Frequently Asked Questions in Windsor CO
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about chiropractors in Windsor CO. If we didn't cover a question you may have, give Althoff Wellness Clinic PC - Windsor a call at (970) 686-6833 and we will be more than happy to help answer your question.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is much more than just a "back doctor." At the heart of our work is the understanding that your spine is like the central highway of your body’s nervous system. When everything is aligned and flowing smoothly, your body functions at its best. But when the spine—or any other joint—is out of alignment, it can irritate nerves and lead to not just pain, but a host of other health issues as well.
Imagine this: your nervous system connects to everything—your heart, lungs, digestive tract, even your reproductive organs. So, if something’s off in your lower back, it might not just give you a backache; it could also affect your bowel movements or reproductive health. That’s why our focus goes beyond just pain relief. We aim to help your body heal itself naturally by ensuring your spine and joints are in perfect alignment.
In our office, we do more than just spinal adjustments. Our doctors specialize in reversing neuropathy naturally and helping patients with chronic knee pain. We also work on all your joints—whether it’s your knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, or wrist—and address any muscle issues that might be throwing things off balance. Additionally, we incorporate state-of-the-art instruments and therapies to stimulate the healing process and consider your nutrition to ensure nothing is hindering your recovery.
Dr. J. Saboy is further enhancing our approach by pursuing a degree in functional medicine, which allows us to integrate a holistic approach to treating complex health issues.
Think of your body as having an incredible natural ability to heal—like when you cut yourself and it heals on its own. Sometimes, it just needs a little help along the way, and that’s where we come in. We’re here to guide your body back to health, so you can get back to living your life to the fullest.
How Many Sessions Will It Take?
This is a question we take very seriously, and the answer can vary depending on the patient. While some treatment plans may be similar, we approach each case individually to ensure you receive the care that’s right for you.
Our process begins with an in-depth consultation and examination, including orthopedic and neurological tests, and may also involve X-rays or other diagnostics as needed. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to understand the root cause of your health concerns and how they affect your overall well-being.
We also discuss your health goals in detail—whether you’re seeking immediate relief from pain or aiming for long-term improvement in your overall health. The answers to these questions are crucial in helping us design a treatment plan that not only addresses your condition but also aligns with your desired outcomes and financial considerations.
Ultimately, the number of sessions you’ll need depends on various factors, including the nature of your condition and your personal health goals. Rest assured, we are committed to providing the care you need to achieve optimal results.
How Does a Chiropractor Help with Lower Back Pain?
Helping with lower back pain is one of our specialties, and it all begins with a very thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your discomfort. Lower back pain can stem from various sources: it might originate in the lower back itself, or it could be related to issues in the hips, pelvis, muscles around the pelvis, or even alignment problems in your feet or knees. In some cases, lower back pain may also be exacerbated by a systemic inflammatory response within your body.
Once we identify what’s causing your pain, we tailor a treatment plan to address it effectively. Chiropractic care is often at the core of this plan, focusing on realigning the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce pain. Depending on your specific needs, we may also incorporate spinal decompression, muscle work, or SoftWave therapy to further stimulate the healing process.
But we don’t stop there. To enhance your healing capabilities, we’ll provide you with stretches and exercises that are designed to support your recovery and prevent future issues. Nutrition and supplementation can also play a vital role in speeding up the healing process, so we’ll discuss any dietary adjustments or supplements that might be beneficial for you.
By taking a comprehensive approach, we aim to not only alleviate your lower back pain but also to help your body heal itself naturally, leading to lasting relief and improved overall health.
Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Hurt?
Typically, a chiropractic adjustment does not hurt. Most patients experience relief rather than discomfort. However, if there are muscle spasms or tension around the spine, you might feel some temporary soreness afterward. This is similar to how you might feel after starting a new exercise routine—your body is adjusting to the changes.
At our clinic, we always address muscle concerns in addition to adjusting the spine to minimize any discomfort. We’re experienced in treating a wide range of patients—from newborns to the elderly. In fact, our youngest patient was just two hours old, and our oldest is 104!
We also recognize that everyone’s body is different, so we offer a variety of chiropractic adjusting styles to meet individual needs. Whether it’s manual adjustments, drop table techniques, or using an instrument like an activator for those who are more sensitive, we tailor our approach to ensure it’s as comfortable and effective as possible.
