FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

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Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism. These important functions are controlled by the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves of the body. The skull protects the delicate tissues of the brain. The moving bones of the spine protect the vulnerable communication pathways of the spinal cord and nerve roots. If the nervous system is impaired, it can cause malfunction of the tissues and organs throughout the body. Doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral, meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation, meaning less than a total dislocation. And Complex, meaning consisting of more than one part. Chiropractic is the science of locating offending spinal structures and postural distortions, the art of removing this interference to the nervous system and the philosophy of respecting the body’s innate ability to heal given proper alignment, posture, nutrition, rest and exercise.

Homerun chiropractic care takes traditional chiropractic one step further by continually asking the question “why?” If the vertebral subluxation complex is present in a patient, Dr. Ude works to uncover the cause of the patient’s particular complex. If someone just experienced a neck injury from being rear-ended in a motor vehicle accident, the triggering cause is obvious and appropriate care is rendered based on the severity of the whiplash (i.e. neck brace, ice, soft tissue work, interferential current, etc). However, when causes are multi-factorial and unclear to even the patient, a health detective is needed. Realizing that every single person has vastly different ways at arriving with any health concern, we re-trace the steps of how you arrived at your present state of health by “peeling off the layers” and addressing the four areas of structure, emotions, toxins and biochemistry until health is restored. This is participatory and truly preventative as well as “condition-based” care. 

Chiropractic works by restoring your own inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous 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 help remove interferences to your natural ability to being healthy. A common interference to the nervous system is the 24 moving bones of the spinal column. A loss of normal motion or position of these bones can irritate or impair the function of the nervous system. This can disrupt the transmission of controlling nerve impulses. With improved spinal function there is often improved nervous system function. A doctor of chiropractic can help remove interferences that may be impairing normal health. Since the primary focus of your care is improved nervous system function, chiropractic can have a positive effect on many health conditions not normally thought of as "back" problems. 

Good nutrition is the foundation of good health. Everyone needs water, protein, carbohydrates and fats – as well as vitamins, minerals and other micronutrients. We not only convert these nutrients into energy, but we also use these materials as building blocks for new cells, tissues and organs.  For example, the integrity of the myelin sheath that surrounds our brain cells is different in someone who eats a lot of trans-fatty acids (hydrogenated oils) and packaged, refined junk food vs. someone who eats extra virgin olive oil, avocados, takes a purified fish oil capsule daily, and has an abundance of vegetables and fruit in their diet. Our choices in these areas absolutely effect our blood chemistry, our cells, tissues, organ systems and ultimately our thinking and behavior. Dr. Ude assists you in understanding your unique body chemistry. Laboratory testing for food sensitivities, red blood cell mineral content, intracellular vitamin and mineral analysis as well as neurotransmitter and hormone testing are all available through Integrated Chiropractic Wellness, PLLC. 

Today's Doctor of Chiropractic is highly educated. Before enrolling in chiropractic college, a bachelor of science degree must be attained from a four year accredited college/university. The post graduate Doctor of Chiropractic program is an additional 4-5 years (8 years total) and requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, X-ray, spinal adjusting techniques and related subjects. This demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors with clinical skills to locate the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction. The word “doctor” comes from the Latin word meaning teacher and chiropractic graduates have a strong commitment to educate patients about the best strategies to maintain healthy nervous, endocrine and immune systems. To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes four demanding National Board of Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractic education never ends. Doctors complete postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest scientific research. 

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up", or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal function, improved nervous system function and improved health. There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the doctor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow and constant pressure (i.e. traction to reduce postural distortions). After years of training and clinical experience, Dr. Ude has become highly skilled in the delivery of a variety of adjusting approaches.