F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Part I of III
What is a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are holistic health care professionals who focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care involves the use of spinal manipulation, rehabilitative exercises, nutritional advice, activity recommendations, and other lifestyle modifications. Many chiropractors also use physical modalities including electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and muscle manipulation. At Hendrick Chiropractic, we utilize all of the above-listed components as needed.
What do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuro-musculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, upper or lower extremity pain, and headaches. Patients can be of any age, from infants to seniors, or any stage, including pregnancy. The techniques used are specific to each patient’s age, condition, and diagnosis. Patients with herniated or bulging discs can find significant relief with chiropractic care.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from a medical physician?
No, a patient does not typically need a referral before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Most insurance companies do not request a referral; however, some do require referrals so it is helpful to inquire at our office prior to your first visit.
Is chiropractic treatment covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care. You must check with your insurance company or call our office to confirm coverage. Drs. Blaine and Jana are on most insurance companies' preferred provider lists. Also, if you are injured in an automobile collision, most auto insurance plans allow chiropractic treatment in their injury protection policies. At more than 40 military bases and nearly 30 veterans’ medical facilities, doctors of chiropractic are available to armed forces’ members.
What is the difference between chiropractic care and physical therapy?
A chiropractor will utilize some form of manipulation as the primary treatment, likely supplemented by modalities (electric stimulation, ultrasound), muscle manipulation, rehabilitative exercises, nutritional advice, and lifestyle modification. A physical therapist will utilize modalities and rehabilitative exercises as the primary treatment, possibly supplemented by muscle manipulation or joint mobilization. Chiropractors and physical therapists have many techniques available to use as they see fit. Therefore, there is variety among both professionals as to which techniques they employ including any specialized training sought. Chiropractors are highly trained in the art and science of joint manipulation, achieving an unmatched level of proficiency in that area. Additionally, chiropractors are well-educated in the art of physical examination and evaluation. Doctors of chiropractic can order imaging (X-Ray, MRI, CT) or laboratory tests as needed. All healthcare professionals play an important role in the health of our community, and chiropractors and physical therapists can work cooperatively for the benefit of the patient.
Part II of III.
What is an �adjustment� or �spinal manipulation?�
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are interchangeable terms used to describe a method of improving mobility and function of the involved joint. It is a precise manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during 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 rarely causes discomfort. There are over a hundred different techniques or styles of adjusting or manipulating that can be adapted to meet the patients� specific needs. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment. However, as with any therapy, a series of treatments is usually required instead of one single visit.
How many visits are required?
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive 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.
Do doctors of chiropractic prescribe medication?
No, doctors of chiropractic emphasize the healing art of manual therapy and typically aim to limit pharmaceutical interventions when possible. The chiropractor may recommend natural supplements, herbs, or particular foods to aid in your recovery, but they do not prescribe medications. Chiropractic care focuses on a conservative and holistic approach to your health, utilizing adjustments (or joint manipulation) and other various manual therapies, exercise instruction, nutritional advice, ergonomic education, and lifestyle modifications.
How do I find a doctor of chiropractic?
You can locate a doctor of chiropractic by visiting the website for the American Chiropractic Association at www.ACAToday.org. If you have health insurance, you can begin by checking your Preferred Provider list with your insurance company. You can otherwise search the Yellow Pages or internet, ask friends, or contact your local chamber of commerce.
Part III of III
What should I expect on the initial visit?
During your initial visit, you and the chiropractor will discuss your past medical history, pertinent family history, and recent injuries or pain as well as current lifestyle factors including activity level, nutrition, sleep quality, and work activities. You will be evaluated to determine the cause or nature of the symptoms, which may include imaging if needed. Once a diagnosis is established, you will discuss if chiropractic care is an option, and if so, an estimate on the length of treatment. You will often begin treatment at that time, if appropriate. There are some circumstances that require further testing, in which case your diagnosis and/or treatment may be delayed. If your problems cannot be addressed with chiropractic care, we work closely with other specialists and will refer you as needed.
Do I need x-rays?
X-Rays are not always necessary. They may be ordered if indicated after the history and evaluation.
Is treatment safe for all ages?
Yes. Treatment will be customized to each patient, considering their age, body type, diagnosis, past medical history, and comfort, among other factors. Children, adults, and seniors can all benefit from variations in treatment.
Where can I find more information?
To learn more, contact the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research (FCER), or the Texas Chiropractic Association (TCA). You can also use the internet to access research articles from PUBMED.
ACA: www.ACAToday.org
FCER: www.fcer.org
TCA: www.ChiroTexas.org