Q: How does chiropractic work?
A: Chiropractic is based on the science that the nervous system controls important functions of the body. Chiropractic theory teaches that with an optimal functioning spine and nervous system the body is naturally self-healing. Problems can begin when the movable vertebrae that protect the spinal cord and nerves loose their normal alignment and mobility. This can occur with falls, accidents, strains, long periods of sitting or improper lifting. This improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a subluxation can interfere with the way the nerves work. Another problem that can occur is that the discs, which work like shock absorbing pads between vertebrae in the spine, may become thin and spinal decay can start. This can also irritate spinal nerves. Whatever the problem may be, with a thorough evaluation, proper treatment, adequate diet and exercise the body will be better able to heal itself and to stay healthier.

Q: Is Chiropractic very popular?
A: Yes, Chiropractic is becoming very popular. The profession was founded in 1895 by D.D. Palmer and has seen a steady and significant growth over the past few years. There has been some opposition from the medical profession but the final judgment in 1987 regarding the Wilk vs American Medical Association case opened the doors for better cooperation between M.D.s and D.C.s. Currently, there are about 65,000 chiropractors practicing in the United States. This number is expected to increase over the next ten years. Chiropractic practice is now established in about sixty countries throughout the world. This may be an indication that patients are seeking more alternative and natural health care modalities.

Q: What is a subluxation and how is it detected?
A: Doctors of chiropractic use hands on evaluation (palpation), motion palpation and x-rays to diagnosis subluxation. A subluxation means a misalignment of a joint that is less than a dislocation. When dealing with the spine we are looking for abnormal position and function of vertebrae. With a subluxation sometimes the joints between the vertebrae in the back of your spine become locked up and become stiff. X-rays cannot detect abnormal motion or function of joints, but they can show us the static alignment, joint spacing and helps us rule out other pathology. A fall, injury, or accident, improper lifting, and years of bad posture are some causes of subluxation. Chiropractors believe that if your spinal joints and nerves are working properly your body will be able to stay healthy.

Q: What is an Adjustment?
A: Chiropractic adjustments improve alignment and add motion to spinal joints that are fixated, or not moving properly. An adjustment is a natural alternative way to improve the function of the spine and nervous system. There are many ways to adjust the spine, but a brief thrust in a specific direction given manually is the most common. Sometimes there is a slight popping sound from the joint. Sometimes there is just a gentle stretching. Regular adjustments guide the joints into their normal position and improve the function of the spine and related structures. It can be a very effective treatment of a variety of back, neck and extremity conditions.

Q: Is everyone adjusted the same way and can I adjust myself?
A: No. Different procedures are used for each patient. Changes are made depending on the age and health of each individual. Children are checked for subluxation and gentle procedures are adapted to a child’s spine. Elderly can be checked using gentle techniques and x-rays and adjustments are tailored for degenerative or arthritic spines if this is present. The chiropractic adjustment maintains an art and special skill that is different than any other health care professional. The chiropractic adjustment is not a general mobilization technique and can not be done on one’s self. If a person twists his or her body in a certain way and you move a joint around and it pops, that is not an adjustment. Adjustments are made to a specific area that is not moving properly. Patients who may attempt to adjust themselves can actually cause injury to certain joints that do not need to be mobilized. And not all adjustments make noise. The popping sound you hear is shifting of gas and fluids in the joint to equalize pressure, but popping sounds alone should not be related to the quality of the adjustment.

Q: Are adjustments safe?
A: Yes, adjustments are very safe. In 1993, The Manga report in Canada was a government commissioned report by health economists that supported the cost effectiveness and safety of chiropractic care. The report of the New Zealand Commission of Inquiry into chiropractic in 1979 had a positive impact on chiropractic and endorsed chiropractic treatment and encouraged medical cooperation. Chiropractors are specifically trained and have years of experience to get the right amount of hands on impulse to the right areas at the right angle to improve joint function. All the years of chiropractic college, continuing education, and years of experience make adjustments safe.

Q: Is good posture very important?
A: Yes, maintaining good posture is very important. Chiropractors emphasize good posture as one of the most important things you can do along with good diet, exercise and adequate rest. Many healthcare providers forget how important good posture really is, however everyone can make gradual changes over time to improve posture. Bad posture is becoming a product of our society with more and more people working at computers, sitting in poorly designed chairs at work or in cars, and we are doing more sedentary things like watching more television than the previous generation. Muscles, tendons and ligaments are working overtime just to hold the body in proper alignment to counter act bad posture. This usually begins with muscle tension with aches and pains in the back and neck. If this continues the joints in the back and neck can become stiff or locked up and this will result in loosing normal range of motion. Muscle tension and joint stiffness usually gets worse at the end of the work day and students may have postural strain with heavy back packs. If you feel tension, pain or stiffness it would be wise to visit your Doctor of Chiropractic for spinal checkups and postural evaluation for yourself and your children.

Q: Do I have a pinched nerve and how can I tell?
A: Although it is possible to have a pinched nerve, they are rare. The nerve is most likely stretched, rubbed or irritated rather than pinched. The irritated nerve can impair or degrade the messages that are sent from the brain to the rest of the body. Symptoms that result from a pinched nerve are numbness, tingling or burning sensations, and sometimes weakness. Any nerve-related symptoms require a thorough exam to determine the severity of the condition and to initiate a proper treatment plan.

Q: What is myofascial pain syndrome?
A: Myofascial pain syndrome is a condition that affects soft tissue which is commonly associated with tender, painful muscles and connective tissue. These areas of pain are usually near the spine, upper neck, shoulders, hips and other joints. The most noticeable symptom of myofascial pain disorder is the development of sore and inflamed localized areas called trigger points. Trigger points feel like knots in muscle tissue and are very sensitive to pressure and may refer pain to other regions when inflamed or irritated. Chiropractic and massage techniques along with other modalities and stretches can help relieve myofascial pain syndromes.

Q: What is a slipped disc?
A: The intervertebral disc is a small cushion that sits between vertebrae in the spine. The disc works like a shock absorber between vertebrae in your spine and keeps the vertebrae separated. Discs cannot actually slip but they can bulge, protrude, or tear. When a portion of the disc material shifts out far enough it can cause irritation of a nerve as it passes by that region. Another problem that can occur is spinal decay or disc degeneration. Discs can become narrowed or thin with wear and tear over years of time.

Q: How much education and training does Dr. Colgin have?
A: In the United States the accrediting agency for the chiropractic profession is the council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). The U.S. Office of Education since 1974 has recognized this agency. There are 16 U.S. Chiropractic colleges that have accredited status with the CCE. Before Dr. Colgin could enter Texas Chiropractic College, he had to complete a minimum of 2 to 3 years at an accredited college or university for preadmission. Dr. Colgin completed his preliminary requirements at Southwest Texas State University and entered Texas Chiropractic College in 1982. With six years of extensive education and hands-on training, he graduated from Texas Chiropractic College in 1985. He returned to San Marcos in 1987 and started a private chiropractic practice.