Does insurance cover chiropractic? Is chiropractic care expensive?

Do adjustments hurt?

Most patients find chiropractic treatment makes them feel great. Occasionally, there may be soreness similar to how one feels after working out. Soreness from using muscle for the first time in a while is actually a good thing and resolves quickly. The soreness is caused by the stretching of scar tissue and the improved motion of the previously locked joint.

Most people report greater flexibility following an adjustment. A spinal adjustment is extremely safe when performed by a qualified doctor

3.

What is that popping sound?

An MRI shows I have a disc problem. Do I need surgery?

My neck and shoulders are constantly tight. Can chiropractic help?

Long term overload of the balancing muscles of the neck and back causes chronic tight muscles, as well as pulling against vertebra of the neck causing nerve irritation, headaches, and other painful stress related symptoms.

Chiropractic helps reduce and relieve stress caused by poor posture, continuous standing or sitting, or muscle tension from mental

How will chiropractic care help arthritis?

Osteoarthritis/DJD is a mechanical irritation of the joint, usually due to unbalanced motion. The joint responds to the unbalanced and stressed motion with formation of bone spurs on the edges of the bone. Maintaining proper motion through a joint can reduce this mechanical damage.

Osteoarthritis is different than rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that attacks the synovium of the joint.

I might have carpal tunnel syndrome. Should I see a Chiropractor?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually begins with occasional hand and wrist numbness. Most people ignore CTS when it is in its early stages. Over time, the numbness persists and turns into pain and hand weakness.

People at risk for CTS include computer operators and anyone who performs a repetitive hand motion frequently.

Early detection and treatment is important. Since different people have different pain thresholds, it’s best to be screened by a trained professional. A doctor of chiropractic can help determine if a problem is on its way to carpal tunnel syndrome, or a temporary, mild ache from overuse.

Can chiropractic relieve back spasms?

Just like a fever is the result of an infection and not the cause of the illness, back spasms are a symptom, not the cause of a back problem.

The spasm is caused by irritation of nerves controlling the spinal joints and discs. These are the same nerves which control muscle contraction in the back. If the nerves are irritated, they produce pain and reflex spasm. A spasm is the body's way of stopping motion to protect an injured joint.

The body can sustain a spinal injury from one big trauma (such as an auto accident) or by the buildup of many small traumas (such as long term unbalanced posture from working on a computer, lifting, or other activity).

Restoring normal motion and allowing the body to first heal, and then move differently, is the most effective treatment.

Are chiropractors real doctors?

Yes. The degree that chiropractors hold is "D.C.", which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. Becoming a chiropractor takes on the average seven years of school in a curriculum similar to a medical doctor's education (instead of training in pharmacology and surgery chiropractors have more training in radiology, neurology and spinal adjusting techniques).

Chiropractic colleges are accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE), and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In order to receive a license to practice chiropractic, comprehensive State and National Board examinations must be passed and continuing education must be earned each year.

What do chiropractors learn in school?

Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors extensive education requirements include over 4000 hours of anatomy, pathology and clinical skills.

Prior to attending a chiropractic college, two to three undergraduate years with an emphasis in biological sciences is required. A typical Chiropractic college requires a minimum of four to five academic years of professional resident study involving not less than 4000 hours.

Curriculum includes:
ANATOMY: Myology, Osteology, Histology, Embryology, Spinal Anatomy, Spachnology, Genesiology/Angiology, Central Nervous System Special Senses, Arthology, Human Dissection, And Topographical Anatomy.
PRACTICAL PATIENT CARE: Clinic I, II, III, IV, Emergency procedures, Jurisprudence, Research.
DIAGNOSIS: Physical Diagnostic methods, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Clinical Human Behavior, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Exams/Management, Geriatrics/Dermatology, Visceral Disorders.
PATHOLOGY: Microbiology, General Pathology I, II, Public Health, Hemotology, Neuro-Musculo Skeletal I, II, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary.
PHILOSOPHY PHYSIOLOGY: General, Cellular Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Endocrinology, Digestion/Nutrition, Renal, Physiology Lab.
CHEMISTRY: Biochemistry I, II, Chemistry Lab, Toxicology. X-RAY Introduction, X-Ray Physics, X-Ray Positioning, Diagnostic Radiology, Pathology I, II.
TECHNIQUE: Biomechanics, Palpation, Specialized, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Pelvic, Principals and Practice.
The courses listed above represent a summary.