How do I choose a chiropractor?

Referrals are a great way to choose your doctor of chiropractic (DC).  Ask a trusted friend, family member, or your primary health care provider.

Will a chiropractor bill my health insurance?

Yes. Almost all health insurance plans, cover chiropractic care to some degree.  You should ask your health care insurer for specific information about your coverage.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Not necessarily.  However, you should check with your health insurance provider, as they may have specific referral policies in order to ensure coverage.

Do chiropractors attend medical school?

Doctors of chiropractic are trained as primary health care providers, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Educational requirements chiropractors are stringent.   Most chiropractors have an undergraduate college education, plus four to five academic years of professional study. There is a minimum requirement of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience for chiropractors. Course of study are approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Do chiropractors have hospital privileges?

Yes.  Chiropractors have been able to admit and treat patients in hospitals since 1983.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat a wide range of health conditions.  While perhaps best know for treating back pain, neck pain and headaches, they also help patients who suffer from injuries and disorders involving the muscles, ligaments and joints.  When such injuries and disorders affect the nervous system, they can create systemic pain. Chiropractic care is also beneficial to overall and general health and well-being.

How safe is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic care consists of drug-free, non-invasive therapies.  Patients should remember that no health treatment is completely risk free, but the risks associated with chiropractic are quite minimal. Many patients experience relief immediately after treatment, though some complain of soreness, aching, and stiff movement. These effects generally resolve themselves within 24 hours.

Neck pain and some headaches are treated through cervical manipulation (neck adjustment) to improve joint mobility and restore motion, thus relieving tension. This is a remarkably safe procedure when handled by a qualified DC.  There have been rare reports of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection associated with neck adjustment. There is evidence that treatment may not be the cause of the injury, rather the injury may be caused by the underlying condition for which the patient was seeking treatment.

Be very thorough when discussing your symptoms with your chiropractor so that he or she can provide save and effective treatment, or refer you to another healthcare professional.

Should children see a chiropractor?

Some children can benefit from chiropractic care. Common reasons that children my visit a chiropractor include back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort from various stressors or injuries. Chiropractic care is tailored to the individual and a qualified chiropractor will take special care with young patients.

Exactly what is an adjustment?

Chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure in which the DC manipulates the joints, particularly those of the spine, to restore or enhance function. The result is the reduction of inflammation and pain.

What causes the popping noise when I’m adjusted?

Adjustment sometimes  results in the release of gas bubbles between joints, resulting in the popping sound.

How long will I continue to be treated?

A certain number of visits may be necessary to manage pain or discomfort. Based on your individual diagnosis, your DC should be able to provide an estimate of how long your treatment should last.