Can I Learn to Adjust Myself?
I would strongly advise against it! While it might feel good in the moment, self-adjusting can actually do more harm than good. Most people who try to adjust themselves are moving joints that are already too mobile. This can lead to increased wear and tear, causing arthritic changes and overuse of those joints over time.
When people get into the habit of self-adjusting, it can become addictive—yes, you heard that right! They’re addicted to the "crack." When you force a joint to move and hear that familiar cracking sound, it’s actually the release of gas bubbles in the joint, which triggers the release of endorphins and enkephalins, your body’s natural pain relievers. This gives you a temporary sense of relief, but it’s just that—temporary.
Chiropractors, on the other hand, are trained to identify which specific joints aren’t moving properly and in which direction they need to be adjusted. When we make an adjustment, we’re targeting the joint that needs help, not just any joint. This precise approach not only provides relief but also ensures that we’re not causing unnecessary wear and tear on your joints.
Additionally, a Doctor of Chiropractic is focused on how to best influence your nervous system by moving a misaligned joint. While it’s true that you can influence your nervous system by self-adjusting, doing so without proper knowledge can sometimes do more harm than good.
So, while that cracking sound might feel satisfying, it’s best to leave the adjustments to the professionals. Your nervous system—and your joints—will thank you in the long run!
Are Chiropractors Safe?
Absolutely. Your safety is our top priority, and our team of highly trained professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of care. We take extra precautions during our consultations and examinations to ensure that the treatment we recommend is both appropriate and safe for you.
To ensure that you receive the best care possible, our entire team participates in continuing education each year, honing our skills and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in chiropractic care. Every patient is unique, which is why we offer multiple methods for adjusting the spine. Whether it’s manual adjustments, drop table techniques, or using specialized instruments, we carefully select the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs.
You can trust that our team is committed to delivering effective, safe care tailored specifically to you.
Are There Side Effects to Chiropractic Adjustments?
Absolutely, but most of the side effects are actually positive! After an adjustment, many patients report experiencing increased energy, better sleep, and improved function of their internal organ systems. These are just some of the benefits that come with restoring proper alignment and supporting your nervous system.
As with any form of treatment, there can be some mild side effects. The most common is muscle soreness or tenderness, which usually resolves within a day or two as your body adjusts to the changes.
It’s also worth noting that, while very rare, there are occasional reports in the media about more serious side effects like carotid artery injuries. However, these cases are extremely uncommon. We take every precaution to ensure your safety, including thorough testing and evaluations to address any potential concerns.
In short, chiropractic care is generally very safe, and we’re here to ensure you experience the positive effects that come with it.
How Does a Chiropractor Help Neck Pain?
When it comes to neck pain, we take a comprehensive, well-rounded approach to find the root cause and provide effective relief. Neck pain can sometimes originate in the neck itself, but it might also be related to issues with the jaw, upper back, or shoulders. Our thorough consultation and examination—sometimes including X-rays—allow us to pinpoint exactly where the problem lies.
Once we understand the underlying issue, we create a tailored treatment plan that may include chiropractic adjustments to restore proper alignment, spinal decompression to relieve pressure, and muscle work to address any soft tissue concerns. We also incorporate nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and enhance your body’s natural healing abilities.
By addressing all the contributing factors, we aim to not only relieve your neck pain but also improve your overall health and well-being.
Why Should You Choose Our Office?
Our office offers one of the most comprehensive evaluations you’ll find anywhere. We take pride in our talented team, who are dedicated to looking at the whole picture when it comes to your health. Beyond just chiropractic care, we focus on nutrition, muscle issues, and joint problems to ensure that we’re addressing all aspects of your well-being.
In addition, we’re equipped with more advanced technology and equipment than any other chiropractic office in northern Colorado. This allows us to provide a wide range of treatments tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.
Moreover, our CEO, Dr. Althoff, not only leads our clinic but also coaches other doctors to succeed in their practices and achieve outstanding clinical outcomes. When you choose our office, you’re choosing a team that’s committed to helping you achieve optimal health in every way possible, backed by leadership that’s recognized for excellence.
OUR LOCATIONS:
Windsor CO
Cheyenne WY