Frequently Asked Questions

Taking an active role in your health care can help you get the best care possible. For this reason, it is important for you to let your doctor know if you don't understand something. Listed below are a few of our most frequently asked questions. We hope they help you understand care and service we provide. If you can't find the answer you are looking for then please feel free to contact our office.

What conditions do Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

Is a referral necessary from another health care practitioner?

No, a patient does not need a referral from an MD or any other health care practitioner. Chiropractors are considered “portal entry” or first contact physicians, and are so defined by federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension.

Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear understanding of the connection. The occurrence appears to be very rare — 1 in 5.85 million manipulations — based on the clinical reports and scientific studies to date. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.

Do you utilize X-ray’s or MRI’s?

X-rays and MRI’s, or diagnostic imaging, are used when appropriately warranted. Over the years, the advancement of x-ray technology has minimized the exposure of harmful radiation. The radiation exposure found in MRI’s is also minimal. Although still a partial diagnostic tool, an x-ray and/or an MRI is referred out of the office if necessary.

Is chiropractic appropriate for children?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are extremely physically active and experience many types of bumps, bruises and falls on a regular basis, from everyday activities to sports injuries. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, muscle soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Is chiropractic care on-going?

It is believed that once treatment with a chiropractor is started - it never ends. Nothing is further from the truth. This common misconception is rooted in our upbringing. For example, when a person is sick, a visit to the doctor is necessitated. Specific medications are given and the person returns home. Their pre-established plan is done from home. The medications may last a series of days to weeks.

Because of the nature of chiropractic, this hands-on medicine-free approach requires a patient to be in his/her office. A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.

Does your office take insurance?

After each visit, regardless of the treatment rendered, a patient is given an insurance bill. This document may be submitted to that patient’s insurance carrier by the patient himself/herself. Information available on the insurance form is completed at the end of each visit with everything an insurance company may ask for. The form may be mailed or faxed by the patient to the patient’s Insurance Company. Insurance companies with out-of-network benefits may reimburse the patient based upon the patient’s coverage plan.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?

Chiropractic education is very extensive. Educated as primary contact health care practitioners, chiropractors meet a minimum of 4,620 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Education requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding – four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are manual procedures that utilize the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

What is the popping noise commonly heard when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound. Nitrogen gases escape a compressed joint and the sound mimicking a “cracking" noise is heard- much like “cracking” your knuckles. The noise occurs when a change in pressure takes place. There is no pain involved.