How often should you go to the chiropractor for maintenance?
The frequency of your visits will take into consideration your specific health issues, goals, and progress plan but most often, you’ll only need to see a chiropractor 1-2x per month once you’ve resolved the primary issue.
How often should you go to the chiropractor for sports injury or rehabilitation?
During the initial phase of care, and depending on the injury, you’ll likely see us 2x per week for up to 3 months. Generally patients begin feeling better after the first month, but we encourage staying with the plan until the initial rehabilitation phase is complete. From there, you’ll reevaluate your goals and create a maintenance plan, which may entail only seeing us 1-2x a month basis.
What is chiropractic care, and how does it work?
Chiropractic care is a complementary and alternative healthcare approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those related to the spine. Chiropractors, who are licensed healthcare professionals, use a variety of manual techniques to adjust or manipulate the spine and other parts of the body to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote overall wellness.
The core principles of chiropractic care are as follows:
- The Spine and Nervous System Connection:Chiropractic care is built on the idea that the spine’s alignment can affect the nervous system’s functioning. The nervous system controls every aspect of the body, so any misalignments (referred to as subluxations) in the spine may result in various health issues.
- Manual Adjustments: Chiropractors use their hands or specialized instruments to apply controlled, sudden force to the spine or other joints. This manipulation is intended to correct misalignments, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
- Holistic Approach:Chiropractors often take a holistic approach to healthcare, considering lifestyle factors, nutrition, exercise, and stress management alongside spinal adjustments. They may offer advice on making lifestyle changes to support overall health and wellness.
- Drug-Free and Non-Invasive: Chiropractic care is non-invasive, and chiropractors do not prescribe medication. Instead, they aim to address the root causes of health issues through natural means.
- Pain Relief and Wellness Promotion: Chiropractic care is commonly sought for the management of conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal problems. However, some individuals also use it as a preventive or wellness approach, believing that spinal adjustments can enhance the body’s ability to heal and function optimally.
The process of chiropractic care typically involves an initial assessment, during which the chiropractor evaluates your medical history, performs a physical examination, and may use diagnostic imaging such as X-rays. Based on this evaluation, your chiropractor develops a personalized treatment plan, which may include a series of manual adjustments. The number and frequency of adjustments will depend on the individual’s condition and response to treatment.
What conditions can chiropractic treatment help with?
Chiropractic treatment is primarily focused on musculoskeletal issues, and it may help with a range of conditions related to the spine, joints, and nervous system. Here are some of the common conditions and issues that chiropractic care can potentially help with:
- Back Pain: Chiropractic care is often sought for the treatment of back pain, including conditions like lower back pain, upper back pain, and sciatica.
- Neck Pain: Chiropractors can provide relief from neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort, often resulting from issues like whiplash, poor posture, or cervical spine misalignments.
- Headaches and Migraines: Some individuals find relief from tension headaches or migraines through chiropractic adjustments.
- Joint Pain: Chiropractic care may help with various joint pains, including shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, and jaw (temporomandibular joint) pain.
- Sciatica: Chiropractic treatment can be effective in managing sciatica, a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, causing pain that radiates down the leg.
- Herniated Discs: Chiropractic care may help reduce the symptoms associated with herniated or bulging discs, although the suitability of chiropractic treatment for these conditions is a topic of debate among healthcare professionals.
- Sports Injuries: Chiropractors often work with athletes to help prevent and manage sports-related injuries.
- Arthritis: While chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, it can help alleviate pain and improve joint function for some arthritis patients.
- Whiplash: Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat whiplash injuries that result from car accidents or other traumatic incidents.
- Scoliosis: Chiropractic care may be part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing scoliosis, a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine.
- Stress and Tension: Some people find that chiropractic care can help alleviate physical manifestations of stress and tension in the body.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Chiropractic treatment may offer relief from carpal tunnel syndrome by addressing nerve compression in the wrist.
