Many people who’ve never been to a chiropractor have questions. They have heard from friends, family, and coworkers how chiropractic care can help give neck and lower back pain relief. Frequently, there are stories in the media about a famous athlete, actor or singer who is a proponent of chiropractic therapy. This article will answer frequently asked questions about the chiropractic profession and care.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DC’s) treat patients of all ages for a variety of health conditions. Painful musculoskeletal conditions like lower back pain, neck pain and headaches respond particularly well to chiropractic treatment. Treatment through chiropractic adjustments or manipulation is a safe, gentle procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the chiropractor’s intense years of education and clinical experience. Patients are especially pleased that they quickly obtain a reduction of muscle spasm and pain by correction of spinal and pelvic misalignments.
Doctors of Chiropractic undergo an education that is similar to other primary-contact healthcare providers such as dentists, MDs and optometrists. To achieve a degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic a student must have undergraduate study at a traditional college or university. This is followed by five years of training at an accredited chiropractic college. DCs are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy and clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, imaging of x-ray and MRI, rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition. A significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master important manipulative procedures. Following graduation, a chiropractor must pass national and state board examinations.
Gallup recently conducted a poll noting that 50% of the United States population has been to a chiropractor. Yet, some wonder about the safety of chiropractic manipulation. Fortunately, studies give chiropractic care high marks in this category. With lower back pain relief, the US Department of Health and Human Services notes the risk of complications from back manipulation is rare and conservative chiropractic treatment should be pursued before surgery. When providing neck pain relief Spine Research Journal stated: “The risk of serious adverse event, immediately and up to seven days after treatment, is low to very low.” Consumer Reports magazine noted that patients being treated for lower back pain by a chiropractor had higher satisfaction than when treated by physical therapist, acupuncturist, or primary care physicians.
Those contemplating visiting a chiropractor may be unsure of what it will cost. Charges in a chiropractic office are generally very affordable whether the patient plans to self-pay or utilize insurance benefits. Most mainstream, responsible health insurance policies have approved the coverage of chiropractic treatment.
Expertly trained DCs offer pain relief for acute and chronic spinal mechanical problems that create neck and lower back pain discomfort. Treatment has been proven to be safe and provide reasonably rapid pain relief especially when compared with other types of care. Chiropractors are uniquely suited to fulfill the role of spinal pain providers. Patients with improved or eliminated spinal pain can certainly enjoy being able to engage in work, recreation and family time more easily.
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Dr. James Schofield 