Common Questions
What do chiropractors really do?
- What happens on my first visit? What should I expect?
- How long does a treatment take?
- I've often thought about seeing a chiropractor for problems I have, but frankly I'm wary because I've heard people say you have to keep coming in without end.
- What is the cracking noise with an adjustment and is it safe?
- How will chiropractic help manage my pain?
- What is required to be a doctor of chiropractic? Do you have the same degree as a medical doctor?
- I've heard friends say different things about the Chiropractor they see or have seen in the past. Why would one Chiropractor be different from another?
- Does insurance pay for chiropractic?
- Are Chiropractic adjustments safe?
- Should I tell my medical doctor I am seeing a chiropractor?
Q: What do chiropractors really do?
A: Chiropractors are nationally and state licensed to provide a natural mode of health care . The mode of care is centered around the chiropractic adjustment (manual manipulation). A chiropractic license allows a Chiropractor to administer physical therapy treatment, vitamins and nutritional counseling along with manipulative therapy.
Q: What happens on my first visit? What should I expect?
A: You will fill out initial paperwork, including a description of your present health complaints. The doctor will then consult with you regarding your present complaints, previous treatment, past medical history or injuries. An exam of the area of complaint is next, including range of motion, ortho/neurological evaluation and evaluation of the muscle tone. It is at this time that x-rays are taken, if warranted. Your x-rays and exam findings are reviewed with you , and if your condition would benefit from chiropractic treatment, the method of treatment will be offered. If not, a referral to the proper health care professional will be made.
Q: How long does a treatment take?
A: Most treatment sessions require between 10-20 minutes; depending upon the depth and scope of care necessary. The initial examination typically lasts 45-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of a patient's condition, and whether a treatment is received immediately after the initial evaluation.
Q: I've often thought about seeing a chiropractor for problems I have, but frankly I'm wary because I've heard people say you have to keep coming in without end.
A: The answer to this question is yes and no. On the no side, you as a patient, may do what you wish at anytime. If you desire to discontinue care, that is your prerogative. You will never feel pressured into a long term program at this office. Many times the number of visits will continue or discontinue based on how you feel and respond to adjustments. On the yes side, when you understand the benefits of continuing care, the choice to continue is yours to make. Those patients are the ones who continue to benefit, and who are pleased about ongoing chiropractic checkups.
Q: What is the cracking noise with an adjustment and is it safe?
A: Chiropractic adjustments most commonly elicit an audible "pop" or "crack" sound. Chiropractors refer to this as an "audible release" or "cavitation sound." Treatment success is not dependent upon this noise. Your spinal joints contain a fluid known as synovium. The synovial fluid contains dissolved gasses; mostly carbon dioxide. When your spine is adjusted, a vacuum is created within the joint and the dissolved gasses come out of solution, forming a gas bubble. This vacuum creates a "pop."
Q: How will chiropractic help manage my pain?
A: Chiropractic has a very good history with symptom reduction . What we find is that roughly 80 percent of people obtain good results, 10 percent have SOME help with pain, and the final 10 percent have no appreciable change. Each person is different, and the doctor must work with this in mind. It is also advantageous to treat your injury sooner rather than later. Problems you have had for many years may take longer to treat as opposed to a recent injury. Remember, it takes time to affect a natural change in the body.
Q: What is required to be a doctor of chiropractic? Do you have the same degree as a medical doctor?
A: No, chiropractors do not have the same degrees as an MD. Chiropractic philosophy is different from that of medicine. We must have four years of undergraduate work (a degree), in order to enter chiropractic school . Then there are four more years before we graduate with a doctors degree. Between entry and graduation, we obtain an education in much the same areas as the medical doctor . We have a one year residency before we are allowed to practice. The new graduate must pass a difficult national and state board exam to be " board certified ".
Q: I've heard friends say different things about the Chiropractor they see or have seen in the past. Why would one Chiropractor be different from another?
A: Chiropractic treatment can differ greatly from one Chiropractor to the next, often depending on what chiropractic college they attended. In this clinic we apply several techniques, including Motion Palpation, Active Release, and Diversified. These techniques ensure that you'll only receive adjustments in joints that aren't functioning properly, and nowhere else.
Q: Does insurance pay for chiropractic?
A: Yes, many health insurance insurance companies reimburse for a portion of chiropractic treatment. We will call to confirm your benefits and highly recommend that you do the same.
Q: Are Chiropractic adjustments safe?
A: In general, chiropractic treatments carry a very low risk of complication. Approximately 25% of patients will experience short-term [24 hours] of local soreness following the initial adjustment. The risk of serious, irreversible complication is rare, and Dr. Giebler uses a very thorough exam to first identify any reasons Chiropractic care isn't appropriate before any care is given. It is important that you discuss any specific concerns with your treating chiropractor prior to receiving treatment.
Q: Should I tell my medical doctor I am seeing a chiropractor?
A: We encourage our patients to inform their medical doctor that they are receiving chiropractic treatment. In fact, our practice has been built through working together with patient centered medical providers. The key to comprehensive care is communication.