Q: Is Chiropractic care expensive?
A: All health care costs have risen sharply in the last 10 years, but a typical chiropractic treatment program that may last for 6 to 8 weeks still costs less than one day in a hospital.
Q: Do you have to have to keep going forever?
A: No! The amount of treatment you choose to participate in is always your choice. Many patients choose to participate in only relief care for their condition and this typically takes one 1 to 3 weeks. Many others choose to continue care past relief care in order to correct an underling spinal condition. Just as people choose to have periodic health checks at their medical doctor and dentist, many patients choose to participate in care once their condition is corrected as a wellness care or maintenance care program.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe?
A: Yes. Numerous U.S. government agency studies have concluded that chiropractic care is very safe. Insurance companies also recognize the safe aspects of chiropractic care and offer significantly lower malpractice insurance rates when compared to medical doctors. As in any health profession, a complete consultation, history, and examination lowers treatment risks even more.
Q: Are x-rays always required?
A: Usually. X-rays are of a vital importance to understanding the extent of a spinal problem. It is also helpful in determining the most appropriate and safest treatment choice and allow for more effective care, thus shortening treatment time. Every step is taken to minimize the amount of x-rays taken. If x-rays are available from another facility, we will request those.
Q: Do chiropractors refer to other types of doctors?
A: Yes. When a condition is outside the scope of chiropractic practice or is non responsive to treatment, an appropriate referral is made. Referrals are made to medical doctors including orthopedists, and neurologists. Referrals are also made to physical therapists, and massage therapists.
Q: Is a chiropractor a real doctor?
A: Yes! With 4 years of pre-chiropractic college education, 4 years of chiropractic education, 1 year of clinical internship, rigorous national and state board examinations and annual post graduate continuing educations requirements, chiropractors have virtually the same class room hours and requirements as a medical doctor.
Q: Do chiropractors prescribe drugs?
A: No. A chiropractor is a spinal correction specialist with in-depth training in numerous specific spinal adjusting techniques, not pharmacology. We are proud to be the world’s largest drugless healing profession.
Q: Can children have chiropractic care?
A: Yes. Not only can children have chiropractic care, they should all be checked by a chiropractor. Many spinal problems that exist in children do not produce symptoms till many years later when care is more difficult and lengthier. Since their condition is usually not chronic, a child generally requires much less treatment and their response to care is quicker.
Q: Does Medicare cover chiropractic care?
A: Yes. Chiropractic benefits have been included in Medicare for over 30 years and no referral is necessary.
Q: If hurt my back on the job, do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
A: No. In Washington State, on the job spinal injuries whether covered by state insurance or self insurance are able to be treated a chiropractor without a referral.