints are moving in new patterns. However, many patients report a feeling of relief, improved mobility, and an overall sense of wellbeing after being adjusted.

Hearing a popping or cracking sound is not unusual during an adjustment. It isn’t dangerous and usually doesn’t cause any discomfort to the patient. This sound is pockets of gas and fluids being released from the joints. Not all patients will hear this noise, and it isn’t a sign of whether or not an adjustment is or isn’t working.

Yes-when administered by trained doctors with the proper credentials, qualifications, and experience! Many research studies have documented the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic adjustments.

Babies, children, and adolescents are treated by many chiropractors, including Cypress Chiropractic and Wellness. Some parents even bring their children in shortly after birth. Chiropractic for younger children looks different than it does for adults and uses significantly less force. Because chiropractic is gentle, non-invasive and medication free it makes it a very safe method of care for babies and children of all ages.

Chiropractors are able to treat a wide range of conditions affecting kids of all ages, including (but not limited to):

Babies- Reflux, GI issues, Sleeping patterns, and issues with crawling/standing/walking

Children/Adolescents: Headaches, scoliosis, asthma, attention disorders, delayed speech, chronic problems such as ear infections, cold, flu, sore throat and immune system responses, GI issues, as well as those who have experienced trauma through accidents or sports injuries.

While it is always a good idea to check with your OB/GYN, generally chiropractic care is considered safe during pregnancy. Often, patients find that chiropractic adjustments help alleviate and provide relief from many of the aches and common issues associated with pregnancy (without the need for drugs or x-rays). As the baby grows and develops, the extra weight can put additional stress on the mother’s spinal joints. Chiropractic adjustments improve comfort during pregnancy and can make delivery easier for the pregnant mother and their baby.

Yes! Even if you don’t have pain or a particular condition, seeing a skilled chiropractor is part of a healthy lifestyle which promotes regular development and wellbeing. Chiropractors help correct misalignments in the spine that can cause a variety of health problems. Through regular adjustments, counseling on proper exercise, nutrition, and posture, chiropractors can help you stay structurally and functionally sound. Underlying issues that might be unnoticeable, if left uncorrected could cause serious problems the longer they go untreated. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Proper Nerve System Function
• Stronger Immune System
• Relief from Headaches, Neck, and
• Back Pain
• Improved Mobility
• Effective Injury Recovery
• Increased Concentration
• Improved Sleep Quality
• Better Athletic Performance

Chiropractor care is also holistic (treating the whole person) and takes into account mental, social, and emotional factors of wellbeing. Here at Cypress Chiropractic and Wellness we treat more than just the physical symptoms of disease.

If you are unsure about whether or not you need to see a chiropractor, we will let you know! Chiropractors, including our team at Cypress Chiropractic and Wellness, will perform a thorough evaluation before recommending any treatment-including a thorough evaluation, posture screening, and x-rays. (Why x-rays? To see is to know, and we won’t guess with your health.) This information will be used in a report of findings where our doctors will explain in detail what is going on. We will always be honest with you and share information with you that will help you determine what is best for your wellbeing. Click here to schedule one of our new patient appointments.

Patients visit a chiropractor for a variety of reasons. Sometimes conditions ranging from minor to severe drive a person to seek out chiropractic care. Other times, it is the knowledge that chiropractic care focuses on the health and well-being of each individual, and proper care can help protect against future ailments or disease.
Some common conditions we treat here at Cypress Chiropractic and Wellness include:

• Neck, Back, Shoulder, and Foot Pain
• Sciatica
• Migraines and Headaches
• Asthma
• Scoliosis
• Herniated Disks
• Sports Injuries
• Injuries from trauma to the body such as whiplash

This is by no means a comprehensive list of what we treat. If you do not see your condition listed, we can let you know how we can help you!

Chiropractors can treat a large range of symptoms that influence your physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. Our team helps patients manage the following symptoms effectively:

• Pain
• Limited range of motion
• Inflammation
• Exhaustion
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Tingling
• Shortness of Breath
• Lack of Concentration

When living with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of hope can occur. Many patients notice that their mental health improves after a chiropractic session. Our goal is to provide a plan of care unique to your individual needs so that you can life a well-balanced, healthy life to the fullest!

Here at Cypress Chiropractic, we value authenticity and honesty. Our desire is for you to be well. Chiropractic emphasizes that the first response to most illness and injuries should be conservative care. We will educate you on how we can help you get out of pain and live a healthy life, but if your needs are more suited to another type of care or are outside the scope of our practice, we will refer you to the appropriate specialist. Your health is our priority.