Why do I sometimes feel light-headed or disoriented after an adjustment?
As the nervous system reorganizes to a higher level these feelings may be experienced. A light-headed feeling can mean that there has been an increase in blood flow to the brain and body. It is actually an excellent sign that deep reorganization has occurred. Your nervous system is making new connections. The disorientation can be a result of simply not having a similar experience before, therefore not having a point of reference. Sometimes the brain will drop down into a brain wave pattern associated with deep relaxation and sleep, and it may feel like you need to take a nap. Take some time to relax in the office before driving if this happens.
Why do you always touch my feet and move my ankles and legs around?
Part of the analysis of NSA is assessing the neurological tension in the spine and watching how it changes as the gentle contacts are made. It gives the doctor specific information about which pattern of tension needs to be addressed on a specific visit and how that pattern is changing. Your highly trained NSA doctor knows by checking these “indicators” the exact level of the spine that is holding tension and in which direction it’s being held (lengthwise or side to side).
What should I be doing on the table while you are working with me?
Relax, close your eyes but also pay attention to what’s happening in your body. Always get a sense of your breath when you first lay down. Notice how deep it is and where you feel it in your body. What part of the front of your body is moving up and down on the table as you breathe? It is important to let the breath happen naturally as you pay attention to it. Notice any other sensations you are feeling as your nervous system releases tension.
Why do I have to be adjusted so frequently at first?
Adjustments work with the concept of repetition. It is similar to learning to play an instrument where daily lessons are needed to master the fundamentals. Your nervous system is learning something new therefore the initial frequency is generally two or more visits per week. This process “hardwires” the basics nervous system “software,” which is needed for long-term flexibility and a pain-free life.
I feel like my life has changed so much since I started chiropractic care with Dr McGee. Not only have my headaches gone away, I have less stress in my life and I handle problems more easily. Is this just a coincidence?
No it’s not a coincidence and in fact this experience is very common. A quality of life study published in the 1990s proved just that. This retrospective study showed with startling scientific significance that people under Network Care showed many quality of life changes in addition to reduced pain. It is referred to as a landmark study because other disciplines started to study “quality of life” factors and “wellness indicators” after this study was published. The entire study entitled “Documentation and Characterization of Network Care” is available on the Resources page of this website.
How long do you go to school to become a chiropractor?
Chiropractic is taught as an intensive 4-year graduate degree program. A chiropractor receives a doctorate in the science and art of chiropractic. Studies are basically on par with a medical doctor’s education with more emphasis on anatomy, physiology and the specific chiropractic techniques and philosophy. There is a one-year clinical rotation. A 4-year Bachelor of Science is now required by many chiropractic schools. Doctors of chiropractic are also licensed by their individual states and are required to continue their education on a yearly basis.