1. What conditions do chiropractors treat? Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

2. Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD? There is no need for a referral from your MD, orthopedist, OBGYN, or any other health care physician.

3. Is chiropractic treatment safe? Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours. Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension.

4. Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children? Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

5. Do insurance plans cover chiropractic? Most insurances recognize chiropractic as a benefit. If this is the case, then yes you will have coverage. Coverage may not be 100%. If your insurance does not have a CHIROPRACTIC BENEFIT, then you will not have coverage.

6. How is a chiropractic adjustment performed? Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractor typically uses his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that does not cause discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

7. Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted? Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved. Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education.

8. Will you take x-rays of the spine and other areas? In order to identify the misalignment of the vertebrae we will need to first x-ray the area with our digital x-ray system. We will also need to check on the progress of the treatment from time to time with a new x-ray of the affected area. We want consistent and measurable changes which will equal symptom reduction and better health for you.

9. Is it safe to treat elderly patients? There a various techniques that can be employed for those that may have a spine weakened by a medical condition such as osteoporosis. All of our physicians are trained to recognize which areas are safe to treat with what technique. You should feel safe bringing in your senior citizens to Premier Chiropractic for gentle and safe chiropractic care.

10. I have had spine surgery, can you help me? Our chiropractic physicians are trained in spinal rehabilitation. That training includes how to treat spinal conditions after all types of surgery has been performed. We even have had great success helping patients rehabilitate their spine after a spinal fusion surgery.

11. Can I make an appointment today? Our policy at Premier Chiropractic is there is always room for one more new patient. We have a multiple doctor clinic to accommodate that extra new patient. We understand when symptoms get bad that you want to find answers and relief right away.