- Digestive Issues: While not a direct treatment for digestive problems, some individuals claim that chiropractic care has improved their well-being by reducing stress and improving nervous system function.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of chiropractic care can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition. Chiropractors typically conduct a thorough assessment before developing a treatment plan to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for the patient’s needs. Additionally, chiropractors may work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals when necessary to ensure comprehensive care for their patients.
Do you take insurance?
Yes! Currently, we take BlueCross Blue Shield, Ambetter, and Qualchoice. We also have specials for out-of-pocket patients and have specials for Walmart employees, first responders, military, and teachers.
What is the popping or cracking sound that sometimes occurs during adjustments?
The popping or cracking sound that can occur during chiropractic adjustments is often referred to as joint cavitation. This sound is similar to the noise produced when you crack your knuckles. It is a natural and common occurrence during certain chiropractic techniques, particularly those involving spinal adjustments.
Here’s a brief explanation of what happens:
– Synovial Joints: Many joints in the human body are synovial joints, including the joints in the spine. Synovial joints are enclosed in a capsule filled with synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between the joint surfaces.
– Gas Dissolved in Synovial Fluid: Within the synovial fluid, there is a small amount of dissolved gases, primarily carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen.
– Adjustment and Joint Stretching: During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled and sudden force to a joint. This force causes the joint to stretch, which results in a decrease in pressure within the joint space.
– Rapid Release of Gases: When the pressure within the joint decreases, the dissolved gases in the synovial fluid are released rapidly. This release of gas can create a popping or cracking sound, similar to the sound of a bubble bursting or a knuckle cracking.
It’s important to note that the popping sound is not an indication of the success or effectiveness of the adjustment. Some patients find the sound uncomfortable or unsettling, while others associate it with relief. Chiropractors are trained to perform adjustments safely and with precision to target specific issues in the spine or other joints.
The primary goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to improve joint mobility, relieve pain, and help the body function better by restoring proper alignment. The popping sound is simply a byproduct of the physical changes occurring within the joint during the adjustment. If you have concerns or questions about the sounds associated with chiropractic adjustments, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your chiropractor so they can address any apprehensions you may have.
Will chiropractic treatment hurt?
Chiropractic treatment is generally not supposed to be painful, and most patients do not experience significant pain during or after adjustments. However, individual experiences may vary, and there are a few factors to consider:
- Sensitivity: Some people may have a lower pain threshold or heightened sensitivity to touch, which could make them more prone to experiencing discomfort during chiropractic adjustments.
- Initial Discomfort: If you are seeking chiropractic care for a specific issue like back pain or a joint problem, you may already be experiencing discomfort. In such cases, the chiropractor’s manipulation of the affected area might initially cause some mild discomfort, but it is typically short-lived.
- Communication: Effective communication with your chiropractor is essential. It’s important to let your chiropractor know if you are experiencing any discomfort during an adjustment. They can adjust their technique or provide additional support to minimize discomfort.
- Muscle Tension: Tight or tense muscles can sometimes make adjustments feel less comfortable. Your chiropractor may use various techniques to relax the muscles before making adjustments.
- Reactions to Adjustments: After an adjustment, it is possible to experience some soreness or stiffness for a day or two. This is similar to the post-exercise soreness you might feel after a workout and is often considered a normal part of the healing process.
It’s important to remember that chiropractors are trained professionals who use specific techniques and controlled forces during adjustments. Their goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being. If you are apprehensive about potential discomfort during chiropractic treatment, you should discuss your concerns with your chiropractor. They can explain the procedure, address any questions you have, and work with you to ensure your comfort during the process. If you experience excessive pain or discomfort during a chiropractic adjustment, it’s crucial to communicate this to your chiropractor immediately so they can make necessary adjustments to their approach.
Can chiropractic care help with sciatica or other nerve-related issues?
