FAQS About Chiro 

Did you know that chiropractors treat over 35 million Americans every year? Those figures are from the American Chiropractic Association. That particular study, which is linked here, also reveals some other interesting pieces of data, such as the fact that the American College of Physicians now recommends initially starting with treatments that do not use drugs for the treatment of low back pain. A local Burnsville, MN chiropractor goes over some basic FAQs about chiropractic care in this article.

What Exactly Is A Chiropractor?

Different sources may vary a bit as far as the official definition, but all of them are fairly similar. Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who help the body function and heal itself through spinal adjustments. Their realm of focus is centered on the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

 What Kind of Training Do Chiropractors Receive?

One must go through fairly rigorous training to become a chiropractor. Chiropractors must attend at least three years of undergraduate courses, and must then earn their Doctor Of Chiropractic, which is a four-year degree. Before becoming licensed, they may also need to pass exams and may need to complete internships and/or other requisite training.

Chiropractors are classified as physician-level service providers in most U.S. states and also in the federal Medicare program. Their services are made available through several federally administered programs, including ones offered through Medicaid, the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Federal Workers’ Compensation, and state workers’ compensation programs.

 What Is Chiropractic Care Based On?

Chiropractic care revolves around one key belief, which is that the body must be in alignment to function properly. The spine is the central point of focus here. This makes sense: after all, the spine is your lifeline! The back is the body’s highway for all of the nerves and blood vessels, which are of course essential to every organ, system, and function.

What Approaches Do Chiropractors Use?

Chiropractors can utilize a variety of different approaches and techniques. The most well-known one is likely the manual manipulation, in which the back and neck are manually adjusted to realign the spine.

Those manual manipulations aren’t the only element of chiropractic care, though. Some of the other things that may be incorporated into a more comprehensive treatment program include the following:

• Spinal Decompression
• Laser Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Therapeutic Massage
• Cryotherapy

Every treatment plan is offered on a case-by-case basis, and is very much built up based on the individual’s needs.

Is Chiropractic Care Appropriate For Children?

Chiropractic care can help children. Kids are very active, and are often always on the go. Many kids’ activities, such as sports, dance, and even playing on swing sets and jungle gyms, can knock the spine out of alignment. Even kids who aren’t very active can be at risk. It’s no secret that today’s kids are spending more and more time online. All of that screen time puts a lot of pressure on the back and spine!

That said, it is ultimately going to vary from person to person. If your child has neck or back pain, alignment issues, posture problems, or any of the many conditions that could possibly be treated via chiropractic care, reach out to your family doctor and/or contact our clinic.

How Long Has Chiropractic Care Been Around?

Chiropractic treatment has been around for over 100 years. A man named Daniel David Palmer is generally considered to be the father of the industry. Back in 1895, he performed what is widely accepted to be the very first chiropractic treatment ever. Palmer, who had previously been interested in various other new medical treatments, performed a spinal manipulation on a deaf janitor, who had lost his hearing suddenly after popping his back. The manipulation worked, and the janitor’s hearing was restored. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, over the course of the roughly 125 years between that moment and this, the industry has very much solidified. Standards and requirements are now quite stringent.

Is Chiropractic Care Suitable For Pregnant Women?

Chiropractic care is not only safe for pregnant women, it can be very beneficial. Of course, like any medical treatment, it may not be right for everyone, so you should definitely discuss it with your OB/GYN and primary doctor.

Chiropractic treatments can provide many benefits to pregnant women. These include the following:

• Reduced Low Back Pain
• Healthier Pregnancy
• Shorter Childbirths
• Better Pelvic Balance
• Optimal Baby Positioning
• Easier Postnatal Recovery
• Pain Reduction
• Improves Posture
• Improved Sleep
• Shorter Labor
• Lower Risk Of Preterm Delivery
• Neck Pain
• Reduced Need For Pain Medication
• Enhanced Nervous System Function
• Less Morning Sickness/Nausea
• Reduced Risk Of C-Sections
• Reduced Risk Of Complications

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Chiropractic care is very safe. In fact, the risk of adverse effects is much lower than those reported with prescription medication, hospital visits, or even appointments with primary care doctors.

That said, there are always chances of complications. The most serious ones that are in the realm of possibility would be that of increased herniation and stroke. However, these incidents are extremely rare.

It’s also important to be thoroughly evaluated before beginning not just chiropractic treatment, but any type of medical treatment. There is no one right path that is going to work with anyone. Chiropractic care is not going to be recommended universally. If you have any of the following conditions, it may not be the best option for you: 

• Severe osteoporosis
• Numbness or tingling
• Loss of strength in an arm or leg
• Bone cancer, particularly in the spine
• Increased risk of stroke
• Certain issues with bone structure, particularly in the neck

Be sure to ask your Burnsville, MN chiropractor and your physician for more information. 

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Treatments Help?

Chiropractic treatments can be used to successfully treat a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the most common ones: 

• Headaches
• Low Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Sciatica
• Sports Injury
• Disc Herniation
• Whiplash
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Shoulder Problems
• Fibromyalgia
• Tension Headaches
• Arm Pain
• Sprain
• Anxiety
• Immune Function
• Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
• Knee Pain
• Piriformis Syndrome
• Carpal Tunnel
• Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip Pain

Ask your Burnsville, MN chiropractor for more information. 

How Long Will I Need Chiropractic Care?

This is going to vary, depending on individual circumstances. Some people will need treatment for the rest of their lives. A pregnant woman may only see treatment until she has recovered from childbirth, while an accident victim may only need to come in for a few months. 

Your chiropractor and doctor will be able to discuss specific treatment options and timelines based on your individual health and circumstances. The plan may also be adjusted over time, depending on the issue being treated and also the response. 

Is Chiropractic Treatment Expensive?

Costs may vary among different service providers. However, it’s important to note that many insurance companies do cover chiropractic care. You may only be responsible for a co-pay, though it would of course ultimately depend on the sort of coverage you have.

Make An Appointment At Our Burnsville, MN Chiropractor Clinic

Do you want to learn more about chiropractic treatments? Are you interested in booking an appointment or evaluation? Please do not hesitate to contact us to learn more. Here at your Burnsville, MN chiropractic care clinic, we have your back!