Welcome to the Family Chiropractic & Massage blog! Here, we will discuss anything and everything that has to do with chiropractic care and wellness. We will share helpful information and hopefully answer any questions you have through our articles. We are a chiropractic clinic that began in 1997 and has since grown to locations in North Charleston, Summerville, and Moncks Corner, South Carolina. We are dedicated to providing tailored care and treatment with traditional and new techniques to help our patients reach their wellness goals. We treat a variety of conditions including neck pain, back pain, injuries, sciatica, scoliosis, and more. Besides chiropractic care, we also offer physiotherapeutic care, rehabilitative care, and massage therapy. Our licensed massage therapists offer all types of massage from deep tissue to compression massage and more. We are strong believers in natural healing! Check out our website to find out more information about the services and care we offer, and contact us today to schedule an appointment with our experienced doctors!
In our last post, we discussed scoliosis, which is a sideways curvature of the spine. Scoliosis affects 2 to 3 percent of the U.S. population and is the most common spinal deformity. We discussed the different types of scoliosis, as well as possible causes, symptoms, and treatments. Additionally, we discussed how chiropractic care is an effective and non-invasive treatment for scoliosis. If you are interested in learning more about this condition, be sure to check out our last post!
Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about chiropractic care and answering them! Oftentimes, people have misconceptions about what a chiropractor is and what they do. People are often unsure whether chiropractic care is right for them, or think that they must have back pain in order to visit a chiropractor. This is not true, and we’ll explain why! If you are interested in learning about the most frequently asked questions about chiropractic care, you’re in the right place! Let’s get right into it.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FAQ
Is a chiropractor a real doctor?
Yes! Chiropractors are doctors of chiropractic medicine. Although they do not hold medical degrees, they are still considered doctors, as they have extensive training and knowledge in chiropractic care and are licensed practitioners. A chiropractor must obtain an undergraduate degree in the sciences before moving on to a 4-year chiropractic program. In the United States, chiropractors are required to obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited college. If a chiropractor chooses to specialize in a specific area, they will often undergo additional training.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor is a doctor who specializes in identifying and treating musculoskeletal disorders, often focusing on the spine. The musculoskeletal system consists of the muscles, ligaments, and joints. A chiropractor’s job is to make sure a patient’s body is functioning at its optimal best, and this is often done by performing spinal manipulations to relieve pain in the joints and muscles. These spinal manipulations, or chiropractic adjustments, can also remove subluxations. Subluxations are misalignments of vertebrae that cause interferences with how the spine, nervous system, and body work. Misaligned vertebrae can put pressure on the spinal cord, and since the spine and spinal cord are directly related to the nervous system, this can cause a number of problems. Not only can subluxations cause back pain, but they can also contribute to other health issues, such as headaches. A chiropractor’s job is to make sure the body is free of interference so that it can function properly.
What does a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractors can treat a variety of health issues. The most common one that you are probably aware of is back or neck pain. Approximately 8 out of 10 Americans experience back pain at least once in their lifetime, and it is one of the most common issues among adults. Rather than recommending or prescribing pain medication, a chiropractor works to treat pain at the source. Pain medications only mask the pain for a short period of time, rather than addressing the issue causing the pain. A chiropractor will perform an examination and may order diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to determine the cause of pain, before creating a unique treatment plan for the patient.
Besides back and neck pain, chiropractors also have the capability to treat disc issues, injuries related to work or car collisions, sports-related injuries, extremity issues, sciatica, arthritis, scoliosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, postural problems, and more! Here at Family Chiropractic, we believe that chiropractic care provides life for the spine and the body as a whole. Our doctors are committed to serving you and helping you live a long, happy, and healthy life!
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes! In fact, chiropractic care is one of the safest and most effective treatment options out there. Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record and there are little to no risks. After a chiropractic adjustment, you may experience temporary muscle soreness or stiffness. However, not everyone will experience these side effects. Since chiropractic care does not involve the use of drugs or surgery, complications are extremely rare. The bottom line is that as long as it is performed by a trained and licensed doctor of chiropractic, it is safe!
Do I need to have back pain to see a chiropractor?
No! As mentioned above, chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions that may or may not be accompanied by back pain. However, you do not need to have any health issues at all to see a chiropractor. In fact, receiving routine chiropractic care can help prevent issues from occurring. Routine adjustments can remove new subluxations before they begin to cause problems, and a chiropractor can also provide additional support, such as exercise recommendations and nutritional advice that can help you stay as healthy as possible. With that being said, we actually encourage people to start visiting a chiropractor before they develop any health issues or injuries.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
Oftentimes, it is not necessary to get a referral in order to see a chiropractor. However, your health or insurance plan may require one, so it is best to contact your insurer. Chiropractic care is included in most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid plans.
How do I select a chiropractor?
As with any type of medical professional, you want to make sure you choose the right chiropractor for you. One of the best ways to find a chiropractor is to ask family and friends for referrals. You can also ask your primary care provider for recommendations. Take time to research your chiropractor, including their credentials and experience. Read patient reviews, and call the chiropractor’s office to see if they are accepting new patients. You can ask to set up a consultation, where you can ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. This can give you more insight into whether or not the chiropractor is right for you.
We hope this post cleared up any questions you may have had about chiropractic care! We hope you found this article informative, and we encourage you to reach out to us if you have any other questions or concerns. It would be a pleasure to assist you. Here at Family Chiropractic & Massage, we offer chiropractic care as well as massage services and heat and cold therapy. We have doctors who have studied various chiropractic techniques to render care to patients with different types of conditions. As people vary, so do the techniques chosen to help each patient get well. We use evidence-based treatment methods to help patients get better faster. If you are suffering from any type of back pain, contact us today to set up an appointment so we can assess your needs and create an effective treatment plan. One of our experienced doctors would love to help get you on the right track to living a healthy, pain-free life! Thank you for reading, and we hope you’ll check back for more articles about chiropractic care and all it has to offer!
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