Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the art, science, and technique of finding bones that are misaligned and moving them back into proper position. If the bones and the joints of the spine are moving properly then the nervous system can function to its full potential and this will allow the body to heal faster, work better, and be healthier.

Q. What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is when a trained chiropractor moves a misaligned bone back into its proper position. A chiropractor does this by using his hands or special adjusting tools. Adjustments unlock the nervous systems potential to heal the bodies ailments without the use of medications or surgery.

Q. Do adjustments hurt?

No, if done by a professional adjustments should not cause pain. Some patients have reported mild soreness hours after being adjusted. This soreness can be compared to the way you feel after lifting weights or playing recreational sports. This occurs because misaligned bones cause muscles to pull in different directions. When bones are moved back into their normal position those stretched muscles can either become tighter or looser. This change in muscle tonicity will cause mild soreness, which can be taken care of by a hot shower or 15-20 minutes of ice on the sore areas.

Q. How often do I have to come in?

Each patient is given a thorough history and examination. The findings of the exam will dictate the course of treatment reccomended to the patient. Chiropractic is similar to exercise, you can not expect to make a physical change in the body with one workout session. The same holds true with chiropractic treatment, one session will not make a long lasting structural change. In some circumstances one visit will alleviate all pain, but that does not mean the problem is fixed. It is the goal of Dr. Aranibar to get a person feeling well and reducing the frequency of their visits as soon as possible.

Q. Does Chiropractic help anything besides pain?

Yes, if the nervous system is working to its full potential then there is no reason why the organs of the body should not work better. After all the nerves that come out of your spine go directly to organs like your heart, lungs, kidney, liver, spleen, intestines, etc.

Q. Do I have to come in for the rest of my life if I get adjusted?

No, there is no obligation or adverse effects of recieving chiropractic adjustments and then discontinuing care. Patients should understand that physical, chemical, and emotional stress will eventually cause the bones of the body to become misaligned again and if not treated this could lead to bigger problems in the future.

Q. What can I do for my back at home?

If you experience soreness or continue to feel the same pain the best things to do are:

1. Take a hot shower and let the hot water hit the areas of pain
2. Apply Biofreeze ( you can get free trial packs or tubes at ARANIBAR CHIROPRACTIC)
3. REST
4. Apply Ice for 15-20 minutes (NO LONGER then 20) to the sore areas. The position below is the appropriate way to ice your entire back.

Q. What kind of pillow should I use?

It is a very comforting feeling to have just the right pillow to rest an achy, tired body on. In addition to providing comfort, the right pillows can also provide the necessary support for the neck and spine—alleviating or preventing many common forms of back pain and neck pain.

Main benefits of pillows

Use of a pillow while sleeping has two main functions:

1. Support: From a physical perspective, pillows prop up the head, neck and shoulders - keeping them in alignment, relieving pressure and counterbalancing the points in the body.
2. Comfort: From a more subjective perspective, pillows create a feeling of comfort, which aids in getting a good night’s sleep and feeling well rested.

Mattress top pillow

The traditional pillow is the mattress top pillow - used to provide support for the head, neck, and upper spine while the body is lying in bed in a resting position. For optimum support, it is best to select a pillow that has the following characteristics:

Pillow should be designed to keep the spine in natural alignment

The human neck curves slightly forward (to sustain the weight of the head when upright), and it’s important to maintain this curve when in a resting position. If the height of the pillow is too high when sleeping sideways or on the back, the neck is bent abnormally forward or to the side, causing muscle strain on the back of the neck and shoulders. This type of position may also cause narrowing of the air pipe, resulting in obstructed breathing, and sometimes snoring, which can hinder sleep. Conversely, if the height of the pillow is too low, the neck muscles can also be strained.

Based on the body’s measurements and personal preference, the pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches, properly supporting the head and neck (and shoulders when lying on back).

Pillow should feel comfortable

A large part of what makes a good pillow is personal preference. If the pillow feels comfortable, it’s likely to help one relax, get a good night’s sleep, and feel well rested in the morning. The pillow's surface can also be a source of comfort - some people prefer a pillowcase with a cool, smooth feeling (such as cotton), some prefer warmth (such as flannel), etc.

Pillow should be adjustable

To help the pillow conform to various sleep positions, it is best if the pillow can be adjusted to fit the unique shape and curves and sleeping position of the user. A pillow should mold to one’s individual shape and alleviate any pressure points.

Pillows for each sleep position

One’s sleep position will dictate how a traditional mattress top pillow can be used to provide the appropriate support. The different sleep positions are:

1. Using a pillow while sleeping on the back. When lying on the back, a pillow should support the natural curvature of the cervical spine, with adequate support under the head, neck, and shoulders. When sleeping on the back, the height of the pillow should be lower than in the sideways position. Placing a pillow or two beneath the knees further alleviates any back strain, and is the gentlest position on the back.
2. Using a pillow while sleeping on the side. When lying on one’s side, a pillow should support the head and neck such that the spine maintains a straight and natural horizontal line. Weight should be evenly distributed so as not to create unnatural bending or pressure. Some people may prefer placing a small pillow or rolled up towel under their waist while lying on the side for additional support.
3. Using a pillow while sleeping on the stomach. I don't reccomend it but if sleeping or resting on the stomach is preferred, the pillow should be relatively flat, or the head should rest directly on the mattress, so that the head and neck aren’t turned unnaturally to either side. In this position, it is often best to place another relatively flat pillow under the stomach to help the spine keep its natural alignment.

Over time, most pillows will begin to lose their firmness and no longer support the neck adequately. When the pillow has reached this stage, it should be replaced.