Searching for an overview of chiropractic care, and wondering whether or not its right for you? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs), as well as some questions that should be asked.
Why is my spine so important?
Along with providing support and mobility, your spine is designed to protect your spinal cord and the 31 pairs of nerves that branch off it. Spinal stress, irritation and injury adversely affect those nerves and lead to spinal and muscular dysfunction.
Will chiropractic help me? How?
Chiropractors objectively look for spinal misalignments that are putting stress on your spinal nerves and causing some type of dysfunction in the body. A gentle correction (adjustment) is administered to restore alignment and mobility to minimize stress on the nervous system, restore brain body communication and allow the body to heal itself. Through a series of corrections, most people not only make a full recovery but also see other health improvements.
What is the cost? Do you take insurance? Do you take auto claims, personal injury, or workman’s comp cases?
Most appointments cost between $35-$45 and some families take advantage of our monthly plans to lower the cost even more. We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield and Priority Health insurance plans. We do not accept assignment for any auto claims, workman’s comp or personal injury.
Is chiropractic safe?
Historically, chiropractic has had a very strong safety record. Aside from occasional soreness after an adjustment, the relative risk of serious injury is about 1 in 2 million adjustments. The average chiropractor’s malpractice insurance is around $2,000, much less that most other health care providers due to so few injury claims.
Why should kids & pregnant women be adjusted?
Children and pregnant women benefit tremendously from regular chiropractic. Whether it be for specific issues like colic, reflux and ear infections in children or lower back pain and baby malposition in pregnancy, chiropractic is a very safe and effective means of helping the body return to normal function.
How does it help back pain, neck pain & headaches?
Spinal misalignments that cause nerve irritation often lead to neck pain, back pain and headaches. Chiropractors make gentle corrections (adjustments) to the spine to minimize nerve irritation and improve mobility. In time, through a series of adjustments, most back pain, neck pain and headaches resolve in addition to other positive changes to health.
How long does it take to get better?
Everyone heals at a different rate based on age, health status and degree of injury. Most people see a reduction in symptoms in the first 2-3 weeks and take about 6-8 weeks to fully heal. We will give you at home recommendations to help speed up the rate of recovery.
What is the relationship between chiropractic and massage therapy?
Chiropractic and massage therapy work hand in hand to address injured muscles that are inhibiting spinal function. Patients that do both at the same time, as well as those who do physical therapy conjunctly, tend to see quicker results. We prefer to have you get adjusted before massage (or physical therapy) when doing both on the same day.
Do I need a referral from my primary doctor?
Chiropractors are considered direct-access health care providers and, therefore, do not need a medical referral to be seen or to use insurance benefits in our office.
Is there scientific data that supports chiropractic?
Science supports chiropractic as a means of improving spinal health and, in turn, being effective at treating many conditions including back pain, neck pain and headaches. Studies have shown that just 10 mm HG pressure (about the weight of a dime) on a nerve decreases transmission by 50%. Additional studies have shown that when mechanoreceptors found in spinal joints and discs are irritated they send stress signals to the brain. Chiropractic care seeks to minimize pressure on nerves and improve mechanoreceptor function through gentle spinal adjustments.
How does your practice work?
We will examine your spine for stress and injury patterns that are affecting how your body is functioning. A series of gentle adjustments will be recommended to improve function of the nervous system and help you heal. All fees will be discussed up front and at home recommendations are given after the initial exam. The patient is always in control of how often they would like to be seen, and you can stop and start care at any time.
Why do I need to come in so often in the beginning? Do I have to keep coming back after I’m better?
A cluster of adjustments is often recommended in the beginning of care to provide the best chance of healing and to make a lasting change. Each visit builds on the previous to help retrain the spine and improve overall function. As function and stability improve and symptoms subside, visit frequency is reduced. Optional maintenance care (1-2 times per month) is recommended to prevent reinjury and to keep you healthy but never required. We’re here for you as little or as much as you’d like!
Is there anything I can do to help speed up progress?
We give all patients at-home recommendations in the form of stretching, icing and water intake to help speed up progress. Occasionally, we’ll recommend dietary changes to improve overall health and well-being based on patient needs and interest.
How do you track progress? How do I know if I’m getting better?
We use spinal alignment, function and mobility (objective measures) to determine need and level of care and those same parameters to track progress. And, of course, we use patient feedback (subjective measures) as well. Most patients see improved function and mobility before a decrease in symptoms.
How/when did chiropractic start?
Chiropractic started in 1895 as a potential cure for hearing loss by DD Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. After, research, trial and error, he (and his son BJ Palmer) established principles that still hold true today that the spine protects the nervous system and contributes to human function.
Are chiropractors doctors? What do their credentials mean?
Chiropractors hold the initials “DC” which stand for Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Pulver completed a Bachelor’s of Science (2001) from Central Michigan University before attending Sherman College of Chiropractic (2005).
What if I don’t get better?
If a patient is not responding in an appropriate amount of time we will recommend massage or physical therapy, at home care and dietary changes to improve health outcomes. Occasionally, if a patient is still not responding, we will refer the patient to another health care provider in the area who may be able to help in a way that we cannot. Dr. Pulver has professional relationships and co-manages cases with multiple chiropractors, physical therapists and medical doctors in the area.
Are chiropractors against medicine?
While it may seem that chiropractors are against medicine because they aim to help your body function properly without drugs or surgery, this is not the case. Aside from emergency care, most chiropractors adhere to a philosophy of healing via natural therapeutics first, then medicine if no improvement.
Should I get adjusted when I’m sick?
We recommend keeping your appointment if you’re sick to help your body recover faster. Adjustments help with circulation, drainage and stimulate the healing branch (parasympathetic branch) of your nervous system. Most patients report that they improved shortly after getting adjusted.
When should I start seeing a chiropractor?
There is never a bad time to start seeing a chiropractor. You don’t have to be in pain or wait for a project to be done. Whether you’re in the middle of a sports season, 8 months pregnant, off work due to injury or simply just don’t feel yourself, let us help you get back to living your best life!