Frequently Asked Questions
about chiropractors

Can I afford a chiropractor?

While rates vary from practice to practice, the majority of chiropractors offer special payment plans and certain discounts to help make treatment more affordable. A growing number of insurance policies also cover the services of a chiropractor; consult with your health plan carrier to find out if coverage for treatment is available.

I've heard that a chiropractor's adjustments are loud and can be painful. Is this true?

A unique feature of the service delivered by a chiropractor is that no invasive instruments are used; you won't be pinched or prodded or sit through the noise of a dentist's drill. Sometimes, air bubbles form near the joints over the course of regular use and can "pop" when adjusted. This can sound a little odd, but doesn't indicate that anything is wrong, nor does it hurt. In general, a chiropractor relieves rather than causes pain. Some patients may experience a bit of soreness shortly after an adjustment, especially in initial sessions and situations wherein a chiropractor hasn't treated a patient in a long time. This soreness is akin to the feeling muscles retain after a workout, and isn't cause for alarm. In fact, it tends to indicate that the body is "waking up" to its greater range of motion and flexibility.

Can a chiropractic doctor replace surgery?

Some people who are diagnosed with certain back injuries or problems are referred to surgeons by their medical doctors, but not everybody needs to go under the knife. If you're curious about the ability of chiropractic doctor's expertise to replace surgery for a specific issue, consult with a chiropractor to discuss your options. You'll likely undergo an x-ray and receive and initial session to determine the scope of the problem and the potential for treatment. In some cases, surgery can be avoided; in any case, choosing invasive surgery should be a last resort.

Can a chiropractor address my tight or strained muscles?

Chiropractors are great for people who experience chronic back and neck pain associated with muscle strain and tightness. The relieving and correcting process of a chiropractor's treatment can help relax the muscles of the shoulders and neck, prevent headaches, and help patients reclaim their physical tranquility.

What about arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome?

As chiropractic doctors work with joints to help create a more mobile and flexible musculoskeletal system, issues such as osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can be addressed through treatment. This is especially true in cases where these problems are detected early on in their development. Through educating the joints and the patient about proper positioning and movement, along with any necessary adjustments, pain resulting from these conditions can typically be relieved through a chiropractor. It should be noted, however, that rheumatoid arthritis, a common medical problem, is best treated by other means.

I have back spasms – what can a chiropractor do for me?

When a patient experiences back spasms, it's typically due to nervous issues along the spine, either from a single injury or the buildup of problems over time due to poor movement or posture. Chiropractors can help address back spasms by correcting position and informing patients about movement, lifting, and posture, essentially allowing the back to heal itself.

Can a chiropractor help me regain lost energy?

Chiropractors are skilled in treatments that can help restore energy and create healthier sleeping positions and patterns. After you visit with a chiropractor, you will likely experience a decrease in lethargy or tiredness, allowing you to get more enjoyment out of each and every day.

What kind of training do chiropractors receive?

As with many alternative therapists that reject the need for invasive techniques in all circumstances, chiropractors have come under speculation throughout their history (though the field has been receiving a more honest consideration in recent years). Chiropractic doctors are fully qualified in their fields, going through demanding and academically rigorous training and education before they can take exams and apply for a license. Typically, over 4000 hours of accredited coursework in pathology, anatomy, and clinical skills are required, taking up to seven years of dedicated study, and this work comes only upon the completion of two to three years at an undergraduate university, with heavy concentration in the biological sciences.

Chiropractors must demonstrate knowledge and proficiency on par with traditional medical doctors, and continuing education is mandatory each year as a condition of practice.