4. Does Chiropractic hurt?
A variety of responses ranging a sense of relief and well-being to some temporary tissue soreness may occur depending on the individual but rarely is the procedure painful.

5. Is Chiropractic safe?
Not only is the Doctor of Chiropractic highly educated but they are strictly regulated which is probably one of the reasons that it has the most safe record of treatment health care industry wide.

Chiropractors are highly skilled in the art of adjusting all the articulations of the body, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects of chronic or acute trauma and biomechanical instability. The adjustment is a gentle and specific maneuver which can be applied effectively and safely to people no matter their age. The purpose of chiropractic professional education is to provide the doctoral candidate with a core of knowledge in the basic sciences, clinical sciences, and related health subjects sufficient for the doctor of chiropractic to perform the professional obligations of a primary care clinician. As a gatekeeper for direct access to the health delivery system, responsibilities as a primary care clinician include wellness promotion, health assessment, diagnosis, and chiropractic management of the patient's health care needs. When indicated, the doctor of chiropractic consults with, co-manages, or refers to other health care providers.

6. What kind of education and training do chiropractors have?
The basic education and training of the Doctor of Chiropractic is very similar to that of the Medical Doctor (over 4200 hours). The science of chiropractic, however, requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, x-ray imaging techniques, spinal adjusting techniques and other health related subjects. Like Medical students, chiropractic students also serve an internship. During the chiropractic internship, students are required to develop their own intern patient base which encourages a real-world experience in the doctor-patient relationship.

After graduating, each D.C.must then pass a series of demanding National Board Examinations. They must also apply to the governing state agency where they wish to practice and an additional examination is then given that must be passed before the D.C. is granted license to practice. Further, Doctors of Chiropractic must complete postgraduate instruction for annual license renewal - so the D.C.'s education never ends! .

Steps to Dr. Ough's Chiropractic Doctorial:
California State University at Northridge, B.A. degree, major in biology with emphasis on pre-medicine 4 years (Graduated 1985)
Life Chiropractic West, Doctor of Chiropractic 4 years (Graduated 1994)
National and State Board Certification 1994
X-Ray Supervisor and Operator License 1994
Continuing Education, On-going

7. What can I expect on my first visit?
On your first visit, Dr. Ough will ask you about the health concerns with which you are mainly concerned. She will then take a detailed case history (including family history, occupation, dietary habits and other care you are/have received) followed by a careful examination of the spine. In accordance with Dr. Ough's clinical judgement, a physical examination will then be performed which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic tests. Dr. Ough will then discuss the results of your tests, answer any questions you may have and discuss your chiropractic care plan with you.