Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic – [ki”ro-prak’tik] means “done by hand”. Although it is the youngest of the natural healing arts, Chiropractic has appreciated tremendous growth during 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 known as an “adjustment”. Most chiropractors prescribe exercises, stretches and lifestyle modifications to maintain optimal health. Some also provide nutritional counseling and acupuncture.

Does insurance pay for chiropractic treatment?

Yes, many health insurance companies reimburse for a portion of chiropractic treatment. We will call to confirm your benefits and highly recommend that you do the same. 

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

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

Patient’s involved in a work related injury must supply the claim number and insurance company information in order to initiate an initial evaluation.

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 elective “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. However, knuckle crackers tend to experience more joint stiffness later in life.

Regardless, spinal adjustments / manipulations are quite different than cracking one’s knuckles. When a spinal adjustment is performed, the joint is slightly gapped momentarily; opening the joint surfaces. Knuckle crackers actually grind the joint surfaces together, potentially irritating the joint. There is no current evidence to suggest that chiropractic manipulative therapy is detrimental to your spinal joints.

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

In general, chiropractic treatments carry a very low risk of complication. Approximately 25% of patients will experience short-term [24 hours] or local soreness following the initial adjustment. This may represent short term muscle tension or low-grade inflammation from the treatment.

The risk of serious, irreversible complication is rare. Estimates for neck adjustments are between 1 in 400,000 to 1 in 5.85 million. With regards to the low back, estimates for serious complication is “1 in many million”. It is important that you discuss any specific concerns with your treating chiropractor prior to receiving treatment.

What does the “DC” after your name mean?

The title “DC” 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 how to stay as healthy as possible. Similarly, your MD [Medical Doctor] should be doing the same.

How long does it take to receive a treatment?

Most treatment sessions require between 15-30 minutes; depending upon 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 that chiropractors “crack” your back. Is this common?

Chiropractic adjustments most commonly elicit an audible “pop” or “crack” sound. Chiropractors refer to this as an “audible release” or “cavitation sound”. Treatment success is not contingent upon this noise.

What is the popping noise that occurs during an adjustment?

Your spinal joints contain a fluid known as synovium. The synovial fluid contains dissolved gasses; mostly carbon dioxide. When your spine is adjusted, a vacuum is created within the joint and the dissolved gasses come out of solution, forming a gas bubble. This vacuum creates a “pop”.

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

We encourage our patients to inform their medical doctor that they are receiving chiropractic treatment. In fact, our practice has been built through working together 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. Many of our patients request that we contact their primary care provider in order to introduce ourselves, or to provide them with information about our practice.