Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic
- What is Chiropractic?
- What does a chiropractor do?
- What do chiropractors treat?
- How long until I get well?
- How much does Chiropractic cost?
- Does my insurance cover Chiropractic?
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the science and art of keeping the spine in alignment to improve the efficiency in the body. Most communication within the body goes through the spine. Since health comes from within the body, the better the body’s internal communication, the better it will be able to restore and maintain health. This is true if you are talking about mechanical efficiency in conditions such as back pain or if you are talking about internal functions as well. Our goal is to help you return to good health and to keep you feeling well.
What does a chiropractor do?
The first task is to get a complete history. This is followed by a physical exam, orthopedic exam, and a neurological exam. At this point a decision is made to accept the case, co-treat with a medical doctor, or to refer to another doctor entirely. We work with physicians of all specialties. If appropriate, a chiropractic analysis is done. If necessary, other tests will be performed such as x-rays, CT scan, MR Scan, blood work, or nerve testing. Treatment usually consists of chiropractic manipulation along with any combination of the following; ice, most heat, exercise, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, braces, orthotics, or dietary recommendations. It is essential that you advise us if there is any chance that you may be pregnant, if you have a pacemaker, or if there is any information to add to your medical history on subsequent visits.
What do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are best known for treating back pain. A large body of research data has been amassed by government studies showing that chiropractic is twice as effective as medication for certain musculoskeletal conditions. There is twice the percentage of full recovery and half the lost work time with chiropractic care. However, as new research emerges, it is being shown that chiropractic is the treatment of choice for disc problems, musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy, and headaches. Remember, the purpose of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore efficiency to promote better health. This should not be considered a cure for specific ailments, but rather an improvement in overall health.
How long until I get well?
Most simple strain/sprain injuries heal in seven to ten days followed by a month of exercise. Most disc injuries heal within 90 days. Because all people are not the same, and all injuries are of varying degrees of severity, it is difficult to give any kind of prognosis for hypothetical conditions. This question is best left to be discussed with the doctor after all the examination results are in.
How much does Chiropractic cost?
Our standard office fees are set at approximately the national average. We feel they accurately reflect the cost of offering you the finest chiropractic care available.
Does my insurance cover Chiropractic?
We are happy to work with you to try to obtain insurance coverage for your visit.
- We participate with Workers’ Compensation, No-Fault, and Medicare.
- We participate with Blue Cross.
- We participate with Independent Health, but not all of their plans will cover visits to our office. Please verify with your plan, or call us for details.
- We participate with Nova.
- We do not participate with Medicaid; however, we do have a special reduced fee arrangement for our patients who have Medicaid or who are financially disadvantaged.
Please be aware that some insurances require pre-authorization, or have other restrictions.