FAQ

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

 

  • What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic- means "done by hands".  Although it is the youngest of the natural healing arts, Chiropractic has appreciated tremendous growth in the past decade. Chiropractors blend the drugless, non-surgical art of hands-on therapy with the science and technology of modern medicine and physical rehabilitation.  It is a branch of health care that concentrates on naturally balancing and optimizing the function of the body in order to promote and maintain health.

At the foundation of chiropractic philosophy is that the body has the ability to heal itself, provided the organ systems function optimally.  The primary treatment administered by chiropractors is spinal manipulation, also sometimes called an "adjustment".  Most chiropractors prescribe exercises, stretches and life-style modifications to maintain optimal health and spinal function.

 

  • Does insurance pay for chiropractic treatment?

Yes, many health insurance companies reimburse for chiropractic treatment. We call to confirm your benefits and highly recommend you do the same. We have developed "Patient's Guide to Insurance Verification" to help you with the process. This can be located under the registration forms category on the home page.

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident or work related injury, personal injury and worker's compensation insurance will pay for the care you require. Each insurance company has rules that must be followed in order to insure payment.

If you were involved in a car accident, please bring with you a copy of the accident report (if available) and your insurance policy declarations page.

Patient's involved in a work related injury should bring the claim number (if one has already been assigned).  Please make sure the injury has been reported to your employer prior to our office contacting them for billing information.

 

  • Is it true that once you have chiropractic treatment, you must keep going back?

No.  Actually, many people elect to continue their chiropractic treatment after feeling well.  Why? Because periodic "maintenance care" makes them feel better.  Chiropractic treatment is an integral component to many healthy people's "health maintenance" plan, similar to diet, exercise and proper sleep.

 

  • I was told that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.  Will chiropractic adjustments cause arthritis?

Contrary to what your mother may have told you, knuckle cracking actually does not cause joint arthritis.  When a spinal adjustment is performed, the joint surface is slightly gapped momentarily which causes a release of a tiny pocket of gas in the synovial fluid of the joint and this results in the cracking noise associated with adjustments.  A common misconception is that the cracking noise is created as the joints grind together.  Spinal manipulation has been proven to relieve joint pain and restore joint function and to date no detrimental effects to the joints have been identified.

 

  • Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Chiropractic treatments carry a very low risk of complication. Approximately 25% of patients may experience short-term soreness following the initial adjustment.

The risk of serious, irreversible complication is rare.  However, it is important that you discuss any specific concerns with Dr. Carey prior to your treatment.

 

  • What does the "D.C." after your name mean?

The title "D.C." stands for "Doctor of Chiropractic".  "Doctor" literally means "teacher". Therefore, in keeping true to our title, we educate our patients about their condition, how to improve their health and stay in optimal health.

 

  • How long does it take to receive a treatment?

Most treatment sessions require between 15-30 minutes, depending on the depth and scope of care necessary.  The initial examination typically lasts 45-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of a patient's condition, and whether a treatment is received immediately after the initial evaluation.

 

  • I hear the chiropractors "crack" your back.  Is this common?

Chiropractic adjustments commonly elicit an audible "crack" or "pop" sound.  However, treatment success is not contingent upon this sound.

 

  • What is the popping sound that occurs during an adjustment?

Your spinal joints contain a fluid known as synovium.  The synovial fluid contains dissolved gasses, mainly carbon dioxide.  When your spine is adjusted, a vacuum is created within the joint and the dissolved gasses come out of solution (cavitation) and create a "popping" sound.

 

  • Should I tell my medical doctor that I am receiving chiropractic treatment?

We encourage our patients to inform their medical doctors that they are receiving chiropractic treatment. In fact, it is our policy to work with contemporary minded, patient-centered medical providers.  We will gladly forward a copy of our initial evaluation report to your primary care physician as a courtesy to you and your caregivers.

 

The key to comprehensive care is communication.

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