What kinds of problems do chiropractors treat?
Are chiropractors primary care doctors?
Why don’t chiropractors prescribe/recommend drug therapy?
What do I do if I am in an accident?
Once I start, do I have to keep coming back?
If I’m not in pain, why would I need an adjustment?
What kind of training and certifications do chiropractors have?
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the science which concerns itself with the relationship between structure, primarily the spine, and function, primarily the nervous system, of the human body as that relationship may affect restoration and preservation of health. Chiropractic is a drugless health care method of relieving pain and restoring health. Chiropractic doctors balance the body through specific movements of the spine (called a chiropractic adjustment) and assist the body to heal naturally by recommending good body mechanics, exercise, good diet, supplementation, and by using the modalities of heat, cold, light and electric.
How does Chiropractic Work?
Chiropractic works through restoring the normal function of the spine (and other) joints of the body and allowing the body’s natural healing processes to take effect. In essence, we remove the restrictions to healing.
Chiropractic is a health care system which involves correcting misaligned joints in the spine, to restore normal nerve function to the body which allows healing. In addition to correcting the spine, chiropractors should give you corrective stretches and strengthening exercises to stabilize the spine.
What kinds of problems do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic can help with conditions such as:
- headaches
- neck pain/stiffness
- arm pain/numbness
- upper back pain/stiffness
- shoulder pain
- postural problems
- lower back pain/stiffness
- muscle spasms
- sciatica
- leg pain/numbness
- poor circulation
- carpal tunnel
- hip pain
- asthma and allergies
- scoliosis
- muscle weakness
Are chiropractors primary care doctors?
Chiropractic doctors are not classified as primary care by definition. However, patients can come to us directly for care, without being referred by any other physician. Chiropractic doctors also frequently work in conjunction with other doctors and medical professionals that a patient might need.
Why don’t chiropractors prescribe/recommend drug therapy?
Chiropractors do not need to give medicine to restore health. They know that nature provides each person with a built-in doctor that can prescribe the exact hormones, enzymes and antibiotics that your body needs.
Today’s pain killers are designed to mask the symptoms of pain which can inhibit your body from working to deal with the problem. Chiropractic works in conjunction with the body to correct the cause of the pain, not the symptom.
What do I do if I am in an accident?
If you are involved in an automobile accident or other type of accident that causes immediate pain or immobility, seek treatment immediately. If the injuries are treated within the first 5-7 days with chiropractic care then the healing process is greatly accelerated. If other treatment is necessary, your chiropractic doctor can refer you to a specialist.
Can chiropractic help me?
Scientific research studies have proven that chiropractic is natural and effective in treating neck and back pain. Chiropractic helps with flexibility, increased nerve supply to all areas of the body, decreases stress and muscle tension and improves spinal integrity and stability.
Once I start, do I have to keep coming back?
You have probably heard that once you start going to a chiropractor you have to keep coming back. Before we answer that, ask yourself how many times you have visited the dentist. The answer is probably dozens, reason being to PREVENT your teeth from rotting.
Once we have eliminated your pain and we have corrected the original cause of your pain, we do recommend that you keep regular maintenance check-ups. We provide you with a complete stretching and strengthening program so your spine is more stable than before you started your treatments. With these you will be able to hold your spinal adjustments better, and have the knowledge of preventing future outbreaks.
So the answer is yes, we suggest that you keep a regular chiropractic maintenance schedule. This assures that your spine is in top shape as you apply the stresses of daily life to your body. It’s always reassuring that you know your not going to injure yourself picking up a piece of paper because your spine is well adjusted.
Is it safe?
Chiropractic is extremely safe for all individuals when done by a qualified professional. Some people may have conditions which may alter the technique used to treat the patient. These are identified through a thorough history, screening and examination. The treatments are natural and non-invasive. Research consistently shows that chiropractic care is among the safest health care available.
Does it hurt?
The treatments are generally painless. Most people look forward to them because they experience immediate relief and relaxation. Treatment is always gentle and tailored to your comfort levels.
If I’m not in pain, why would I need an adjustment?
An adjustment (spinal manipulation) can only be performed when there is something to correct. Many “healthy” people have small problems that may or may not turn into larger problems. Treating these small (painless) problems when they are not serious is beneficial to the patient, by eliminating a possible cause of future problems.
How long will it take?
The length of treatment depends on several factors; age of the patient, overall health of the patient, type of injury sustained, how long you have had the injury. The sooner the injury is treated, usually the quicker you can be out of pain. The longer you have been living with the problem the more stubborn the problem can be to resolve. Also some of the responsibility is placed upon yourself. If compliant with doctors orders of home care and suggested alterations, recovery time is reduced. The only real way to see how long it will take is to see how that individual patient responds to their first few treatments.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the number of treatments that will be necessary to correct the problem. Special treatment plans and payment options are available. Most PPO insurances are accepted and the billing is taken care of by our helpful staff. You may feel free to call or e-mail and have us check your chiropractic benefits for you.
Worker’s Compensation and Personal Injury claims are welcome. We also accept patients on a lien basis.
What kind of training and certifications do chiropractors have?
In order to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic, an individual must meet stringent testing, academic and professional requirements. Currently, an individual must complete the four major steps shown below in order to become a chiropractic practitioner:
Complete required general college-level studies (Bachelor’s degree required by some states)
Obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and complete clinical internship through an accredited four-year chiropractic program
Government inquiries, as well as independent investigations by medical practitioners, have affirmed that today’s chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard to medical training in all pre-clinical subjects. High standards in chiropractic education are maintained by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and its Commission on Accreditation, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Some Chiropractic colleges require a Bachelor’s degree before enrollment.
A doctor of chiropractic’s training generally requires a minimum of six years of college study (two years of which are undergraduate course work) and an internship prior to entering practice. Postdoctoral training in a variety of clinical disciplines and specialties is also available through accredited colleges and specialty councils.
Meet individual state requirements for licensure
Chiropractic is one of the many occupations which are regulated by state licensing agencies. The requirements for chiropractic licensure vary from state to state (and country to country). Some states require a Bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite for licensure.
Pass required National Board or other exams
To assist the various regulatory agencies in assessing candidates for licensure, the National Board administers examinations to individuals currently in the chiropractic educational system or who have completed a chiropractic educational program. The National Board also offers an examination designed for previously licensed individuals. A candidate for chiropractic licensure may request that transcripts of scores from National Board examinations be forwarded to licensing agencies which assess eligibility for licensure.
Scores from National Board examinations are made available to licensing agencies throughout the U.S. and in some foreign countries including Canda, the United Kingdom, France and Australia.