You’ve been suffering from pain in your back, neck or joints for years and no other form of treatment has worked. Now you’ve turned to chiropractic care with an experienced chiropractor, like from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, but you aren’t entirely sure what that means. You’re not alone. While many people know of chiropractic, they don’t actually understand the details of what it can do for your pain. Here’s a breakdown of the most common questions to answer before your first appointment.
- What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a treatment that focuses on realigning joints and balancing tense muscles through techniques called adjustments. An adjustment is a pressured motion that a chiropractor uses to realign bones so that they no longer cause pain. Chiropractors may also use electrotherapy, massages and hot and cold treatments.
- What Can It Fix?
Chiropractic care is most commonly used to help alleviate back and neck pain. People can see a chiropractor even if their problems stem from sitting hunched over a desk all day. A chiropractor can also return mobility to stiff joints. Discuss your conditions with a chiropractor to see if they can help.
- Is It Safe?
Contrary to many rumors, chiropractic care is very safe. While it does come with some risks, just as any treatment does, chiropractic is one of the least risky therapies to undergo.
- Are Chiropractors Trained Like Doctors?
Chiropractors go through similar rigorous training as medical doctors. Just as with any profession, they are required to earn degrees and pass certifications to practice. You can always ask for the credentials of a chiropractor before making an appointment with them.
- Are There Side Effects?
Sometimes headaches can worsen immediately following someone’s first few adjustments. Increased pain in the treated area is possible, but most patients report that this goes away as the body grows accustomed to treatment. Over time, these symptoms should vanish, along with your original pain.
- Does Insurance Cover It?
Many insurance companies cover chiropractic care, especially if it is to fix a critical condition that affects your livelihood. Some policies may need a doctor’s referral before providing coverage.
- Can Pregnant Women or Children See a Chiropractor?
Pregnant women are often encouraged to see chiropractors as their abdomens grow, which can strain back muscles and pull the spine forward. Some chiropractors specialize in treating pregnant women. Children can also benefit from chiropractic treatment. It has been shown to help their sleep patterns and generate more positive attitudes, as well as helping them develop if they’ve been injured.
