What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the idea that the body is a self-healing organism. This means the body has an innate intelligence that recognizes when something is wrong and the brain send the proper messages to the body to heal it. These messages are sent through the nervous system but when that system is not functioning fully, the body is unable to perform and heal maximally. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and fix the CAUSE of your problem instead of covering up the symptoms with drugs or medicine.
What does a chiropractor do?
A doctor of chiropractic’s main concern is finding and treating vertebral subluxations, although subluxations may be found at any joint in the body. After using a number of highly refined skills to detect these subluxations, the chiropractor will apply a corrective force to the affected spinal area. In addition to realigning the joints, the doctor may also utilize various therapies to ease muscle tension and assist in the healing process.
How long will I have to come in for?
The length of the treatment is dependent on the severity of the complaint and how long it has been there. For newer injuries, treatment is typically shorter as the body is able to assist more readily in the healing process. Conditions that have been around longer typically take longer to treat and may require 12 or more visits. The only way to determine how long treatment will take is to schedule a consultation and/or examination.
I’ve heard that once you go to a chiropractor, you have to keep going back. Is that true?
I like to answer this question with another question. Do you plan on seeing a dentist periodically for cleanings for the rest of your life? How about changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles? Many people apply the saying, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” to chiropractic care, but not to the maintenance of their teeth or cars. Vertebral misalignments may be present whether you feel symptoms or not. After you have resolved injuries, it is important to maintain the alignment you just achieved. These adjustments are called maintenance adjustments and the frequency is 100% determined by your own body. Many patients like to be seen once a week for “tune ups” after a stressful week or weekend while other patients only need to be adjusted every couple months if they hold their adjustments well. You only have one spine, take care of it!
Does insurance cover chiropractic care? Will I need a referral?
Most major insurance plans include chiropractic care and coverage will be dependent on your individual benefits. A referral is rarely needed to see a doctor of chiropractic; however your health plan may have specific referral requirements. An easy way to find out this information is to give your insurance company a quick call and they will be happy to find out for you.
Are adjustments performed by a chiropractor safe?
Chiropractic is widely known as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive treatments for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Most people feel some type of immediate relief from an adjustment but no health treatment is free from potential adverse effects. Some people experience a mild stiffness or soreness similar to what you may feel after exercise. Research shows that this type of soreness fades within 24 hours after an adjustment.
Some reports have associated high velocity cervical(neck) adjustments with a rare kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection. However, evidence suggests this type of injury happens spontaneously in patients with pre-existing conditions and can happen with activities as simple as turning your head while driving.
Dr. White is a trained professional, providing patients with safe, effective treatments for a variety of conditions. Extensive education has enabled her to identify people with specific risk factors and treat them appropriately.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe for children? Why would children need an adjustment anyways?
Children can benefit from chiropractic care for a variety of reasons. A large reason is because children are physically active and can experience many types of falls and injuries from sports as well as daily activities. These incidents may not result in pain, stiffness or soreness, but that does not mean that vertebrae haven’t been shifted out of alignment. (Similar to the way there may be a cavity without a tooth ache.) Chiropractic adjustments are a skilled maneuver and are adapted to the individual patient. In children, it is very gentle and as a result, very safe.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Doctors of chiropractic are educated as primary care physicians, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, which controls all other systems of the body. Chiropractors complete an initial undergraduate degree, typically related to biology, chemistry, or physiology. Once in chiropractic school, there is extended training in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition and more! All of these accumulate to over 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.