Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic

• Do I need a referral?
• Is chiropractic safe?
• Are chiropractors "real" doctors?
• What is an adjustment?
• What is the cracking sound?
• How long will it take to feel better?
• Do I have to keep going back?
• Could my neck be injured?
• I heard chiropractic therapy can help asthma and ear infections. Is that true?

Do I need a referral?

Most insurance plans do not require a referral from your primary care doctor. Because a chiropractor is a specialist, HMO insurance plans require a referral. If you have an HMO, call us and we can contact your primary care physician to help get your referral for you. For some HMO plans, you will need the referral prior to your first appointment.

Is chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic treatment is very safe. While any form of health care contains a degree of inherent risk, there is very low risk when being treated by a licensed chiropractic practitioner. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower with chiropractic care as compared to conventional medical care. Any risks pertinent to your health and specific condition will be explained in detail after your assessment.

Are chiropractors “real” doctors?

Although there are many ways to earn the title of "Doctor," only an M.D.(Medical Doctor), D.C.(Doctor of Chiropractic), and D.O.(Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) are considered primary contact physicians. A chiropractor is highly trained, with four years of undergraduate prerequisite course work and five years of chiropractic professional study.

Chiropractic students spend nearly 5,000 hours studying the human spine and it's related functions prior to licensure. Student interns rotate through a variety of clinics and hospitals prior to treating patients in their own practice.

Not only are chiropractors “real” doctors, they are considered specialists in neuromuscular and skeletal diagnosis and treatment, and are often asked to consult on a patient’s condition by primary care and orthopedic physicians.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment, or manipulation, is the end-result of the doctor applying a force into a joint, where motion is either partially or fully restored. Chiropractors find restrictions in joint mobility and improve upon it with an adjustment.

There are many physiological benefits from an adjustment including, but not limited to, pain relief, improved nervous system and mechanical function, and decreased muscle spasms. The force applied during an adjustment is highly controlled and focused when performed by a doctor of chiropractic, which makes it very safe.

What is the cracking sound?

The cracking sound is called “cavitation”. Cavitation is the sound made when air escapes from fluid inside a joint during a manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment.

A manipulation is a controlled force directed into a joint to rapidly stretch it. Your joints are sealed with strong connective tissue and full of fluid.

When the joint is stretched to a certain point, negative pressure is created in the joint and air escapes from the fluid, increasing space and allowing further stretch.

The manipulation of the joint leads to the cracking sound, or cavitation. The purpose of an adjustment is to restore motion, not to produce cavitation, although the cavitation provides a sense of relief.

How long will it take to feel better?

The severity and duration of your problem, along with your individual health play a significant role in how long it will take to feel better. Your compliance to home exercises/stretches and personal dietary habits are important factors, as well.

The best-case scenario is you are pain-free in one treatment. Most people are at least 50% improved after a few treatments. Keep in mind that even when pain subsides, you will need a few more treatments to ensure maximum benefit and restore normal function.
On average, our patients are pain-free or have very little pain in 5-6 visits and are discharged after an additional 5-6 visits.

Do I have to keep going back?

Most patients are significantly improved within two weeks of treatment and discharged soon thereafter. While regular chiropractic manipulation is proven to be beneficial for your health, returning to the office after your treatment plan will not be necessary to remain pain-free, for most of our patients.

For our patients, we recommend having maintenance-type treatment every 1-2 months for general health.

Could my neck be injured?

It is very unlikely that you will be injured in treatment unless you have a severe bone disease, advanced cancerous process, or a fracture already present. Your history and examination keep you safe. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is very low for a very good reason – it is very safe. If people were being injured, the insurance would say it all.

I heard chiropractic therapy can help asthma and ear infections. Is that true?

Chiropractic is clinically shown to drastically reduce both the severity and frequency of ear infections, allergies, and asthma. Chiropractic also helps many other conditions that lie outside of the neuromuscular and skeletal systems.

An important note to make is that chiropractic does not directly treat any condition outside of the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems. More often than not, traditional medicine treats symptoms, rather than the cause. Chiropractic treatments are directed to strengthen the body, in particular the nervous system, so the body can better take care of itself. Amazing things can happen with people being treated with chiropractic care.