Chiropractic care is sometimes sought by individuals with sciatica and other nerve-related issues. While chiropractic treatment may provide relief for some people with these conditions, its effectiveness can vary depending on the underlying cause of the nerve problem. Here’s what you should know about chiropractic care and its potential role in addressing sciatica and nerve-related issues:
- Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, or other structural issues in the spine that compress the nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can sometimes provide relief by addressing the spinal misalignments or subluxations contributing to the compression of the sciatic nerve. However, the effectiveness of chiropractic care for sciatica varies among individuals, and it is not always a suitable treatment option for severe cases or when structural issues are the primary cause.
- Nerve-Related Issues: Chiropractic care may be considered for other nerve-related issues, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, or other nerve entrapment conditions. Chiropractors use adjustments and other techniques to help alleviate pressure on nerves caused by misaligned vertebrae or other musculoskeletal issues. The effectiveness of chiropractic care for these conditions may vary depending on the specific cause and individual factors.
It’s important to note that not all nerve-related issues are suitable for chiropractic care. Chiropractors typically perform a thorough evaluation, which may include diagnostic imaging, to determine the cause of the problem and whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate. In some cases, they may refer patients to other healthcare providers, such as neurologists or orthopedic specialists, for further evaluation and management.
Additionally, if you are considering chiropractic care for nerve-related issues, it’s essential to communicate openly with your chiropractor, provide a detailed medical history, and discuss your symptoms and concerns. They can then develop a personalized treatment plan and make appropriate recommendations based on your specific condition and needs. In some cases, chiropractic care may be used as part of a multidisciplinary approach in conjunction with other medical treatments or therapies to provide comprehensive care for nerve-related issues.
What are the risks in seeing a chiropractor?
Chiropractic care, when administered by a qualified and licensed chiropractor, is generally considered safe for most people. However, like any medical or healthcare intervention, there are potential risks and considerations associated with chiropractic treatment. Some of the risks include soreness or discomfort, nerve damage (in rare cases), and ineffective treatment.
To minimize the potential risks associated with chiropractic care, it’s important to take the following precautions:
- Choose a licensed and reputable chiropractor (check out the reviews!) who has received proper training and certification.
- Provide your chiropractor with a thorough medical history, including any underlying health conditions or previous injuries.
- Communicate openly about your symptoms and concerns, and ask questions about the proposed treatment plan.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or concerns about the proposed treatment, consider seeking a second opinion from a medical doctor.
Ultimately, the decision to see a chiropractor should be made after careful consideration and with a chiropractor who has a good reputation and experience.
Can chiropractic care help with headaches or migraines?
Chiropractic care is sometimes sought by individuals who experience headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, as a complementary or alternative treatment approach. While chiropractic care has been reported to provide relief for some people with headaches, its effectiveness can vary depending on the underlying cause of the headaches and the individual’s response to treatment.
Here’s how chiropractic care may potentially help with headaches:
- Tension Headaches: Chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the neck and upper back regions, can help relieve muscle tension and reduce joint restrictions. This may alleviate the pain associated with tension headaches, which are often caused by muscle tension and stress.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the neck or cervical spine. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct misalignments or subluxations in the cervical spine, potentially reducing cervicogenic headache symptoms.
- Migraines: Migraines are complex neurological conditions, and their causes can vary widely. Some individuals with migraines have reported experiencing relief after chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors may focus on spinal adjustments, dietary advice, and lifestyle modifications to address potential triggers or contributing factors to migraines.
It’s important to note that while chiropractic care may provide relief for certain types of headaches, it is not a guaranteed or universally effective treatment. The suitability of chiropractic care for managing headaches varies among individuals, and the specific cause and type of headache should be considered. Migraines, for instance, may have multiple triggers and contributing factors, and a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals may be necessary.
If you are considering chiropractic care for your headaches, it’s essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor who can assess your condition, take a detailed medical history, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Chiropractors may work in conjunction with other healthcare providers, such as medical doctors or neurologists, to ensure comprehensive care when dealing with complex headache disorders like migraines. Additionally, open and clear communication with your chiropractor about your symptoms, triggers, and treatment preferences is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.