LEVINE CHIROPRACTIC
10500 NE 8th St., Suite 212
Bellevue, Washington 98004
425-455-0332




FAQs


How does chiropractic work?
Since the main focus of chiropractic is a properly functioning nervous system along with
normal spinal joint function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on both
musculo-skeletal health and other health conditions not normally associated with the
spine.

Through the application of spinal adjustments, chiropractic works by restoring normal
joint position and motion and by removing any stress, irritation or pressure to the
delicate nerves that exit the spine. These nerves carry commands from the brain through
the spinal cord to every cell, tissue and organ system of the body. With restoration of
your own inborn (innate) healing ability your body has a stronger resistance to disease
and ill health.


Why do chiropractors check your feet when your back hurts?
Your feet are the foundation for a healthy posture. But if the arches in one or both of your
feet are weak or if they are collapsed (flat foot), your body isn't getting correct postural
support.

Without support, foot problems may contribute to stress or pain in your ankles, knees,
hips, back or neck--even if your feet don't hurt! That is why, in our office, we automatically
check your feet and your gait as part of your initial examination. We use the latest
infrared foot analysis tool engineered to interface with computer software that is linked
24/7 with the factory. Your custom made arch supports (aka foot orthotics or spinal
pelvic stabilizers) can be made and shipped by the next business day.

Do I have a "pinched" nerve?
"Pinched" nerves are actually quite rare. Although many people will come to our office
thinking they have a pinched nerve, more often than not they are experiencing symptoms
vertebral joint motion dysfunction associated with either localized inflammation or
muscle spasm that is contributing to an irritation of the delicate nerves that exit the spine.

Research suggests that approximately 10-15% of "pinched" nerve symptoms are
actually caused by spinal bones that are putting direct pressure on nerve roots. And this
is most likely due to long standing degenerative changes in the spine.


Do I have a "slipped" disc?
Because of the way discs and vertebrae are physically attached to each other, discs
can't slip. But because of years of poor spinal hygiene, poor posture, repetitive stress ,
trauma, excessive weight etc., discs can tear, bulge, herniate or even rupture.

Although some things like car accidents are unpredictable, there are many things that
you can do throughout your life to help your spinal discs stay as healthy as possible.
Healthy discs help allow normal turning and bending.

If you do have a disc problem, it is important to determine the extent of that problem.
Now while results differ from patient to patient, many chiropractic patients have been
able to avoid needles surgery and/or a dependence on dangerous pain meds.

Is chiropractic care safe?
This is , without a doubt the most common question I hear. More than likely this question
comes up because of years and years of "old wives" tales.

The fact of the matter is that chiropractic is incredibly safe. In the words of a the New
Zealand Government's inquiry into chiropractic safety they said "chiropractic is
remarkably safe".

One merely has to make a comparison of malpractice premium rates between the
chiropractic profession and the medical profession. Chiropractor insurance premiums
are a fraction of what medical doctors pay. Insurance companies base their premiums
by the amount of risk involved.


Do I have to go my entire life?
This is another question I hear quite often. The answer of course is absolutely not. Unlike
many prescription medications, Chiropractic care does not make you or your spine
"addicted" or "dependent" on care.

Chiropractic is designed to restore normal alignment and motion to your spine so that
your spine and your body can function as close to optimum as possible. Does that mean
you only go to a chiropractor when you are in pain? Do you only brush and floss your
teeth or go to the dentist when you have a cavity? No, of course not. A chiropractor
should be a part of your health team no different than your family dentist, medical doctor
or eye doctor. Once your immediate problem is solved, periodic spinal check-ups
should be a regular part of your healthy lifestyle in order to maintain good spinal health
and to address potential problems long before you "throw your back out".

Can I "adjust" myself?
When I adjust your spine, I do so after careful analysis and I am addressing a specific
area that needs to be corrected in a specific direction. I can't count how many times
people have actually made their condition worse or caused the correction process to
take longer because they had the need to "POP" themselves.

A person may be able to turn or twist themselves to get a joint release, but in actuality
you could be undoing the corrections we are making. Worse, if done repeatedly you
could actually weaken or damage the supportive ligaments and discs that attach to the
spinal bones making that area of your spine unstable and more susceptible to repeat
injury.


How can I reduce or prevent workplace related pain?
We have an excellent and short video presentation on this. Just click on this link to watch
this video. Preventing Workplace Pain









LEVINE CHIROPRACTIC, PLLC
10500 NE 8th St., Suite 212
Bellevue, WA. 98004
425-455-0332