FAQs

The doctors at Spine & Sports have undergone extensive studies and specialized training in the fields of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, sports injuries, and rehabilitative exercise. As a result, when it comes to sudden or chronic injuries of the joints or muscles, Spine & Sports is one of the best suited to meet your needs.
According to Jens Chapman, M.D., a professor of orthopedics and neurological surgery at the University of Washington, “Chiropractors are a satisfying choice to manage acute back pain.” Further, a 2002 study funded by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality reported a third more patients are satisfied with the back treatment and advice they get from chiropractors compared with medical doctors.

NOT AT ALL! Many people are surprised to learn that most chiropractors practice differently. Based on our studies, travels and clinical research we understand that the combination of joint and muscle manipulation, rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises offers patients superior, results-oriented care. Because there were no clinics operating under this philosophy in the Midwest, we established our own.
Our knowledge of anatomy and the body’s mechanics coupled with our Motion Palpation Institute techniques provides us with the insight to know when a joint should be adjusted, when muscular or rehabilitative therapy is appropriate and when an integrated treatment program is necessary. For our patients, our comprehensive, evidence-based approach produces results in an efficient timeframe (with most of our patients excused from care between one and five visits depending on the complexity of their condition).

No. Our greatest reward is returning patients to their active lifestyles in the shortest timeframe possible. We base our care on the patient’s individual needs and case complexity-not on predetermined treatment plans. In addition to reducing patients’ tension and discomfort, we teach our patients ways to prevent this tension or injury from returning. Our active care approach requires patient participation. The closer you follow our recommendations the faster and longer you are likely to remain free of pain and enjoy maximum performance.

The end of treatment is usually based on the achievement of mutual goals established by you and your doctor. In addition to achieving pain relief, we encourage our patients to focus on reaching activity and performance goals as a measurement of care completion. Why? The temporary relief of pain does not always lead to long-term success. While many of our patients enjoy immediate pain relief following a treatment, it may take a follow-up visit to completely address the dysfunction and prevent this injury or tension from recurring. Clinical research proves that our active approach to health care will lead to lasting physical improvements if performed according to your doctor’s instructions. Thus, adhering to your doctor’s treatment programs can prevent future office visits and costs.

While some people get nervous about the noise an adjustment may produce, the sound is not derived from the bones themselves. The audible stems from a lubricant, called synovial fluid, which is made up of dissolved gases located in every joint. An adjustment releases the build up pressure and these gases, which were created by the joint’s restriction. The emission of these nitrogen gases produce the “popping” sound often heard when an adjustment is administered – not from the movements of joints.

Most chiropractic adjustments are painless. In fact, adjustments help most patients enjoy immediate pain relief. However, if the patient has suffered from a recent injury, adjustments can sometimes cause slight discomfort as the tissues surrounding the dysfunction are usually inflamed. That is why our doctors offer a combination of muscle and joint manipulation to treat complex cases and minimize discomfort.
Other patients may experience sensations in their muscles or extremities following an adjustment. This is a normal reaction caused by the relief of pressure that was once plaguing nerves. Some scientists also associate this feeling with an increase in circulation achieved once the irritant is removed from the nerve.

Concern has been raised over the safety of people who try to adjust themselves. Research proves that only chiropractors can ensure an adjustment is performed safely. Why? Often times, the “self adjustment” is producing movement in joints near the restricted area – causing harmful friction to surrounding joint structures and further aggravating the restricted area. The best advice: Don’t try to do it yourself. Seek the expertise of your chiropractor.

Concern has been raised over the safety of people who try to adjust themselves. Research proves that only chiropractors can ensure an adjustment is performed safely. Why? Often times, the “self adjustment” is producing movement in joints near the restricted area – causing harmful friction to surrounding joint structures and further aggravating the restricted area. The best advice: Don’t try to do it yourself. Seek the expertise of your chiropractor.

Absolutely!! We have had excellent results with treating these patients because they understand what is happening within the mother’s body and how that effects certain joints—especially those in and around the pelvis. As the pregnancy gets closer to the 28th week of gestation the body increases the amount of a hormone (relaxin) that helps relax the ligaments and cartilage around the pelvis to facilitate the birthing process. This means that adjusting the low back and pelvis is rarely ever necessary and more soft tissue/ muscle work and rehab is required—all of which is safe to the baby. The pregnant female that is feeling low back, mid back, or pelvic pain during her pregnancy is often not allowed to take certain medications to help with the discomfort, therefore, Shunkwiler Spine & Sports Chiropractic works hand-in-hand with your OB/GYN to provide a safe, natural alternative to help alleviate the pain.