How does Chiropractic work?

Chiropractic works by keeping your spine properly aligned and moving, thereby ensuring proper function of your nervous system. When your spine is out of alignment due to physical trauma, chemical toxins or emotional stress, spinal degeneration progresses and the nerves exiting your spine become irritated and compromised. Under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease... read more

What type of education do the Doctors at Champion Chiropractic have?

Dr. Karyn Marshall graduated from Columbia University, B.S.N., while Dr. Dennis Cronk graduated from the University of Notre Dame with B.S. in Biology. Subsequently, they both graduated at the top of their class from New York Chiropractic College in 1993 where Dr. Marshall graduated Summa Cum Laude and Valedictorian. Their education is... read more

What type of consultation and examination can I expect?

Helping to restore proper spinal biomechanics begins with a case history which gives the doctor a background on your past medical care, such as surgery or an accident and the onset of your condition. A discussion on how exercise and good nutritional habits can impact your current health. Upon reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem areas, a thorough chiropractic examination is performed to evaluate your spine; X-rays may be taken if necessary to look for any degeneration, disc disease or arthritis. A quick and painless computerized nerve test (MyoVision) is also performed to evaluate your nervous system and to pinpoint possible problem areas. This process helps the doctor identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system damage which may be causing your health problems. Following the examination, your results are explained and we will outline a program of care to begin to correct layers of damage and to help you recover your health potential.

Do I have a pinched nerve?

Many patients consult a Chiropractic doctor because they think they have a pinched nerve. Because of the way your spine is designed, abnormal spinal function caused from physical trauma, emotional tension, or chemical toxins can affect the delicate tissues of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

While commonly associated with the spine, a pinched nerve is actually rare. Researchers suggest that only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone or a disc on nerve tissue! This can result in numbness, burning, or a "pins and needles" feeling. More frequently, nerves are irritated when nerve tissue is rubbed, scraped, or stretched by a loss of spinal curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal bones and disc.

Do I have a slipped disc?

Technically, a disc can't "slip". The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector, spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A jellylike center is contained by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow for normal turning and bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and below, a disc cannot "slip".

Trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, or worse, rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on the adjacent nerve roots and spinal cord. While results cannot be guaranteed, many of our patients have avoided surgery or a dependency on pain medication by choosing chiropractic care for their disc-related health problems. We also offer an exciting technology called Spinal Decompression , a non-surgical treatment for severe neck and low back pain.

What is an adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function, and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. read more

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Can the bones move too much?

Highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again, helping to reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

What makes the sound during adjustment?

Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

The doctor evaluates each patient's unique spinal problem and develops an individual course of care. The resulting recommendations are based upon years of training and experience. Patients who complain of headaches may actually have a lower back problem causing a compensation reaction at the base of the skull. Other patients may be experiencing numbness and tingling in their fingers, when the actual problem is in the neck. Every patient presents a uniquely different spinal pattern. Patients should notice that their chiropractic care is delivered with confidence and precision. Each visit builds upon the one before. And while visits may seem similar, each patient's care is uniquely different from every other patient.

Is chiropractic care safe?

In the words of the New Zealand government's inquiry Chiropractic Care is "remarkably safe". Chiropractic has an excellent safety record that is the result of a conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. A thorough case history and examination help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the best course of care for each patient.

Can I adjust myself?

Since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself. It is possible to turn or bend or twist in certain ways to create "popping" sounds, like the sound that sometimes accompanies a chiropractic adjustment. Unfortunately, this type of joint manipulation is usually counterproductive, often making an already unstable area of the spine even more unsteady. Adjusting the spine is for professionals! The best way to enjoy the healthful benefits of chiropractic is to receive adjustments from a Doctor of Chiropractic. Even your doctor must seek out the services of another colleague to help restore and maintain proper spinal function.


If you have questions not answered here, please check the next page or call 732-741-1000.