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FAQ.
Check out our most commonly asked questions and answers below. If you still need additional information, please don't hesitate to call our North County office in Encinitas directly, and we'll be happy to assist you.
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What are your COVID-19-related policies?Masks are not required for those that are vaccinate. We do not require proof of vaccination and let patients self-attest to their vaccination status. Dr. Cook will wear a mask at any time a patient requests it or is wearing one themselves. Both Dr. Cook and his office manager are vaccinated against COVID-19. Treatment tables and equipment are regularly sanitized between patients. Please call us if you have any questions.
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What is Chiropractic care?Chiropractic treatment is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation (adjustments) and other alternative treatments. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
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What does a Chiropractor do?A chiropractor analyzes your body for vertebral subluxations (partial dislocations) or misalignments using his/her hands and other analysis tools, and then corrects or removes any spinal nerve stress using various spinal adjustment techniques.
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What conditions do you treat?Spinal or disc problems Skeletal and muscular injuries Arthritis Extremity injuries Joint pain Headaches and migraines Insomnia High blood pressure Carpal Tunnel and more!
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What treatments and services do you offer?Diversified Chiropractic Myofascial Release Mechanical Traction Electrical Muscle Stimulation Ice and Heat Packs and more!
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What is spinal nerve stress (vertebral subluxation)?A vertebral subluxation is a misaligned vertebra causing interference with nerve messages between your brain and your body. Accordingly, the goals of chiropractic joint adjustments or manipulation are not only to correct musculoskeletal dysfunction - improving range of motion and reducing pain - but also restore normal function in the nervous system. The goal is to improve homeostasis and as a result, get your body feeling right again.
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How are chiropractic treatments performed?Chiropractors work with the bones and nerves of the spinal column and spinal cord respectively. Chiropractors spend years of highly specialized training in order to locate where misplaced spinal vertebrae are impinging the nerves; which travel down the spinal cord and out through the spinal column to the muscles, organs, and glands of the body. After locating the vertebrae impinging the nerves (subluxations) the chiropractor, using various highly specialized techniques, is able to replace the misplaced vertebrae and thus release pressure on the nerves. This is called a spinal adjustment.
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Can I receive chiropractic treatments if I'm under medical care?Absolutely. Having your spinal nerve's stresses corrected is important no matter what other type of care you're receiving. You can have your spinal column checked for any abnormalities by us and still visit a doctor of homeopathy, naturopathy, osteopathy, or traditional medicine.
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What are warning signs of an unhealthy spine?Your heels wear out unevenly. This can be due to uneven leg length or stress along the length of the spine. You can't take a satisfying, deep breath. Breath, health, spinal health, and energy are interrelated. Your jaw "clicks." This can be caused by neck or jaw subluxations. You have to "crack" your neck, back, or other joints a lot. This can be caused by areas of your spine that are locked or jammed. You can't twist or turn your head or hips to either side easily and equally. You suffer from reduced range of motion. You are often fatigued. An unbalanced spine drains your energy. You have poor concentration. Subluxations affect brain health. You're constantly getting sick. Subluxations affect your neuroendocrine system, which plays an important role in your resistance to disease and your ability to fight infection. You have poor posture. You have headaches, back aches, sore or tender spots in the muscles and joints. You have a constant stressful feeling and tension especially in the muscles and joints. You feel stiffness in your back and neck. You just don't feel right and you are in generally poor health.
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What can I do on a daily basis to improve my overall spine health?There are a number of things you can start doing at home to improve your spine health: Set aside a special time each day for complete mental and physical relaxation. This is important in the restoration, as well as maintenance, of normal health. When sitting, choose a chair that has adequate firmness to hold your weight comfortably, and sit straight. Avoid too soft, overstuffed chairs. Recliner chairs are acceptable if you use a small pillow behind your lower spine. Cross your legs only at the ankles. Crossing your legs at the knees could aggravate an existing back condition as well as interfere with circulation to the legs. Be sure to get plenty of sleep to allow your body time to recuperate and repair. Sleep on a firm mattress - preferably, one which is neither too hard or too soft. Your pillow should not be too high or too low. The ideal pillow is a chiropractic pillow. Avoid sleeping on two pillows. Don't lie on a couch with your head on the armrest. Sleep on your back or your side with your legs flexed slightly, not drawn up tightly to your chest. Avoid sleeping on your stomach. Raise your head off the pillow when changing positions. Rise from your bed by turning on your side and swinging your legs off the bed. Next push yourself in to a sitting position with your arms, minimizing the strain on your back. Do not read or watch TV in bed if your head needs to be propped up at a sharp or strained angle. Do not sleep on sofas or in a cramped quarters. Lie down in bed when it's time to sleep.
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What should I do prior to my appointment?Avoid moderate physical activity until instructed to do so. Avoid rubbing, probing, or "poking" in the areas your chirporactor adjusts. Avoid sudden twists or turns of movement beyond normal limits of motion, especially in the neck area. Avoid extreme bending of your spine in any direction. Avoid stretching, reaching, or other overhead work. Avoid bending or slooping sharply to pick up objects. Instead, bend your knees to minimize the strain on your lower back. When lifting, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and let your legs bear the strain.
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What information should I bring to my visit?If you have already had tests (such as x-rays) regarding your problem, bring them and any reports to the office. Be prepared to discuss: When the problem started How long you've been suffering or feeling discomfort What makes the problem worse or better Treatments you have tried so far and how well they have worked Any other information you believe is relevant Please make sure to bring: Notes regarding comments or questions you want to ask the doctor Health insurance card and information (and referral if your provder requires it) New patient paperwork Payment method for full amount/copayment Please find new patient forms here.
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