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What is Chiropractic?
Along with medicine and osteopathy, chiropractic is one of the western world's three major healing professions. Chiropractors specialize in treating biomechanical causes of disease that result from misalignments of the spine and poor posture. Chiropractors also stress the importance of good nutrition in order to achieve optimal health. The treatments chiropractors provide are non-invasive, which means no drugs, no injections and no surgeries.
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of introducing a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a vertebra that is subluxated or out of place. The Chiropractor identifies the location of the subluxation, determines the exact direction and the best way to correct the positioning. The adjustment itself is done either by hand or with a instrument in a very quick movement. The adjustment assists the vertebra back into the normal alignment which restores proper motion to a joint and relieves nerve pressure. There are approximately 40 different ways to analyze and adjust the spine, so the actual adjustment will vary depending on the patient.
Can I Correct a misalignment or subluxation myself?
It is virtually impossible to adjust yourself since a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction to a specific spinal joint. One method some people use to try to correct a misalignment is to "pop" their spine themselves by twisting or turning. Although this movement may cause the bones to move and often "pop", it is not specific enough to solve a problem, and is often counterproductive because it makes the unstable areas of the spine more mobile and therefore less stable. Adjusting the spine is not for amateurs and can cause further discomfort and spinal damage if done incorrectly.
Once I go to a Chiropractor, do I always have to go?
NO!! You only have to continue going to the chiropractor as long as you wish to receive the health benefits of the services your chiropractor offers. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to the dentist, exercising at a gym, or eating a healthy diet; as long as you keep it up, you continue to enjoy the benefits. The fact is, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. Many people choose to continue their chiropractic care on a periodic basis for the rest of their lives. Others choose to see us from time to time for episodes of neck or back pain. It's your choice.
Many years ago, dentists convinced everyone that the best time to go to the dentist is before your teeth hurt and that routine dental care will help your teeth remain healthy for a long time. The same is true of chiropractic care for your spine. It is important to remember that, just like your teeth, your spine experiences normal wear and tear as you walk, drive, sit, lift, sleep, and bend. Routine chiropractic care can help you feel better, move with more freedom, and stay healthier throughout your lifetime. You can enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care for a short time, but the real benefits come into play when you make chiropractic care a part of your wellness lifestyle.
Is Chiropractic safe?
The expression of safety concerns is a favorite of people who have an interest in discouraging people from seeking chiropractic care. Most people who perpetuate this rumor actually know very little about what chiropractors do. Although this is a common myth, it has been disproven by numerous research projects. In fact, multiple studies have found chiropractic treatments to be much safer than commonly used medical treatments; including medications, injections and surgeries for similar conditions.
Before a chiropractor treats any patient, the doctor is required do an examination to determine what the problem is and to determine what treatments are appropriate, if any, for that patient. For example, not all patients are candidates for manual chiropractic adjustments and thus other treatment options must be explored.
Are Chiropractors real doctors?
Chiropractors are not medical doctors, but they do earn the title of doctor after completing their education requirements. The suffix D.C. follows a chiropractors name and stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. Becoming a chiropractor takes seven years of school in a curriculum similar to that of a medical doctor. Chiropractic colleges are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Some people do not view chiropractors as "real doctors" because they do not prescribe medications or do surgeries. Instead of training in pharmacology and surgery, chiropractors focus their training in radiology, neurology, nutrition, rehabilitation and adjusting techniques. Most chiropractors believe that it is best to minimize the amount of toxic medications you put into your body. In the event that a chiropractor thinks a patient may need medication, he/she can refer that patient to a medical doctor who is well trained in dispensing medications. There are many types of doctors including medical doctors, chiropractors, dentists, podiatrists, osteopaths, physical therapists. all of whom earned their titles through a rigorous academic regiment and accrediting agencies.
Is Chiropractic Care expensive?
Compared to what? Whether something is expensive or not is relative to what you compare it to. You could probably go to a chiropractor for 2-3 years for less than one day in the hospital. Likewise, you could buy several bottles of Advil for what you have to pay for one visit to the chiropractor.
So, is chiropractic expensive? Not when you consider the improvement in quality of life the typical chiropractic patient gets from treatment. Chiropractic is the world’s largest, drugless healing profession and it did not happen by chance.
That being said, many insurance policies cover chiropractic services. For patients who pay out-of-pocket, we offer a 30% discount on all services when payment is made in full at the time of service.Does insurance cover Chiropractic?
Yes, many health and auto (in the event of an automobile injury) insurances cover chiropractic. However, some policies do not include chiropractic benefits.
Many people in our area assume no insurance covers chiropractic for two reasons. First, many people have Tricare, which only covers chiropractic on a limited basis for active duty soldiers on post. Typically, it takes in excess of one month to get an appointment after receiving a referral from your primary care doctor and the care that is provided is very limited. Second, lots of people in our area have Scott and White Health Plan, which does not have any chiropractic benefits.
Some insurances that cover chiropractic include, but are not limited to; BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna, Mail Handlers, GEHA, and Humana. If you would like, you can call our office for a complementary insurance benefits check.
Why are so many Medical Doctors referring to Chiropractic Doctors?
A large amount of research has shown the effectiveness of chiropractic care. Medical doctors are reading this research and now more than ever recognizing chiropractors as another type of specialist they can send their patients to for quality care. Medical doctors who refer to chiropractors do so in the best interest of their patients.
Do I need a referral from a Medical Doctor to see a Chiropractor?
No, chiropractors along with medical doctors and osteopaths, are Primary Care Doctors.