Frequently Asked Questions in Austin TX

A doctor of chiropractic is a licensed doctor specifically trained in the detection and correction of spinal subluxations (misalignments) and distortions. These distortions interfere with the nervous system’s ability to function normally, so that you stay healthy. Proper correction allows your body to heal itself as it should.

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic is the largest drug-free profession in the world and is focused on correcting spinal subluxations (misalignments) which interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Yes, chiropractors are licensed as Doctors of Chiropractic in every state and around the world to detect and correct subluxations and other spinal distortions which interfere with the proper functioning of the nervous system.

The profession of chiropractic was founded in 1895 by Dr. D.D. Palmer when he gave the first adjustment to a deaf man, Harvey Lillard, who then regained his hearing. With further study of the spine and nervous system, it evolved and Dr. Palmer named this new healing art “Chiropractic” from the Greek meaning “done by hand”.

A chiropractor first performs a thorough consultation to learn about a patient’s history of traumas, illness, lifestyle, limitations, and any concerns they have. If appropriate, they then move on to an examination which includes a detailed postural assessment, palpation of spinal joints to check for alignment and motion, measurements of ranges of motion of the spine, and orthopedic tests to find if there are areas that are not working properly. X-rays of the spine are often necessary to assess for alignment, subluxation, pathology, or any contraindications to chiropractic care.

Most people describe that adjustments feel great. If you are in tremendous pain at the time, there can be some brief discomfort during the adjustment. Some people experience soreness after the adjustment, similar to after working out at the gym. We tailor our adjustments to your physical condition, age and personal tolerance so it is pleasant for you.

The amount of care you need depends on the severity of your condition, age, and other factors. There is no set amount of care needed.

We are deeply committed to the lifelong vitality and health of all our practice members. We pride ourselves on the thoroughness and uniqueness of our approach. Our focus is on finding and correcting the cause of the underlying problem to help restore and maintain health, not just on treating symptoms. We primarily use Chiropractic Biophysics Technique to analyze and correct postural distortions and subluxations.

Dr. Gerard uses the science of Chiropractic BioPhysics Technique which analyzes posture, and is the key to the proper correction of spinal distortions. She also uses Activator, Cox Flexion/Distraction Technique, Diversified, Webster Technique, and Toggle Recoil.

Many conditions respond very well to chiropractic care, but chiropractic is not a treatment for any specific condition. The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is to reduce interference within the nervous system, thereby facilitating the body’s ability to heal itself. Chiropractors look for misplaced or fixated vertebrae, which can affect nerves that travel from the brain down through the spinal cord into every single cell, tissue, gland, organ and muscle of your body.

Accidents and injuries often cause vertebrae of the spine to subluxate (misalign). Specific adjustments correct these misalignments, thereby reducing pain, inflammation and restoring motion so that the spinal joints can move normally and can heal as they should.

Most people know that chiropractic care has great success with helping people with back pain, herniated discs, neck pain and headaches. We also see great results with allergies, sinus problems, asthma, digestive issues like GERD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, sleep problems, low energy and much more. This is due to the fact that the nervous system controls every single cell in the body. When we adjust the spine, the nervous system is able to work as it should and the body is better able to heal itself.

Yes! Many women receive chiropractic care before, during and after pregnancy. It helps restore pelvic and spinal alignment, decrease low back, can reduce labor time, reduce the need for pain medication, and decrease postpartum depression. Many obstetricians not only approve, but refer their patients to chiropractors because it is safe, gentle and effective.

Chiropractors help to restore proper alignment to your spine with specific adjustments designed to relieve pressure on nerves, discs, joints and muscles. We also assess for other problems which could be contributing to low back pain. Low back pain is extremely common, the 2nd most common cause of doctor visits, affecting 80% of the population at some time in their lives.

Most neck pain is mechanical and comes from improper alignment (subluxation). We often see distortions called “Forward Head Posture” or “Text Neck” which irritates the joints, nerves, muscles and sometimes discs. Chiropractors are experts at detecting and correcting these misalignments (subluxations) which restores motion, decreases nerve pressure, and relieves pain.

Sciatica is a symptom so we first need to determine what is irritating the sciatic nerve with a thorough exam. We use various techniques to restore alignment to the spine, relieving pressure on the nerves. This often requires Cox Flexion/Distraction Technique, along with specific exercises.

According to the Mayo Clinic, chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by someone trained and licensed to deliver chiropractic care. Serious complications associated with chiropractic adjustment are overall extremely rare.

The popping noise is called cavitation and occurs when a joint is moved quickly, expelling a bubble of gas through the joint capsule. It is safe and effective technique to improve healthy joint motion without harm to the joints or surrounding tissues. Note: when a joint is fixated or stuck, an adjustment is the best way to restore motion. Stretches and exercises alone are not enough.

No, each person is unique and requires specific adjustments for their body, distortion pattern, age, muscle tone, and personal preferences.

Numerous studies have shown chiropractic to rate among the highest in-patient satisfaction and very cost-effective and sustainable. It also addresses underlying causes and lifestyle issues, as well as wellness and prevention, resulting in 60% less hospital days, 62% less out-patient surgeries, and 85% less pharmaceutical costs when a patient sees a chiropractor.

Absolutely, approximately 80% of children are subluxated at birth. Chiropractic adjustments for babies and children are extremely gentle and can help them thrive, giving them a healthy start in life.

Chiropractors undergo 3 ½-4 years of post-graduate education after completion of their undergraduate education. Doctors of Chiropractic experience 4,620 total educational hours to get their degrees, approximately 200 credit hours more than medical school. This is followed by licensing by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and then state boards before being able to work with the general public. There are many precautions and safety measures in place, including yearly continuing education requirements.