When should I see a Doctor of Chiropractic vs my medical doctor?
Chiropractic is a non-invasive, non-surgical and drug free form of health care and is often used a first line of evaluation. Doctors of chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventionsto determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate or when it is not appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.
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 (knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows,wrist), sports injuries and headaches.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic care when administered by a licensed practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be board-qualified, licensed, and regulated according to stringent criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower in chiropractic as opposed to medical care, where the use of prescription drugs and surgery pose a greater risk.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
The majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans. For example, the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management offers chiropractic coverage for federal employees in both the Mail Handlers and BCBS benefit plans. In addition, there is a chiropractic benefit in Federal Workers’ Compensation, and chiropractic care is available to members of the armed forces at more than 40 military bases, and is available at nearly 30 veterans’ medical facilities.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes 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. Doctors of Chiropractic often use special modalities such as ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulators, lasers, traction, etc to aid in the healing process.
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor. A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. We are subject to stress, worry, inadequate sleep, imperfect diets and certain small traumas which persistently affect us and against which we must defend our-selves. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
Why is there a popping sound 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 – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.
Are Adjustments Painful?
Most spinal adjustments are not painful at all and, as a matter of fact, patients feel very good and often free pain almost immediately. Adjustments are also very safe with no harmful or dangerous side effects.
To give an adjustment the chiropractor locates a vertebra, or any other bone, which has slipped from its normal position and is causing nerve pressure and irritation and carefully and skillfully moves that vertebra or back bone into its position. In most cases this is done by making contact in a very special manner, usually with the hands, directly over the affected vertebra or other bone, and making a gentle movement.
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