Chiropractic FAQ
Does Chiropractic have a scientific basis? What are the facts?
What is a Subluxation and what does it do to me?
Could I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
Is chiropractic care expensive?
Do I have to see my medical doctor before I see a chiropractor?
What to expect from a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Does my health insurance cover chiropractic care?
Is chiropractic recognized by government agencies like Medicare, etc?
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?
I have heard that once I start chiropractic care, I'll have to continue with it for the rest of my life. Is this true?
Does chiropractic treat any other problems except back problems?
Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Can a Chiropractor help with painful bone spurs?
Are chiropractors educated as well as medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs)?
How large is the chiropractic profession?
How many people see chiropractors?
Does a chiropractor have to have a license to practice?
Why won't my medical doctor refer me to a chiropractor? I think it would help.
I've heard that chiropractic really doesn't have a scientific basis. What are the facts?
The practice of chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles.
The existence of the nervous system as the primary control mechanism of the body is an undisputed scientific fact. Its relationship with the spine is the focus of the practice of chiropractic. The spine develops in utero to provide two primary functions: (1) allow for freedom of movement and (2) house and protect the spinal cord. When the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned through trauma or repetitive injury, two major consequences will result: (1) the range of motion becomes limited and (2) spinal nerves emerging from the spinal cord are compromised. Chiropractors use the term "subluxation" to describe such disruptions. Interruption of nerve flow can eventually lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. Conversely, the removal of that interference has been shown to have significant, lasting health benefits. Through the adjustment of the subluxation, the Doctor of Chiropractic restores range of motion and returns optimal nerve function.
What is a Subluxation and what does it do to me?
First, the short explanation.
A subluxation (a.k.a. Vertebral Subluxation) is when one or more of the bones of your spine (vertebrae) are not moving correctly or are out of position. This creates pressure within the spine and can irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes those nerves to malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves.
How does this affect you? Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. If you interfere with the signals traveling over nerves, parts of your body will not get the proper nerve messages and will not be able to function at 100% of their innate abilities. In other words, some part of your body will not be working properly.
It is the responsibility of the Doctor of Chiropractic to locate subluxations, and reduce or correct them. This is done through a series of chiropractic adjustments specifically designed to correct the vertebral subluxations in your spine. Chiropractors are the only professionals who undergo years of training to be the experts at correcting subluxations.
The Detailed Explanation
Subluxations are really a combination of changes going on at the same time. These changes occur both in your spine and throughout your body. For this reason chiropractors often refer to vertebral subluxations as the "Vertebral Subluxation Complex", or "VSC" for short.
In the VSC, various things are happening inside your body simultaneously. These various changes, known as "components," are all part of the vertebral subluxation complex. Chiropractors commonly recognize five categories of components present in the VSC. These five are:
The Bone Component
The osseous (bone) component is where the vertebrae are either out of position, not moving properly, or are undergoing physical changes such as degeneration. This component is sometimes known as kinesiopathology.
The Nerve Component
The Nerve Component is the malfunctioning of the nerve. Research has shown that only a small amount of pressure on spinal nerves can have a profound impact on the function of the nerves. This component is scientifically known as neuropathology.
The Muscle Component
The Muscle Component is also involved. Since the muscles help hold the vertebrae in place, and since nerves control the muscles themselves, muscles are an integral part of any VSC. In fact, muscles both affect, and are affected by the VSC. This component is known as myopathology.
The Soft Tissue Component
The Soft Tissue Component is when you have misaligned vertebrae and pressure on nerves resulting in changes in the surrounding soft tissues. This means the tendons, ligaments, blood supply, and other tissues undergo changes. These changes can occur at the point of the VSC or far away at some end point of the affected nerves. This component is also known as histopathology.
The Chemical Component
The Chemical Component is when all these components of the VSC are acting on your body, and therefore causing some degree of chemical changes. These chemical changes can be slight or massive depending on what parts of your body are affected by your subluxations. This component is often known as biochemical abnormalities.
Chiropractors have known about the dangers of subluxations for over one hundred years. Today, more scientific evidence is showing the dangers of subluxations and the health benefits of correcting them. To be truly healthy, it is vital that your nervous system be functioning free of interference from subluxations. Our goal is to allow your body to return itself to the highest level of health possible by correcting VSC. Chiropractors are the ONLY health professionals trained in the detection, location, and correction of the VSC.
Could I be hurt by chiropractic care? Is it really safe?
The process of chiropractic adjustment is a safe, efficient procedure which is performed nearly one million times every working day in the United States.
There is a significant lack of data that would justify concluding that chiropractic care is in any way harmful or dangerous. Chiropractic care is non-invasive therefore, the body's response to chiropractic care is far more predictable than the body’s reactions to drug treatments or surgical procedures. Of the nearly one million adjustments given every day in this country, complications are exceedingly rare. Perhaps the best summary statement on the subject of safety was published by the Government of New Zealand which established a special commission to study chiropractic. They found:
"The conspicuous lack of evidence that chiropractors cause harm or allow harm to occur through neglect of medical referral can be taken to mean only one thing: that chiropractors have on the whole an impressive safety record."
Is chiropractic care expensive?
Doctors of chiropractic provide effective, low-cost health care for a wide range of conditions. We accept most insurance carriers, workers compensation claims, Labor & Industry claims and auto injury claims. We also have affordable options for those without insurance. If you have any questions please feel free to call our office. We are happy to help!
There would be highly significant cost savings if more management of low back pain was transferred from physician to chiropractors.” Ontario Ministry of Health.
Do I have to see my medical doctor before I see a chiropractor?
