We’ve put together this list of our patient’s most commonly asked questions to help you better understand chiropractic care. If you have a question that you don’t see here, please feel free to give us a call.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care can include chiropractic adjustments (these are gentle manipulations of the spine or other joints to correct problems) and other treatments such as spinal decompression therapy, laser therapy, and acoustic compression therapy. All of these treatments can help to encourage healing and reduce pain.
Do Adjustments Hurt?
The short answer is no. Most patients experience no discomfort during or after an adjustment. Occasionally, patients experience a mild ache for a day or two afterward, similar to that of starting a new workout routine. During adjustments, your chiropractor will ask for your input and stop if discomfort occurs.
What is the Popping Sound?
The popping sound you might hear during adjustments is trapped gas leaving the joint. This does no damage to the joint and is a natural part of the adjustment process.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Yes. Chiropractors must earn a Doctors of Chiropractic degree. This is not the same as a Doctor of Medicine degree, but the training is extensive, and the requirements are among the most stringent of any healthcare profession. Chiropractors cannot prescribe drugs.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors are experts in treating the musculoskeletal system. This system includes your spine and other bones and joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. If you are suffering from neck or back pain, headaches, or joint pain, a chiropractor can treat you.
Your spine houses your spinal cord, so chiropractors are also experts in how the musculoskeletal system’s problems affect the nervous system. Spinal problems can irritate the nervous system, causing issues in many parts of the body. Several studies have shown that regular spinal adjustments can improve digestive health, breathing, energy, and immunity.
Are Adjustments Safe?
Yes, (as long as you see a licensed chiropractor). Chiropractic adjustment has been widely recognized for nearly 100 years as being the safest option for treating many back and neck problems.
What About Other Treatments Like Laser Therapy?
All of the treatments we use in our office are FDA approved and performed by licensed professionals. Laser therapy, acoustic compression therapy, and spinal decompression therapy have all been proven safe and effective.
Can Chiropractic Care Completely Cure My Pain?
The results of chiropractic care will vary from patient to patient and depend on several factors, including how long the patient has had the injury being treated. Almost all patients notice an improvement in their pain after a series of chiropractic adjustments. Many patients do experience long term relief from their pain.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe for Pregnant Women?
Yes, adjustments are safe if you are pregnant. Chiropractors are trained in adjustment techniques specifically for use during pregnancy. Many women find that chiropractic care during pregnancy eases common pregnancy symptoms and leads to an easier delivery.
What Should I Expect at My Appointment?
Our chiropractors will take a thorough medical history, talk to you about the problem to be treated and perform a chiropractic, orthopedic, and neurological exam. If necessary, we can take x-rays. A thorough examination is important because sometimes the place where you hurt is not the site of injury. After examining you, your chiropractor will discuss your treatment plan and, in most cases, will begin treatment during the same appointment.
Will I Have to Remove my Clothing?
Typically, you will remain fully clothed during your appointment. Some treatments may require you to uncover the injured area. Please discuss any concerns you may have about this with your chiropractor before treatment.
How Many Appointments Will I Need?
This can vary widely, depending on the problem being treated. Many people choose to come regularly for “maintenance” adjustments. These patients may come once a month or a few times a year, depending on how often they feel is necessary. Regular chiropractic care can help to prevent acute pain and injury that can require more frequent visits.
If you are treating an injury, you may need to come every week for several weeks, and then less frequently for a period after the worst of the injury has been healed. Again, this depends on the patient. Some problems can be corrected after only a few appointments. Your chiropractor will tell you how many visits he recommends to heal your pain.
Is Anyone Too Old or Too Young for Chiropractic Care?
No! Chiropractors can safely treat infants and the elderly. There are benefits for every age group. Chiropractic care can help correct spinal problems caused by birth, childhood accidents, or backpack carrying. Children who receive regular adjustments seem to be healthier than other children. Prompt correction of childhood spinal problems can prevent back and neck issues in adulthood.
Chiropractic care can also help mitigate problems associated with aging, including arthritis, poor appetite, and balance issues.
Are All Patients Adjusted the Same Way?
Chiropractors use a variety of adjustment techniques to treat patients. There are gentle techniques appropriate for infants and young children as well as patients with brittle bones. Some techniques are used only for specific areas of the body. Your adjustment will be customized for your unique situation.
Can I Adjust Myself?
Precise angles and amounts of pressure are necessary to properly perform an adjustment. It is impossible for anyone, even a chiropractor, to adjust themselves. Popping your neck or back on your own could do more harm than good because it will not fix the underlying problem, and could make the area more unstable.
Is Chiropractic Care Similar to Massage?
No, massage only treats muscle tension; it does not correct the subluxations (misalignments) in the spine that can contribute to muscle pain and stiffness. Your chiropractor might recommend massage as a treatment alongside chiropractic adjustment to ease extreme muscle tension that can make adjustments more difficult.
Do You Accept My Insurance?
We accept several insurance providers. You can see our list here. Please check with your insurance provider in advance to confirm coverage.
