Chiropractic Treatment FAQs

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.

Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.

Is chiropractic treatment effective?

Scientific evidence proving that the chiropractic care works is overwhelming. Over the past 20 years, many controlled and independent research studies have shown again and again that chiropractic care is safe and effective for treating low back pain, neck pain, headaches and other conditions relating to the spine*. Based on these scientific studies, the consensus is that chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for most spinal problems. * The extent to which a person can benefit from care varies depending on their problem and how long it has existed.

Can you explain the philosophy behind chiropractic?

Doctors of chiropractic believe in a holistic (“total person”) approach to healing, which typifies the new and changing attitude towards health. It is based on the concept of “maintaining health” versus “treating disease.” Chiropractic philosophy includes:

• recognition that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment and health
• recognition of the centrality of the nervous system and its intimate relationship with the capacities of the human body
• a patient-centered, hands-on approach focused on influencing function through structure
• focus on early intervention, emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions

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.

You owe it to your children to make sure that they always feel their best and that their body is functioning properly. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, it is also very gentle.

Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?

While there are currently Doctors of Chiropractic on staff at some hospitals and other multidisciplinary health care facilities, most chiropractors are in private practice. However, most chiropractors have established professional relationships with medical physicians and they often refer patients to each other depending on their individual needs.

Also, most Veterans’ Hospitals and Clinics now have chiropractors on staff to treat our military. Finally, chiropractors are now able to order laboratory and diagnostic imaging studies that are necessary to provide the best treatment.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

The majority of insurances offer some level of coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans. For example, the federal government’s Office of Personnel Management offers chiropractic coverage for federal employees in both the Mail Handlers and BCBS benefit plans. Before you begin chiropractic treatment, our staff will research exactly what type of coverage you have and explain your personal responsibilities. Of course, chiropractic care is typically a benefit that is covered by Auto and Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work.

Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. In total, the chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency which is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to the basic chiropractic education, Dr. Vancho has had several years of post-Doctoral training in Chiropractic Orthopedics, which enables him to provide the very best level of care for your condition.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe and effective. While any form of health treatment contains a degree of inherent risk, there is little danger in chiropractic care when administered by a licensed practitioner. To assure competency, all states require that DCs be board-qualified, licensed, and regulated according to stringent criteria. Statistics show that patient risk is substantially lower for chiropractic because the use of prescription drugs and surgery are not used.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe and relatively painless when performed by a Doctor of Chiropractic. The latest scientific research has repeatedly proven that there is no greater risk between getting an adjustment or by simply visiting with your medical doctor. Most of the time, patients are prepared for the treatment by applying hot packs and massage to the involved region of the body. 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 rarely causes 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.

Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventative care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last. Initially, the chiropractic treatment is often provided about twice per week for a few weeks and then it is reduced to once per week for a couple of weeks. Most patients note at least 50% improvement after a few treatments.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint often results in the release of tiny gas bubbles in the fluid in your joints which makes a popping sound, like when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change in pressure within the joint. More importantly, there is absolutely no truth in the old wives' tale that cracking your joints will make them weak, or knobby and arthritic.

If you have any questions that were not answered, please call to discuss.