Dr. George Kosmides, DC
Integrative wellness for Los Angeles and the Valley
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Q&A with L.A. chiropractor George Kosmides
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
An adjustment is the term used to explain the chiropractic treatment. It is known in the medical community as spinal manipulation.
The adjustment is performed exclusively by chiropractors with a minimum of four years of extensive experience in this type of chiropractic treatment.
Does the adjustment hurt?
The adjustment is a painless. If a person is already in pain, any movement can be uncomfortable, of course -- but the adjustments are designed to ultimately reduce and eliminate the pain.
Will this cure my back/neck pain or headaches?
While treatment usually brings you relief from pain, the chiropractor's goal is to not merely fix painful backs and necks, but to enable the body to express itself to the fullest.
What is that cracking sound?
The "cracking" sound results from air, gas and fluid escaping the joint. It is the same thing as when you crack your knuckles. The patient's bones do not crack.
When can I expect to feel better?
Different patients have different healing times. Some experience relief within one or two weeks; others notice changes before the end of the first month.
Healing is dependent on the length of time a patient has had the subluxations (misalignments of the bones that house the spinal cord) and the severity of his or her problem.
Do I have to keep coming back forever?
No! In our chiropractic office we have three types of care: relief, corrective and maintenance. Pain usually subsides in four to six weeks. Correcting the cause of a problem takes longer, however.
You have the option of discontinuing care at several points: when the pain subsides, when you complete the corrective procedure, or you can continue with what we call maintenance care.
Maintenance care helps keep your spine healthy and avoids a reoccurrence of a spinal-related problem. Just as you go to the dentist for regular checkups, having your spine re-examined by the doctor is as important, if not more so. But the choice is always yours.
Will chiropractic improve my posture?
Most patients have seen their posture improve as a result of chiropractic care.
How long will each appointment take?
After the first four visits, each appointment generally takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on what you need done. All work is done in our San Fernando Valley chiropractic office.
Do I have to have X-rays?
During the examination, the doctor will determine if films are necessary and will discuss this with you.
If I bring my own fairly recent X-rays, do I have to take new ones?
If you have X-rays, please do bring them. If the doctor determines new films are necessary, he will discuss why he feels they are needed.
Will chiropractic straighten my spine?
It depends what is causing the spine to not be straight. If the cause is arthritis and degeneration, it's unlikely the spine can be straightened. If the cause is related to muscle tightness, there is a much greater chance the spine can be straightened.
Can chiropractic cure cancer or other diseases?
Chiropractic treats the misalignments of the spine and the interferences in the nervous system caused by the misalignments.
Chiropractic does not cure other diseases. The chiropractic adjustment can help relieve the pain associated with many diseases. There are a number of health conditions that have been relieved via chiropractic care. As a result of chiropractic care, many patients experience improvement due to the body's innate ability to heal itself.
Is chiropractic good for children or elderly people?
Chiropractic is good for all patients, because it centers on the spine. Different techniques are used for children and the elderly, due to their spines' delicate nature.
Children need chiropractic care so they do not develop the problems we see in most adults -- such as nerve compression and arthritis. It is especially important to have children checked by the doctor after they've had a fall. Before and after childbirth, chiropractic can be a great help to mother and baby.
Chiropractic care can help prevent the elderly from developing more serious complications from their longstanding spinal and nerve-related conditions. I have treated babies who are a few days old and seniors older than 100.
Will my insurance cover chiropractic?
About 80% of insurance plans cover chiropractic. We will verify your benefits when you come to our office for the first visit.
How long does a chiropractor go to school?
After completing the standard prerequisites for medical school, chiropractors attend Chiropractic College for four years.
Why are there so many techniques used in chiropractic?
Chiropractors use many different techniques to treat specific areas of the body. As with medicine, each technique provides the patient with various specific benefits. The doctor uses techniques that are most effective and comfortable for each individual patient.
Can I come in whenever I feel the need?
To obtain the best results, it's important to stick to the schedule the doctor recommends. We are almost always available to see a patient in an emergency.
Does the doctor himself get adjusted?
Yes. As a practitioner of chiropractic, the doctor is also a patient of chiropractic. I'm no exception -- please read Dr. George's story.