WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?

Chiropractic is a branch of alternative medicine that focuses on the relationship between a patient’s nervous system, spine, connective tissues, and joints. Adjustments performed by chiropractors can enhance joint function and provide support for the nervous system, both of which can help patients maintain their health. It is estimated that approximately 70 million people in the United States visit a chiropractor annually.

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WHAT DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT?

Chiropractors treat many conditions including:

• Neck pain and spasms
• Back and neck pain and spasms
• Hip pain and spasms
• Shoulder pain and spasms
• Herniated discs

• Work injuries
• Sports injuries
• Tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow
• Car accident injuries
• Whiplash
• Slip and fall injuries
• Headaches/migraine
• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel
• Posture correction

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DO I NEED A REFERRAL FROM MY DOCTOR?

A referral is usually not needed to see a chiropractor; however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your insurance plan directly to find out if there are referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.

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HOW CAN A CHIROPRACTOR HELP ME?

A chiropractor may help ease your neck pain by realigning your spine and easing tension in your neck and/or back muscles. People with chronic pain are often given prescriptions for opioid pain relievers to help manage discomfort. However, undergoing chiropractic care may lower your need to take these pain relievers. (Of course, always consult your prescribing physician before changing anything).  When it comes to the treatment of either short-term or long-term  pain, chiropractic care has been shown to be an effective alternative to more invasive treatments such as prescriptions, surgery and injections.

 

ARE CHIROPRACTORS REALLY DOCTORS?

Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic (also known as chiropractors) are not medical doctors, but go through a similar education process to become licensed in the field of chiropractic care. In fact, educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent of any health care profession

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DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

We accept Worker’s Compensation, No-Fault auto insurance, Medicare, and health savings account. Please do not hesitate to contact our staff with any questions or concerns.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?

At your visit, you will be asked to fill out new patient forms. Your medical history, concerns, and any goals will all be discussed, and an exam will be performed. If chiropractic care is the right option for you, we will treat and devise a plan to meet your goals.

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IF I BEGIN SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR, WILL I NEED TO GO FOREVER?

Some patients choose to be treated only when problems arise, while others opt for more wellness-based care and more regular visits. Our goal is to assist you when you need us and to give you the tools to help you maintain the lifestyle you choose.

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IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest nondrug, noninvasive forms of health care 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 extremely small. Many patients feel immediate relief following 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.

Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of conditions. Their extensive and exclusive education prepares them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to ensure those patients receive the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist. (American Chiropractic Association)

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IS CHIROPRACTIC SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care! Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows 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. In the case of children, it is very gentle.

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WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION DO CHIROPRACTORS HAVE?

Doctors of chiropractic are educated as primary-contact healthcare providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the healthcare professions. The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work.

Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation and more. Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation and adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. (American Chiropractic Association)​

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WHY IS THERE A POPPING SOUND WHEN I'M ADJUSTED?

Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes that popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.

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