11 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic
When you ask someone about what chiropractic means to them, you may get a variety of answers. Some individuals swear by their regular chiropractic visits, while others may not know what it is. There are a lot of questions about chiropractic out there and in this week’s blog, we will try to cover them.
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about chiropractic:
1) What is Chiropractic?
The premise of chiropractic is that the body can heal itself and chiropractic adjustments help tap into that inner healing without drugs or surgery. It is a branch of essential healthcare that focuses on proper alignment and movement of the spine. Since the spine is the highway to the brain, if there are any spinal misalignments or subluxations, then the nerve flow from the brain to the organs and limbs is diminished. It is important to note this may happen with no pain. By the time pain starts, the nerves in that area are already inflamed and the body is in a state of crisis. Chiropractic not only helps restore the normal alignment of the spine but also helps restore the nerve flow in that area of the spine to the brain.
2) How often do I need to see a chiropractor?
Everybody is different. Some individuals have to visit their chiropractor 1-3 times a week, while others may go once a month. This ultimately depends on several things; are you in pain, do you have any disc issues current or in the past, what is your posture like, what is your overall health like, or is it more for wellness and preventive care? For example in our office, we determine your care plan based on your health history, physical exam, posture, X-ray findings and current state of overall health. While the goal is the same, a properly aligned spine with a healthy functioning nervous system, no two care plans are the same because no two people are the same.
3) Once you start do you always have to go to the chiropractor?
Some people have the idea that once you start chiropractic care you always have to go. However, this is not true at all. Chiropractors usually recommend maintenance visits after the spine is rehab back to normal; however you can stop at any time. Keep in mind, if your spine isn’t rehab back towards normal and you return to poor lifestyle choices, your condition may come back.
4) What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment improves alignment and movement of the spine, which promotes better function of the muscles and joints, the nerves and organs, and even the brain. It helps restore balance to the nervous system and increases nerve flow.
5) Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
A chiropractic adjustment should not hurt. However, patients who are new to chiropractic adjustments may experience some soreness following their first few treatments. This reaction is very common and would feel like you were sore from exercising. This can be managed by keeping your chiropractic appointments, staying hydrated and applying ice following your visit. Ice should never be applied directly on the skin and shouldn’t exceed 20 minutes at a time. You can ice every 2 hours if needed.
6) Is it safe for kids?
Chiropractic adjustments are completely safe for children. Gentle pressure is used with either fingertips or a very light impulse like a tap with a hand or an instrument. The child’s posture is also checked. Chiropractic adjustments may start within a few hours or even minutes of a baby being born. Childbirth can be traumatic for a newborn’s spine especially if forceful instruments are used. Adjustments help to facilitate proper growth and alignment of the spine along with optimal nerve flow from the brain through the spine to all the vital organs and limbs. It is best to check a child’s spine early and often to help detect any future spinal abnormalities as they grow. It’s amazing what can be done with the right treatment at the right time.
7) Is it safe for pregnancy?
Adjustments are definitely safe for pregnant women. It is usually recommended to help reduce lower back pain and encourage an easier delivery due to better alignment of the spine and hips. Care will be modified for the term of the pregnancy. It is important you notify your chiropractor as soon as possible if you are pregnant; that way they can provide the appropriate care for you and your baby.
8) Is it covered by insurance?
Every office is different. Depending on which office you visit, you may be covered by your insurance. Some offices take insurances that cover all or a portion of your care. However, other offices may not take insurance, but have alternative options for those who want care that may not be covered. For example, we offer our cash discount through ChiroHealth USA which is a discount medical plan. This is a great option for someone who is not covered by insurance. It is best to call the office you are interested in to ask about your particular insurance plan.
9) How long is a visit?
A visit can vary from patient to patient depending on the type of care. A typical chiropractic adjustment can be between 2-10 minutes. While other treatments can last up to 20 minutes. Depending on what kind of care or treatments you are getting at your chiropractor, your visit can be between 10 – 40 minutes.
10) Will I feel better right away?
Some patients do get immediate relief while others may feel the same in the beginning. It all just depends on their overall health and posture. If you do not see immediate relief, that does not mean that the treatment is ineffective. Everyone heals at their own pace. However, if you struggle to see relief after multiple treatments, talk to your chiropractor because your treatment may need to change or further imaging may be needed.
11) Are all chiropractors the same?
The short answer is no. The goals are the same but there are a lot of chiropractic techniques out there. One patient can get very different experiences in other chiropractor’s offices. Some X-ray, some don’t. Others may do a temperature spinal scan while another takes a posture screen. Most chiropractors use their hands but some techniques use light force or instruments only. It’s best to do your research on the office you want to go to. Check out their websites and see what they offer and if it’d be a good fit for you.
We hoped this help answer any questions you may have had about chiropractic. Talk to your chiropractor if you have any other questions or schedule a visit to see if chiropractic can not only make you feel better, but help you heal better.
