Frequently Asked Questions

What Problems do Alive With Energy Chiropractors treat?

Doctors of Chiropractic treat a vast array of problems, primarily focusing on those conditions affecting your muscles, joints and nerves. Problems such as low back pain, neck pain, headaches, pain into your arms and legs, carpal tunnel syndrome and whiplash injuries following car accidents are just a few examples of what we treat effectively. It is only after a thorough examination that ANY doctor can really tell if a treatment is right for you. If we think we can help you (for whatever your condition may be) we tell you. If we think we cannot, we tell you that too.

At Alive With Energy Clinic, our focus is that each patient reach his/her maximum energy potential. This process goes even beyond symptom treatment and rehabilitation. We want to help you reach your potential for an extraordinary life!

Can Alive With Energy Chiropractic Care help areas other than back pain?

Yes, Alive With Energy Care is focused on restoring and optimizing the function of the nervous system. The focus of structural alignments are not simply about the bones of the spine, but also the delicate nerve tissues they protect. The nervous system and spinal cord function as a relay for vital information between the brain and body systems. Many patients who receive structural corrections report positive changes throughout the body, including elimination of certain disease states in the digestive system, endocrine system and immune system to name a few.

What does an adjustment do and is it painful?

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and effective movements of your joints by the doctor's hands or an adjusting tool and are performed for the purpose of restoring normal position and movement of those joints. Once these bones or vertebrae are restored to their proper position and movement, the spinal cord and its nerves are no longer irritated and can work as they should. Remember, the nervous system makes EVERYTHING in your body work. Once the spine is simply "in line" and no irritation is on the nerves or spinal cord, the body has the ability to be strong, healthy and if injured, heal.

Will I hear 'cracking' or 'popping' during the adjustment?

Many of the techniques utilized at Alive With Energy Clinic are safe, gentle and do not produce any noises from the spine. Our goal is simple, straightforward restoration of spinal integrity. In some cases, adjustments are needed that produce the familiar popping sound you hear, similar to when you crack your knuckles. When an adjustment is made, the gases present in the adjusted joint are released. As gases are released, sound is produced. It is nothing that one needs to be concerned about and it is not harmful at all. Our pediatric patients tell us it sounds very similar to popcorn popping! Enjoy!

Can I have adjustments if you have spinal disease or surgery?

That depends on your particular case but in most instance, yes! The whole purpose of your consultation and examination is to determine if chiropractic is right for you. Once we gather all information important to your case, if we think we can help you... we tell you that. If we think we cannot, we tell you that too.

Why do I need x-rays?

X-rays are taken for your own safety. Sometimes bad things show up on x-rays, such as old fractures, arthritis, scoliosis and other problems that are important for doctors to be aware of. If indicated, X-rays can ensure your best possible results in care. Ultimately, x-rays help doctors see what they need to see to help them design a program of care that's just right for you.

Are Chiropractic Doctors trained the same way as medical doctors?

According to a National Health Federation survey utilizing curriculum statistics from 22 medical universities and 11 chiropractic colleges, the first two years of study to be a medical doctor or a chiropractic physician are very similar. The minimum number of hours for medical students studying classes like anatomy, pathology, chemistry, etc is around 2750 hours. For chiropractors it is 2900 hours. During the last two years of medical school, students spend more time studying classes like pharmacology (prescription drugs), general surgery and immunology while chiropractors learn more about adjusting the spine, nutrition and natural approaches to health. When it all comes down to it, according to the NHF (National Health Federation) there is a minimum requirement of 4250 classroom hours the first four years of medical school and 4500 classroom hours involved with chiropractic school.

Does Alive With Energy Clinic utilize Vitamins or Herbs?

Part of care you will receive at Alive With Energy Clinic is a thorough nutritional assessment. Information gathered through your detailed history and questionnaires, along with any laboratory analysis will help to determine if particular deficiencies exist. When this is the case, an individualized nutritional medicine program will be developed for you. We focus primarily on whole food supplements (products containing only whole ingredients, not isolated vitamin substances) as the means of restoring nutritional integrity.

I have been told that Chiropractic Care can have risks, Is that true?

As with all types of healthcare, there are potential risks in the delivery of treatment. Chiropractic however, is remarkably safe. The key to safe, effective care is most often determined by the information the doctor gathers from you during your first visit to our office. During your initial visit Dr. Whitham begins by taking a thorough history to identify the nature of your problem. You will be asked detailed questions regarding your past and present condition and also receive a thorough examination so that we can determine how we can best help you. Once all of this information is obtained, and before any treatment begins, you will receive a report on your test findings along with a program of recommended care. Our systems and procedures at Alive With Energy Clinic are designed to keep your care safe, enjoyable and effective.