November 2015 : Understanding Chiropractic

November 2015 : Understanding Chiropractic

Never been to a chiropractor? Or have you been treated for such conditions such as back or neck pain and you’re wondering what else the chiropractic profession has to offer you?


Since your health and your time are so important, we wanted to answer some of the frequently asked questions that we get from new patients about chiropractic treatment, including:


  • What does treatment consist of?
  • What conditions are typically treated?
  • Does chiropractic treatment hurt?
  • How many times will you need to come back?
  • Is chiropractic expensive?


What does chiropractic treatment involve?


If you’re preparing for your first visit to a chiropractor, then it’s perfectly normal to wonder what to expect. Especially if you are dealing with an injury or condition that is causing you pain and/or interrupting your activities of daily living.


The most important thing to know is that treatment begins the first day you see your chiropractor and that most patients report a reduction of their symptoms after their first visit. Also, on that first visit date you can expect your chiropractor to sit down one on one with you and discuss your injury or condition in detail. Once your doctor understand what is hurting, when it hurts, and your health history, an evaluation of the joints and muscles associated with your injury will be conducted as well as a neurological screening to make sure everything is sound. Depending on the severity of your injury or condition a series of x-rays or MRI’s will be ordered to further understand your problem. All first appointment are usually 30 to 45 minutes in length, with subsequent visits taking approximately 15 to 30 minutes.


Do chiropractors treat more than back and neck pain?


Although many people associate chiropractic care with the neck and back, it actually can be used to effectively treat issues and conditions from head (for example; temporomandibular joint [TMJ] to toe (for example plantar fasciitis of the feet). The focus of chiropractic care is on the relationships between the function of joints, muscles and nerves throughout the body.


Does Chiropractic treatment hurt?


The short answer is no. In some cases, people experience soreness after treatments as we work on areas that are already irritated. However, in most cases people describe the sensation associated with painful areas being worked on as “good pain”.


How many times will you need to come back?


Since every individual and the circumstances associated with their injury or condition are unique, there is no definitive answer to this question. The treatment duration will depend on factors, such as severity, the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as how proactively you work to recover from the injury by following home care recommendations. Research shows that patients who have a positive outlook and stretch and strength their muscles outside of the office have a greater recovery rate.


For less severe issues, you can reasonably expect that your chiropractor will recommend between 3-10 visits, most likely spread across several weeks. More severe or chronic issues may require more treatments over a longer period of time. After your initial evaluation your chiropractor should be able to give you a good sense for how many treatments to expect. In general, the majority of conditions we treat are built up over time, so it will often take a few visits to undo the damage and get to the bottom of the primary cause.


Is Chiropractic expensive?


Compared to many types of medical care and procedures, chiropractic is often less expensive and insurance can often help keep costs low. Considering long-term treatment plans with medical professions can involve medication, surgery, or intensive physical therapy, chiropractic care can often provide a less expensive, natural, healthy alternative.


At Peak Performance Chiropractic we accept most type of insurances offered in New York State.

Before scheduling an appointment, it’s always smart to check your health benefits to make sure you know what to expect. We are happy to verify your benefits for you if need be.

 

If you have a particular question that wasn’t directly answered or you are ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call the office at (716) 335-9711.

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