Answers to Questions about Chiropractic
Samuel Homola, D.C.
Dr. Homola is a second-generation chiropractor who has dedicated himself to defining the proper limits on chiropractic and to educating consumers and professionals about the field. His 1963 book Bonesetting, Chiropractic, and Cultism supported the appropriate use of spinal manipulation but renounced chiropractic dogma. His 1999 book Inside Chiropractic: A Patient's Guide provides an incisive look at chiropractic's history, benefits, and shortcomings. Now retired after 43 years of practice, he lives in Panama City, Florida.
Neck Manipulation
- Do I need 12 weeks of neck adjustments? (posted 4/16/02)
- How dangerous are frequent neck adjustments? (posted 2/22/02)
- Is neck manipulation appropriate for herniated discs? (posted 9/21/02)
- What can I do for neck pain that started after chiropractic neck manipulation? (posted 4/16/02)
- Can neck adjustments relieve the pain of a Chiari malformation? (posted 2/22/02)
- Can neck manipulation relieve spinal stenosis? 2/11/02)
- Might four years of neck adjustments aggravate cervical spine stenosis? (posted 12/6/02)
- Did an atlas adjustment cure my back pain? (posted 6/5/02)
- What is an atlas misalignment? (posted 2/2/02)
- Will my atlas misalignment affect my nervous system? (posted 9/21/02)
- Can "phase one degeneration" in my neck cause low-back pain? (posted 6/9/03)
- Will extension-traction normalize the curve of my cervical spine? (posted 8/27/02)
- Can neck adjustments help my back and leg pain? (posted 5/9/03)
- Can neck adjustments cure compartment syndrome in my legs? (posted 2/13/03)
- Can neck adjustments help prevent worsening of bony overgrowths? (posted 2/24/03)
Scope of Chiropractic
- Can a chiropractor treat acid reflux? (posted 2/10/02)
- Should my chiropractor refer me to a physician? (posted 4/16/02)
- Can weekly chiropractic treatment help carpal tunnel syndrome? (posted 5/2/02)
- Can spinal manipulation straighten a scoliotic spine? (posted 4/27/02)
- Can a chiropractor correct painless scoliosis and pelvic misalignment? (posted 6/30/04)
- Can spinal manipulations help osteoporosis? (posted 4/27/02)
- Is network spinal analysis effective against scoliosis? (posted 12/8/02)
- Can a chiropractor help lumbar spinal stenosis? (posted 4/16/02)
- What Is "Double Crush Syndrome"? (posted 7/18/02)
- Can chiropractic adjustments cure plantar fasciitis? (posted 7/18/02)
- Are chiropractic adjustments appropriate for elbow tendinitis? (posted 12/8/02)
- Should I see a chiropractor for my disc problem? (posted 9/24/02)
- Should I see a chiropractor or a neurosurgeon for my leg pain? (posted 7/23//02)
- Who should I consult for my back and neck pain? (posted 9/21/02)
- Will monthly adjustments prevent progression of spinal arthritis? (posted 4/5/03)
- Is pain a sign that adjustments are correcting my 12-degree scoliosis? (posted 6/5/02)
- Can chiropractic adjustments correct a TMJ problem? (posted 4/5/03)
- Can a chiropractor treat migraine? (posted 8/27/02)
- Is my husband being conned? (posted 10/6/02)
Need for Treatment
- Are subluxations real? (posted 4/16/02)
- Was my "new patient evaluation" a scam? (posted 7/2/02)
- What percentage of chiropractors base their practice on the subluxation theory? (posted 1/22/04)
- Should I pay in advance for 24 chiropractic treatments? (posted 6/30/04)
- Can an accident cause a spinal curvature? (posted 4/16/02)
- Can I relieve my sciatica without going to a chiropractor? (posted 6/7/02)
- Can untreated neck problems shorten life expectancy? (posted 7/18/02)
- What is the proper arm position during a neck x-ray examination? (posted 7/18/02)
- Is my chiropractic treatment a scam? (posted 6/5/02)
- Is free screening by chiropractors ethical? (posted 6/23/02)
- Should I keep seeing my chiropractor? (posted 9/21/02)
- How can I resolve conflicting advice? (posted 8/13/04)
- Do I need "corrective care" after "relief care" Is completed? (posted 6/30/04)
- Does spinal manipulation promote general health? (posted 7/18/02)
- How long should I continue chiropractic treatment for a disc protrusion? (posted 6/7/02)
- I have had 103 treatments. When is it time to stop? (posted 2/22/02)
