Back pain, neck pain, and chronic headaches can seriously affect your quality of life. A doctor will be able to help you with surgery and medications, and a physical therapist might provide exercises to make you feel better.
Some back and neck pain happens because your spine is not aligned correctly. You may have considered seeing a chiropractor because they make patients feel better without the use of medication. The practice involves the chiropractor making adjustments to your spine with their hands or one of several special instruments. They do this by applying pressure to the affected area, and in some cases, chiropractors use a table designed for a specific problem.
You might have considered visiting a chiropractor but wondered what it would entail. According to the information at this URL, there are certain questions that people considering chiropractic care often ask.
What kind of training do chiropractors have?
Some people say that since chiropractors do not go to medical school, they are not worthy of your trust. They may not attend medical school, but they certainly have extensive training you can trust.
A person must have a Doctor of Chiropractic degree to practice chiropractic care. They must also have an undergraduate degree to get into chiropractic school, which is most often in a hard science like anatomy, physiology, or biochemistry.
A chiropractic student will study for four years. Their training includes both classes and practical experience in a laboratory.
How long has chiropractic care been around?
The first known chiropractic adjustment took place in 1895. That is not to say that people didn’t attempt to manipulate the spine before, but this was the first time anyone used specific pressure and leverage points.
The first known chiropractor, Daniel David Palmer, performed this adjustment on a deaf janitor in an attempt to restore his hearing.
Dr. Palmer would eventually start the Palmer School of Chiropractic, which still exists. Chiropractic treatment caused controversy in the medical profession, and doctors said chiropractic care was not a valid form of treatment. There were no rules governing the practice at the time. That is not true today.
Who regulates chiropractic care in Florida?
The Florida Board of Chiropractic Licensing licenses chiropractors and enforces laws about the industry. They monitor chiropractic practices and ensure the safety of patients.
If you want to know if a chiropractor has an up-to-date license or if they have any complaints about them, you can visit the board’s website and search for the chiropractor you are curious about. You can also file a complaint against a chiropractor on this site if you feel that it is necessary.
Can I Have chiropractic treatment if I am pregnant?
Back pain is very common during pregnancy. It is only natural to want to do all you can to feel better. Gentle chiropractic care is usually very safe for pregnant women. It is always a good idea to consult with your obstetrician/gynecologist to ensure they think the treatment is the best form of care for you.
How much will it cost?
One of the biggest questions about any kind of service is the price. The cost of chiropractic care can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on your location and the chiropractor you use.
Chiropractic care is less expensive than some of the procedures that it can help you avoid. Back problems may eventually result in a need for surgery. It can also result in scoliosis and other chronic conditions of the back.
What conditions are chiropractic care used to treat?
Chiropractic care is most commonly used to treat back and neck pain. It is also thought to be for treating headaches. Chiropractors have expanded the issues that they treat in recent years. The practice treats carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and tennis elbow. Your spine connects to your central nervous system, and when it is not aligned properly, it may cause pain in your entire body. Some people even visit a chiropractor to treat such conditions as asthma, foot pain, and fibromyalgia.
Do chiropractors take insurance?
Some chiropractors will take insurance, but you will normally need a reference from a doctor. Some offices offer package deals to save you money instead of taking insurance.
Can a Chiropractor help with Injuries from accidents?
Yes, treating injuries from accidents is one of the main things a chiropractor does. Back injuries are common after car accidents and slip and fall accidents. Chiropractic care is used to treat several injuries, including:
- Whiplash
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Muscle/tendon trauma
- Sciatica
What are the different types of chiropractic treatment?
At its most basic level, chiropractic care involves a specialist manipulating the spine with their hands or a tool. There are several different techniques that a chiropractor may use to treat you.
The most traditional treatment involves a chiropractor making moderate thrusts to the spine with their hands while the patient lies on a table.
You may have heard that a chiropractor will crack your bones. This is not true. When you have this treatment, you will hear a crack, but the sound is simply gas exiting from the joint capsule.
There are some treatments that are gentler than traditional chiropractic care. The Thompson Technique uses a specially designed table to treat patients. The table elevates the portion of the body that will be treated. The portion of the table will drop at the same time the chiropractor gives a very mild thrust.
Another treatment involves the chiropractor using an instrument to give a mild thrust to the area of the spine being treated.
How long will treatment take?
Most chiropractic sessions take around 30 to 45 minutes to complete. When you first come to the office, you are likely to have a consultation with the chiropractor or an assistant, where you will discuss what you hope to get out of chiropractic care. You will have a brief exam.
What can I expect at my initial exam?
In addition to asking you what you want to get out of chiropractic care, you will be asked about your medical history. The office will take several X-rays so the specialist can see any problem areas in your spine. The doctor will ask you about your family history, diet, and exercise routine.
What are the risks involved with chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is generally very safe. There are very few side effects, although you may feel a bit sore for a few days after your first session. Some people have headaches for about a day after chiropractic treatment.
If you have a herniated disk, consult your doctor before chiropractic care because the treatment might worsen the condition. You should not see a chiropractor if you have severe osteoporosis, cancer in your spine, or if you have a high risk of stroke.
How many sessions will it take until I am cured?
There is no set number of sessions. The number of treatments you need depends on your condition and your body. Some people are done in one or two sessions. People with chronic conditions will often have to come back regularly. Your chiropractor should be able to give you an idea of how many sessions you will need during your consultation.
I have heard that chiropractic care is good for people with musculoskeletal issues. What type of musculoskeletal issues do they treat?
Chiropractors often treat people suffering from a misalignment of the vertebrae called subluxation. It causes inflammation and extreme pain in the spine. The condition can be caused or exacerbated by the way a person sits.
A person suffering from this condition might experience migraine headaches, weakness in the limbs, pain when standing, and neck discomfort.
Can a child see a chiropractor?
Yes, children see chiropractors all the time. A chiropractor will only use gentle thrusts on a child. Pediatric chiropractors use special equipment to treat children. Even infants can have chiropractic care. Chiropractors who treat children have special training to do so.
What should I look for in a Chiropractor?
When you search for a chiropractor in Miami, many names will appear, so it can be hard to know which one to make an appointment with. Look for someone with an established business and many years of experience in chiropractic treatment.
Some chiropractors insist that you have a doctor’s referral, which may slow the process of your treatment. It is best to go to a chiropractor that does not insist on having a doctor refer you.
Chiropractors often work with other forms of natural treatment. It is best to look for a chiropractor who also provides other types of treatment, such as massage therapy or vitamin drip treatments.
If you want to reduce the cost of your chiropractic treatments, look for a chiropractor who offers packages. You could save a significant amount of money by taking a package deal.
