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What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is the third-largest doctoral-level health care profession in the western world after medicine and dentistry. Its approach to human health is based on the premise that the relationship between structure and function in the human body is a significant health factor and that relationships between the spinal column and the nervous system are important to the health and well-being of the individual.
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Which problems are most commonly treated by chiropractic?
The most common conditions treated are low-back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches and sciatica. Other conditions often seen include osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and many forms of sprains and strains. Doctors of Chiropractic are trained to diagnose and treat a great deal more than just neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
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What is a doctor of chiropractic?
Doctors of chiropractic, also known as chiropractors are physicians who consider humans as integrated beings, but give special attention to the interaction among the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and a patient's lifestyle.
A chiropractor is licensed to use the title of "Dr." as are medical doctors, osteopaths and dentists.
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What training does a doctor of chiropractic receive?
To obtain a degree as a doctor of chiropractic, a candidate must have a minimum of two years pre-professional college education, with a curriculum concentrated in the basic and biological sciences, plus four years of resident instruction at a chiropractic college.
Doctors of chiropractic spend years studying and perfecting the art of performing manual therapies, as well as administering other natural, non-invasive treatments. Some chiropractors go on to become board-certified in special areas of study such as sports injuries, orthopedics, radiology, occupational health and nutrition. For this reason the doctor of chiropractic is keenly aware of the numerous conservative treatments that will bring about the most rapid recovery.
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How is chiropractic different from traditional medicine?
Chiropractic treats the patient, not just the symptoms. By using a holistic approach and examining the lifestyle of the patient, the doctor of chiropractic not only addresses the problem, but the cause as well. Chiropractic avoids high-risk solutions such as prescription drugs and surgery. Instead, chiropractic care involves a more natural, conservative approach that promotes self-healing and helps to strengthen the body's natural defense systems.
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Are chiropractic adjustments effective?
Yes! While there are millions of individual case experiences to support chiropractic's benefits, there are also numerous published studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of spinal manipulation.
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Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes! It is one of the safest drugless, non-surgical treatments available when administered by a qualified doctor of chiropractic who is will-trained and experienced in the use of manipulation.
Statistics show that pationt risk is substantially lower with chiropractic, as opposed to medical care, where the threat of prescription drugs and surgery pose a greater risk. These two factors, drugs and surgery, are the most risky elements in health care today.
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Does an adjustment hurt?
Many people fear that treatment is painful or will cause harm. In reality, most patients find that the adjustment actually feels good. In many cases, it brings immediate pain relief. A few patients report slight soreness in the treated muscles or joints, but these are considered normal reactions to the treatment and generally disappear shortly afterward.
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Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most insurances provide some chiropractic coverage. Every person's insurance coverage and plan is different. We recommend calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card to verify your benefits prior to coming in for treatment. We are preferred providers for most area PPOs as well as Medicare and Medicaid/Title 19/BadgerCare/HIRSP.
For those not wishing to utilize insurance or seeking maintenace care, we offer affordable discounts if care is paid for on the day of service.
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Is chiropractic care expensive?
Studies that compare chiropractic and medical treatments demonstrate that cases under chiropractic care show lower treatment costs, lower compensation costs, reduced work-time losses and reduced worker disability. Over 75% of payments for chiropractic services are covered by one or more types of insurance or other third-party payment systems. These include: private indemnity insurance, auto insurance, workers' compensation insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and prepaid/managed care plans.
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Do I need a refferal to see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic is a primary health care profession, meaning that chiropractors are qualified to initially see patients exhibiting any type of complaint, and then determine the patient's best course in the health care system. No referral is needed unless required by your insurance policy. Chiropractors refer for a wide variety of diagnostic testing to determine the nature of a patient's complaint including: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, urinalyses, and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing. If the chiropractor determined the condition is beyond his/her scope of care, he will refer the patient to the proper specialist. Many patients are also co-managed by medical and chiropractic providers to provide the best of both worlds for the patient.
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