- Who should I see about a misalignment that is causing my right hip to stick out? (posted 6/23/02)
- Why is my spine "misaligned" despite 22 years of chiropractic treatment? (posted 10/6/02)
- Do I need more adjustments to correct a "forward thrust" in my spine if I feel okay? (posted 12/8/02)
- Should a chiropractor massage my back to treat knee strain? (posted 2/23/05)
- Should I continue with chiropractors who claim I have subluxations? (posted 2/13/03)
- Would adults be healthier with chiropractic adjustments from birth onward? (posted 1/22/04)
- What are "cost-effective treatment plans? (posted 12/12/04)
- Should I get a third opinion from a chiropractor? (posted 12/12/04)
- Should I have stopped my "short leg" treatment? (posted 3/3/06)
- Did My Chiropractor Give Me a Sales Pitch? (posted 6/23/08)
X-Rays
- When should chiropractors take x-rays? (posted 6/5/02)
- Why did my chiropractor fail to get a good x-ray after eight tries? (posted 5/9/03)
Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Does relaxin enhance chiropractic adjustments? (posted 8/27/02)
- Can adjustments reduce hip size after childbirth? (posted 8/27/02)
- Can Network Chiropractic cure my daughter's asthma? (posted 2/13/03)
Chiropractic and Children
- Should chiropractors treat young children? (posted 7/18/02)
- Can chiropractic treatment help a five-year-old child with seizures? (posted 7/18/02)
- Does a child with cerebral palsy need subluxation correction? (posted 8/27/02)
- Should chiropractors treat scoliosis in children? (posted 1/13/04)
- Can I stop my ex-wife from taking our children to a chiropractor? (posted 2/22/02)
Chiropractic Techniques
- Is Neural Organization Technique valid? (posted 9/24/02)
- Does "popping" indicate that a spinal manipulation has been helpful? (posted 1/22/04)
- Why does popping my back make me feel better? (posted 11/3/04)
- Are all chiropractic techniques effective? (posted 1/31/05)
Chiropractic Devices
- Are cervical pillows helpful? (posted 8/27/02)
- Are hammer and spark device devices legitimate? (posted 6/7/02)
- Can a traction machine like the VAX-D reset a ruptured disc? (posted 2/13/03)
- Should I buy a wobble chair? (posted 12/11/04)
Complications of Treatment
- When should manipulation be avoided? (posted 1/22/04)
- Why am I having more pain from having my spine realigned? (posted 2/12/02)
- Is numbness in my fingers a normal reaction to chiropractic adjustments? (posted 4/5/03)
- Is pain a sign that adjustments are correcting my 12-degree scoliosis? (posted 6/5/02)
- Can violent spinal manipulation cause a spinal cord syrinx? (posted 6/23/02)
- Would popping my neck cause a stiff neck? (posted 8/27/02)
- Was my back permanently injured by a chiropractor who popped my spine? (posted 2/21/08)
Chiropractic Education
- What are the educational requirements for chiropractic school? (posted 7/18/02)
- What advice can you offer someone who is thinking of becoming a chiropractor? (posted 2/2/02)
- Should a nurse practitioner study chiropractic? (posted 12/8/02)
- With a degree in kinesiology, does it make sense to study chiropractic? (posted 2/24/03)
- Can chiropractic adjustments make you smarter? (posted 2/24/03)
- Should a physical therapist go to chiropractic school to learn manipulation? (posted 6/10/03)
- Would you advise a massage therapist become a chiropractor? (posted 6/10/03)
Consumer Protection
- Am I entitled to a copy of my x-rays? (posted 9/21/02
- What are the warning signs of a bad chiropractor? (posted 6/5/02)
- How can I spot an insurance scam? (posted 8/27/02)
- Why would a walk-in clinic refer me to a questionable chiropractor? (posted 5/9/03)
- Are you for or against chiropractors? (posted 5/9/03)
- How do you justify offering advice to patients you have not examined? (posted 1/22/04)
- Why is chiropractic so controversial? (posted 1/31/05)
- How can I get out of a contract for treatment I don't need? (posted 2/15/08)
Interprofessional Relations
- Can chiropractors and physical therapists work together? (posted 5/2/02)
- How can a medical doctor locate a good chiropractor? (posted 1/22/04)
This page was revised on June 23, 2008.