Frequently Asked Questions in West Bend

Find out the answers West Bend Chiropractors frequently give to patients seeking to learn more about chiropractic care at their office. Learning more about chiropractic and its benefits can help you find the best chiropractor for you. If you have a question you don't see answered below, reach out to your team at Gardner Schofield Chiropractic at (262) 334-8188.

Why do I need x-rays?

X-rays allow the doctor to figure out what is causing your problem and how to correct it. It also allows the doctor to make sure it is safe to adjust you.

What if we don't take x-rays?

The adjustment could make you worse and there is a small chance it could injure you.

What do you mean by safe to adjust?

If you were born with an unusual issue in your spine or have severe arthritis, an adjustment can hurt you.

Why is it 90 days for the initial corrective care plan?

It takes muscles roughly 90 days to heal and your body to become more stable.

Why 9 month supportive care after the first 3 months?

Because it takes 1 year for soft issues to heal.

What is a subluxation?

When your neck and back go out of alignment we call that subluxation in chiropractic.

What happens with a subluxation?

When you are out of alignment, there is extra pressure and tension that causes damage to muscle joints and nerves.

Could this problem be muscular?

Muscles can cause pain that typically happens after they have been overused and will heal within a week or 2, even with severe overuse.

Should I ice or heat?

Ice! Icing reduces inflammation and heat increases it. The only time to heat is before an activity to loosen you up, but then ice after.

How often should I ice?

As much as you want, it won’t hurt. Do 15 minutes on and 30 minutes off, at least twice a day.

Should I stretch?

Not during the 1st month, but after that, yes. Stretching is great for your muscles and joints. We have stretching handouts we can give you in our office.

Why did I feel worse after my adjustment?

That is very common. Your muscles have been working the wrong way for a long time. We expect soreness for a lot of people when the body is healing.

What is a disc bulge?

The discs are the cushion between your neck and back bones. When they are under pressure for a long time, they can babble out, which is called bulge.

What is a disc herniation?

A herniation is when part of your disc bubbles out and then pops. It can be from long term pressure from being out of alignment or from a trauma.

How does chiropractic prevent degenerative discs and arthritis?

When the neck and back go out of alignment, they lock which prevents normal movement. Without movement, the discs get no fluid, and they degenerate like a rusty hinge. Arthritis, decay, stenosis, and degenerative disc disease are terms for the same issue. They usually happen because of unnecessary pressure due to being out of alignment.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. It usually occurs because of increased pressure on the joint, due to misalignment.

How did I get out of alignment?

Trauma. It only takes 10lbs of force to the head, neck or back to cause 1st misalignment. Most happen at birth or as a small child.

What does the adjustment do?

It improves your alignment allowing your muscles, joints and nerves to heal.

I am sick, should I come in?

Yes, the adjustment has been shown to boost the immune system and help you get well, faster.

Can I come back to back days?

Yes! Ideally, it’s nice to have a day between but getting adjusted is always better than not getting adjusted no matter how many days are in between.

Is there anything I should avoid doing?

Never sleep on your belly, pin a phone between your head and shoulder or sleep sitting with your head kinked.

My sleep, allergies, asthma, and other secondary complaints are better, how is that possible?

Chiropractic improves nerve function and since nerves control everything, any issue can get better with better nerve function

How long does it take to feel better?

90% of people have improvement by 30 days.

I feel better, do I really need to come in?

Yes, you can be out of alignment for years with no pain. It is important to get checked to make sure good alignment is maintained and avoid arthritis, degeneration, and serve injuries.

I had pain in a new area?

Pain moving around and old problems coming back is a sign of healing. It’s not fun, but it is a good sign.

Do I have to come forever?

No, but no one holds their alignment forever. Maintenance is usually once a month or less.

Why does no one hold forever?

Stress, gravity, overuse, traumas and sleeping in bad positions all cause the body to lose its alignment.

I have had surgery. Can you help me?

Yes, we have helped many people after surgery. Our techniques are very gentle.

How much water do I need?

½ of your body weight in ounces. EXAMPLE: if someone was 200lbs they would need to drink 100oz of water a day

How long is the 1st visit?

Plan for an hour.

How long is the 2nd visit?

Plan for 45 minutes.

How long is an adjustment?

The adj. itself 5-15 minutes. Plan for 30 minutes for the total office visit.

Monday
8:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 6:00pm


Tuesday
12:00pm - 3:00pm


Wednesday
8:00am - 12:00pm
3:00pm - 6:00pm


Thursday
3:00pm - 6:00pm


Friday
8:00am - 12:00pm


Saturday
Closed


Sunday
Closed

Gardner Schofield Chiropractic

2100 Gateway Ct Suite 100
West Bend, WI 53095

(262) 334-8188