FAQ

  If you have a question that is not answered below give us a call at 503 760-8648 or drop us an email at drjmstites@gmail.com  

 Is it the absence of symptoms and simply feeling good? No!  There are individuals who have life threatening illnesses such as cancer who can be symptom free. You could slam your hand in the car door, have intense symptoms yet be healthy. Symptoms are not a good judge of health, they are simply your bodies alarm system notifying you that something is wrong. The definition of health is every tissue, cell, and organ functioning at 100%.  If function is the most important component of health, then we need to know what controls function in the body.  That would be the nerve system.   As long as the nerve system is not interfered with, the body functions perfectly.  Then eating properly, getting enough rest, exercise and having good mental attitude will be much more effective. What causes interference to the nerve system?  Vertebral Subluxation .  Who are the only doctors specifically trained to detect and eliminate Vertebral Subluxation?   Chiropractors.  

 A subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation)  occurs when one or more of bones of the spine are out of position and compress or irritate spinal nerves. These nerves are the primary communication link between the body to the brain. Pressure on these nerves interferes with the communication between the body and the brain, which may cause organs, tissues, and cells not to function properly leading to symptoms and dis-ease. Chiropractors identify, analyze and help correct these disturbances to restore the body’s natural balance, improving function and the potential for self-healing. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at detecting and correcting subluxations. 

 The world's largest natural healing profession focuses on correcting the causes rather than just treating the symptoms.  Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy.  When under the proper control of your nerve system, all the cells, tissues and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health.  The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interferences to your nerve system. The most common interference is known as the Vertebral Subluxation. 

 Be mindful of your body mechanics. How you lift, get up or down, sleep, sit, stand.  Get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.  Dehydration has many ill effects on the body, and staying hydrated is one of the simplest, healthiest things you can do.  Reduce your sugar intake, as well as caffeine, which can contribute to muscle tightness and spasm. When appropriate, stretching and exercise will accelerate the healing process, but done prematurely, can result in further injury.  Dr. Stites will advise you about a proper exercise program.  Like exercise, the benefits of chiropractic  adjustments are cumulative.  Each adjustment builds on the last one to produce the desired outcome.  It is important to keep your appointments so that there is no break in the momentum, helping you to get well as fast as possible. 

 Dr. Stites will consult with you, inquiring about your complaint, past traumas such as falls or accidents,  the type of work you do,  social environment and anything that is contributing stress to your life. This can be Physical Stress (a fall, bad posture, auto accident, repetitive strain) Chemical Stress (poor diet) or Mental/ Emotional Stress  (difficult relationships, negative thinking).  Then an exam will be performed that will include standard orthopedic and neurological testing, muscle testing and a thorough structural evaluation of your spine.  At this point Dr. Stites will determine if any further tests are needed, and will discuss with you why they are necessary.  These tests can range from imaging to blood work.   If additional tests are not required, Dr. Stites will review the results of your exam,  explain what's causing your problem, and what it will take to correct it.  Once all of your questions are answered, care will begin and you will receive your first adjustment.  If additional tests are required, care will begin once the results are reviewed.   Dr. Stites will not accept your case unless he believes you will benefit from chiropractic care.  If you are not a candidate for chiropractic care Dr. Stites will make the appropriate referral.  Plan on 45 mins to an hour for your first visit. 

Dr. Stites will briefly consult with you on your progress, and then adjust you. The duration of a visit is about 15-20 minutes but can last up to 30-60 minutes if additional therapy is required.  Know that Dr. Stites will always take the necessary time to address your health problem fully and answer questions you may have.