Your Chiropractic Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
What is a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis, and treatment. Chiropractors have diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle counseling.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches, particularly with their highly-skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments, and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
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Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Chiropractic Care can be extremely beneficial during pregnancy. We care for many pregnant women, and our care can help with your baby’s development and ensure your comfort.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your insurance plan directly to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.
Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and injuries from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans. We accept most health insurance and participate at the out-of-network level. Our office staff handles the paperwork and billing for insurance companies and we are always happy to assist you with any questions that you have. Patients in need of treatment but do not have insurance will find our rates affordable and we offer flexible payment plans.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Many new patients are not sure what to expect during their first appointment with us. We start by taking a patient’s history and then performing a physical examination to develop a working diagnosis. This combination of the history, exam, and diagnostic studies will enable us to reach a diagnosis, which will help to determine which services are appropriate for your condition. We will explain your condition, recommend a treatment plan and review the risks and benefits of all procedures. We may also provide advice on home care, lifestyle modifications, exercise instruction, and nutritional advice, when applicable.
Do you work with medical doctors?
We would be happy to be in touch with your other practitioners as needed. Just let us know their contact information, and we’ll speak with them if needed.