Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is chiropractic? 

Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy of locating and correcting vertebral subluxations through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, thus allowing your body to function at its optimum potential.

2.  What are subluxations? 

A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more of the twenty-four vertebrae (spinal bones).  Subluxations can interfere with your nervous system, which impairs your body's ability to heal itself and function at its optimum level.

3.  What's the difference between a chiropractic doctor and a medical doctor?

Chiropractors have a minimum of six years of training after high school to become a Doctor of Chiropractic; at least two of those years are in pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university. The Doctor of Chiropractic studies the same basic sciences as physicians, and must pass the same State Board of Examiners' basic sciences examination that other doctors, including MDs, are required to pass.  The chiropractor attends a college of chiropractic for four years, including two years as an intern at an outpatient clinic where he or she gets practical experience in a clinical and academic setting.  Just as is the case for medical doctors (MD's), doctors of chiropractic (DC) must pass the State Board Exam in the state in which they wish to practice.

4.  Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgical procedures?

Chiropractors don't prescribe drugs, and do not perform surgeries.   The doctor focuses on drug-free, non-invasive procedures for restoring proper function as a way of pain relief and bring optimal health. 

5.  Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?

Most chiropractic care is covered by your insurance company, who recognize the value of chiropractic care. The Journal for Managed Care published stated that chiropractic care was more cost effective than conventional medical therapies in treating low back pain.   No matter who is at fault in an auto accident, the responsible insurance company almost certainly will cover 100 % of the cost of chiropractic care.  We will defer payment for you treatment until after the insurance company settles your case.

Our services are also covered by Workers Compensation Insurance, for those who are injured on the job.  Many studies have shown that most on the job injuries, especially those related to lower back injuries, respond quicker with chiropractic care than with any other type of treatment.

If you're not sure whether your insurance company will cover treatment by our office, we will be happy to call them for you.  Either call our office to make an appointment for your free examination, or click here to request an appointment online.

6. What if I don't have insurance or if my insurance company offers little, or no chiropractic coverage?

Our office proves very affordable, no-interest payment plans that are very low cost and affordable.  Following your diagnostic examination, we will provide you a written plan that describes in detail how much our treatment will cost, and how long it will take; it will also describe the various payment options available to you.  If you're not happy with the plan that we present, you will be under no further obligation whatsoever.

7.   Medical doctors couldn't cure me, so why should I believe that a chiropractic doctor would help?

A misalignment of one or more of the 24 movable bones or "vertebrae" of your spine can irritate your spinal nerves by pinching or pressing on them, resulting in severe impairment of your nervous system, which in turn can cause pain, as well as lower your body's resistance and make you susceptible a wide variety of diseases.   If your ailment is caused by spinal misalignment only chiropractic care will get you better. We can help.  Either call our office to make an appointment for your free examination, or click here to request an appointment online.

8.  How long does the initial examination take?

The initial exam will take 15-30 minutes, maybe a little more if x-rays or any other diagnostic procedures are necessary. 

9. Will I have to take off my clothes?

Seldom does the patient need to so much as even expose his or her back.  Men and boys may occasionally be asked to take their shirts off, but if you are a female the most that may be required is that you place a gown over your bra before examination.  The gown will cover up the front, and will only partially expose your back.

10.  Does the examination hurt?

It's virtually painless.   We know you are already in pain, and will do nothing to add to it.  Quite the contrary, he will likely relieve it.   He is specially trained in the identification and diagnosis of misaligned vertebrae and related disorders, and can accomplish this without harsh manipulation or invasive testing.

11. What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a gentle, specific movement of part of your body, the purpose of which is the correction of your spinal subluxation(s), which in turn will alleviate the impairment of nerve function in your body.  It is not only painless, but often is pleasurable.  After your vertebrae are back in their proper position, you will feel much less stress and tension.

12.  Is chiropractic care safe?
 
Yes. Statistics prove that chiropractic care is one of the safest types of healthcare in the world. You only need to compare the malpractice premiums paid by chiropractors to those paid by medical doctors. Doctors of Chiropractic pay only one-twentieth of what medical doctors pay in malpractice premiums. About 250,000 people will die this year as a result of bad medical practice on the part of medical doctors, while fewer than a dozen patients will make complaints or suffer injuries following chiropractic care.

13.  What causes the "cracking" or "popping" sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?

It's not your spine making that noise.  It's just like the sound made when you "crack" your knuckles.  The sound is caused by nitrogen gas rushing in between joints in your spine when they are partially separated during adjustment.

14.  Should I continue chiropractic care if I don't have any symptoms and I feel better?

This is like asking, Should I continue to strive to maintain good health my whole life?  The answer is obvious.  Your spine is constantly being subjected to subversive impulsive forces--forces delivered in falls, bumps, and even while sleeping.   Even though your last ailment may have disappeared after treatment, there may be symptoms unrecognized by you that are even now doing long-term damage to your body.  Just as it is important for you to visit the dentist periodically, even if you don't feel dental pain, so is it important for you to visit the chiropractor periodically.  Your insurance company will probably cover up to six, and perhaps more, visits per year.  They allow this many visits because they know that they will save money in the long run by having their insureds remain healthier through chiropractic care.

If you wish to make an appointment for a free examination, click here to fill out an online appointment form.

JA February 2005