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10 frequently asked questions about chiropractic can help educate you on the truth about chiropractic. Chiropractic can treat acute or chronic back/extremity pain, chronic fatigue, stress, digestive issues, and a variety of other health problems. You need to make an informed decision about the care you need. Read below about the benefits and realities about chiropractic.
1. What is Chiropractic?
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. These disorders include, but are not limited to: back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
Firstly, Chiropractic is a health care discipline that stresses the importance of the structural integrity of the body. Secondly, Chiropractic recognizes the relationship of the human body as a whole. Thirdly, Chiropractic pays particular attention to the neurological and musculoskeletal systems. Finally, the Chiropractor understands that when the structural integrity of the body is compromised the body’s ability to function optimally is diminished.
Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) practice a conservative approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. DCs have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, lifestyle and dietary counseling. Chiropractic is a method of treatment that is conservative and does not prescribe medications or perform surgery. In Florida, a chiropractic physician is considered a primary health care provider, and as such a direct portal of entry to our health care system.
2. How long will I treat?
Even one visit to a chiropractor can offer tremendous benefits. You do not have to keep visiting a chiropractor for life to maintain the benefits. However, many people do find that long-term treatment helps them to feel and function at their best. Moreover, if they are fighting chronic pain or another chronic health condition, corrective care maybe necessary. Each patient is different. Some patients may require multiple treatments to resolve or stabilize their condition. Others may not. In conclusion, the doctor will recommend a treatment plan. The plan will outline the type and frequency of treatment recommended.
3. What is the “popping or cracking” sound sometimes produced with an adjustment?
That sound commonly referred to as an “audible or cavitation” is NOT your bones rubbing against other bones like many people believe. That sound is created by gas pressure released when the joints are separated. Not all chiropractic adjustments produce a sound. In fact, some adjustments produce no sound at all. Advances in chiropractic care have developed a noise-free gentler treatment option offered at Meiri Chiropractic (low intensity, low amplitude adjustment).
4. Do adjustments hurt?
Although adjustments are sometimes uncomfortable, they are not typically painful. You may feel a little bit sore after, as though you had a tough workout. Most patients look forward to their adjustments. The truth is, after an adjustment, immediate pain relief is quite common. First-time patients are typically shocked by the healing and wellness that follows a chiropractic adjustment.
5. Is Chiropractic care expensive?
Many insurance policies cover chiropractic care. Of course, just like any medical treatment, the actual expense varies from person to person. The good news is, chiropractic care can be very affordable with insurance. The best thing you can do is check with your potential chiropractors to learn your options regarding your insurance policy.
The other factor to consider is the long-term savings you could enjoy because of chiropractic care. Many studies have concluded that patients using chiropractic and other holistic treatments experienced:
- fewer hospital admissions
- fewer days in a hospital stay
- decrease in outpatient procedures, including surgeries
- reduction in pharmacy and drug costs
Although you may not see the healthcare savings immediately in your budget. Certainly, you are likely to see them later on as you enjoy a healthier, better quality of life with fewer medical costs.
6. Will I need x-rays and what kinds of treatments will I receive?
The answer regarding x-rays is, you may. Not all patients require x-rays. If it is necessary in your particular case, we have the ability to take x-rays at Meiri Chiropractic.
Dr. Natalie Meiri believes in tailoring treatment plans to fit the specific needs of each of her patients. She employs a mixture of manual adjusting, soft tissue techniques (myofascial release, pressure point, post isometric relaxation), physiotherapies, and rehabilitative stretches and exercises. In addition, Homeopathic consultations are also offered for overall wellness. Her goal is to get fast and effective results. Above all, Dr. Natalie Meiri aims to help her patients achieve their full health potential.
7. Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are safe. You should definitely seek a highly trained and experienced chiropractor. The low-intensity adjustments delivered at Meiri Chiropractic are perfect for nervous patients who can tense up during their adjustments. Dr. Natalie Meiri’s adjustments are gentle, precise, and quick.
8. Are Chiropractors “real doctors”?
Doctors of Chiropractic are educated in nationally accredited, four-year doctoral graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical internship, with the average DC program equivalent in classroom hours to allopathic (Doctor of Medicine, MD) and osteopathic (Doctor of Osteopathy, DO) medical schools.
Chiropractors are required to pass a series of four national board exams and be state licensed to practice. There are more than 70,000 chiropractors in the United States, with some in management or teaching positions.
9. How do I know if I will benefit from chiropractic?
Many people including babies to elderly benefit from chiropractic. The results vary from person to person, depending on individual health and physiology. The results depend on a variety of factors such as what other medical care you receive, lifestyle changes you make, and so on.
The first step is to come into our office and meet with Dr. Natalie Meiri. She will perform a consultation, physical examination and possibly recommend x-rays or lab work. It is at that time that she may advise you as to whether or not you are a candidate for Chiropractic care.
10. How do I get started with chiropractic care?
Contact our West Palm Beach office for further information on the 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic. We will be glad to schedule an appointment for you as well. You may phone us at 561-253-8984.
Meiri Chiropractic