No, it is not necessary to visit your Medical Doctor prior to visiting your Chiropractor. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary health care providers. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, "The DC can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and therefore is a primary care provider, as are MDs and DOs. The doctor of chiropractic is a gatekeeper to the health care system and an independent practitioner who provides primary care services. The DC's office is a direct access portal of entry to the full scope of service."
What to expect from a Doctor of Chiropractic?
The core concept of chiropractic practice is based on healing without drugs or surgery. In our office you can expect:
- A thorough history and physical examination to determine conditions which may be appropriate for chiropractic care;
- To be referred to another health care provider for conditions which are not appropriate for chiropractic care;
- A report of findings to help you understand the type of care to be administered, and what results may be expected;
- Discussion with the doctor as the care continues, to evaluate both treatment effectiveness and projected duration;
- A clear understanding of financial arrangements;
- Appropriate, ethical care delivered in confidence, with respect for privacy and dignity.
Does my health insurance cover chiropractic care?
There are many different health plans from many different insurance providers. Today, most insurance providers offer some sort of chiropractic care coverage. We are a provider for most major insurance carriers in western Washington. Please feel free to give us a call with any questions. We will be glad to answer any specific questions for you.
Is chiropractic recognized by government agencies like Medicare, etc?
Yes. Chiropractic is recognized by governmental health care programs. Chiropractic is included in Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employees Health Care Benefits Programs, Federal Workers' Compensation and all state workers' compensation programs. Chiropractic students are also qualified to receive federal student loan assistance and DCs are authorized to be commissioned as health care officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
How Long Will I Need Chiropractic?
To answer this question, it is important to understand the 3 main types of Chiropractic Care. INITIAL INTENSIVE CARE is the term used to describe the beginning portion of care with the goal of removing symptoms. CORRECTIVE CARE is the term used to describe the second portion of care. The goal of this portion of care is to address the underlying cause that is not allowing you to achieve optimal health and wellness. Some examples of these causes may include muscle weakness, soft tissue damage, and/or degenerative changes. WELLNESS/MAINTENANCE CARE is the term used to describe the third type of chiropractic care. Wellness/Maintenance care is a type of care that is similar to brushing your teeth, tuning up your car or regularly visiting a dentist. Wellness/Maintenance care is important for maintaining optimal health and function of your body, saving money, and enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
Individual treatment plans vary depending on your specific needs. We will work with you to identify your specific needs and you will always have an understanding of the goals of your care. In general the INITIAL INTENSIVE CARE portion may last weeks, the CORRECTIVE CARE portion may last weeks to months and the WELLNESS/MAINTENANCE CARE portion is something you can enjoy for months or years. Please remember: however long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you!
I have heard that once I start chiropractic care, I'll have to continue with it for the rest of my life. Is this true?
However long you decide to benefit from Chiropractic is always up to you! Once chiropractic care eliminates your pain and rehabilitates the injured tissues we do recommend that you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal checkups. Chiropractors have been claiming for many years that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Many other medical experts are now recognizing that prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future. So the answer is yes. We want you to keep coming back, but just periodically. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, prevents new injuries from developing and minimizes degenerative processes, all of which enhance overall health and wellness.
Does chiropractic treat any other problems except back problems?
The doctor of chiropractic is an effective source of preventative and wellness care. The anatomical focus of the DC on the human spine has created the perception of the DC as just a "back doctor." Although this perception is not entirely incorrect, it is very much incomplete. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to effectively treat many health conditions. Please see our section titled “What We Do” on our home page. Doctors of chiropractic are also a highly appropriate resource in matters of work-place safety, stress management, injury prevention, postural correction and nutritional counseling.
Can a person who has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
Yes. It's an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome." Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.
Is it OK to see a chiropractor if I'm pregnant?
Anytime is a good time for a better functioning nerve system. Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve their quality of life during pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Adjusting methods are always adapted to a patient’s size, weight, age, and condition of health.
Can a Chiropractor help with painful bone spurs?
Yes. Basically, bone spurs are findings seen on X-rays and are signs of spinal degeneration. Bone spurs are considered common findings as we age. However, it is important to understand the difference between common and normal. Just because bone spurs are common does not mean they are normal. Bone spurs form as a result of increased pressure or abnormal mechanics in the spine. While chiropractic care is not going to remove the bone spurs in your spine, it can reduce pressure in the spine and improve spinal motion. By addressing the cause of these bone spurs chiropractic care can give you significant relief and increased function.
Are chiropractors educated as well as medical doctors (MDs) and osteopaths (DOs)?
To receive the doctor of chiropractic degree, candidates must complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the DC to thoroughly evaluate a patient, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider.
How large is the chiropractic profession?
Chiropractic is the fastest-growing and second-largest primary health care profession. According to Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards there are approximately 81,000 doctors of chiropractic (DCs) in active practice in the United States spread from rural areas to inner cities. More than 10,000 students are currently enrolled in chiropractic educational programs accredited by a federally-recognized body (CCE). The ratio of DCs to the general population, based on the Bureau of the Census figures is estimated to be one doctor of chiropractic for every 5,100 citizens.
How many people see chiropractors?
Chiropractic services are in high demand. Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic services and this number is rapidly growing. In 1993, more than 30 million consumers made chiropractic a regular part of their health care program.
Does a chiropractor have to have a license to practice?
Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states. DCs have been licensed and recognized for many decades in all states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Why won't my medical doctor refer me to a chiropractor? I think it would help.
If you are interested in finding out what chiropractic care can do for you, find another doctor who will refer you. Some Medical Doctors are still "in the dark" as to the benefits of chiropractic care. The relationship between the medical & chiropractic professions has improved vastly over the past years, but there are still a few medical doctors out there who refuse to look at the benefits of chiropractic care. Additionally, it’s important to remember that the need for a referral is a stipulation of insurance plans and it’s not based on your need for care.