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Castellano Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions

Do adjustments hurt? What is that popping sound? Why are so many MDs referring to Chiropractic Doctors now? Once I am adjusted by a Doctor of Chiropractic, do I have to keep seeing a chiropractor forever? Does insurance cover chiropractic? Is chiropractic care expensive? Are chiropractors real doctors? What do chiropractors learn in school? Should I ask my medical doctor's opinion before consulting a chiropractor? What is a typical chiropractic treatment? How does chiropractic help athletes improve and maintain their best performance? What about sports injuries? I was in a car accident. Should I see a Chiropractor?

 

1. Do adjustments hurt?

        Most patients find chiropractic treatment makes them feel great. Occasionally, there may be soreness similar to how one feels after working out. Soreness from using muscle for the first time in a while is actually a good thing and resolves quickly. The soreness is caused by the stretching of scar tissue and the improved motion of the previously locked joint.

Most people report greater flexibility following an adjustment. A spinal adjustment is extremely safe when performed by a qualified doctor.

2. What is that popping sound?

        The “pop” sometimes heard is caused by gas bubbles which form and pop as the joint moves fully during the adjustment.

3. Why are so many MDs referring to Chiropractic Doctors now?

        A tremendous amount of research has shown the effectiveness of chiropractic care for conditions such as low back pain. Medical Doctors who refer to chiropractors do so in the best interest of their patients.

4. Once I am adjusted by a Doctor of Chiropractic, do I have to keep seeing a chiropractor forever?

        NO! We care for problems in one of 3 phases of care. Patients always choose the level of care they desire.

1. AcuteCare Goal - Relieve Pain.
Most patients show improvement within the first 2 to 5 visits. Initial treatment usually works best when a person is seen frequently for a short period of time.
2. RehabCare Goal — Correct Bio-Mechanical Problems
Chiropractors restore pain-free motion and improve strength with continued joint mobilization, muscle therapy and posture exercises. Learning new body motion patterns helps change how you move so you can feel good and be well.
3. WellnessCare Goal - Prevention & Performance
Regular therapy and intelligent LifeHabits help people keep moving, stay active and maximize their HealthSpan.

5. Does insurance cover chiropractic? Is chiropractic care expensive?

        Many insurance policies cover chiropractic services. Coverage varies from policy to policy.

        Also, most doctors of chiropractic offer affordable payment plans.

6. Are chiropractors real doctors?

        Yes. The degree that chiropractors hold is "D.C.", which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. Becoming a chiropractor takes on the average seven years of school in a curriculum similar to a medical doctor's education (instead of training in pharmacology and surgery chiropractors have more training in radiology, neurology and spinal adjusting techniques).

        Chiropractic colleges are accredited by the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE), and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In order to receive a license to practice chiropractic, comprehensive State and National Board examinations must be passed and continuing education must be earned each year.

7. What do chiropractors learn in school?

        Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors extensive education requirements include over 4000 hours of anatomy, pathology and clinical skills.

        Prior to attending a chiropractic college, two to three undergraduate years with an emphasis in biological sciences is required. A typical Chiropractic college requires a minimum of four to five academic years of professional resident study involving not less than 4000 hours.

Curriculum includes:
ANATOMY: Myology, Osteology, Histology, Embryology, Spinal Anatomy, Spachnology, Genesiology/Angiology, Central Nervous System Special Senses, Arthology, Human Dissection, And Topographical Anatomy.
PRACTICAL PATIENT CARE: Clinic I, II, III, IV, Emergency procedures, Jurisprudence, Research.
DIAGNOSIS: Physical Diagnostic methods, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Clinical Human Behavior, Neuro-Musculo-Skeletal Exams/Management, Geriatrics/Dermatology, Visceral Disorders.
PATHOLOGY: Microbiology, General Pathology I, II, Public Health, Hemotology, Neuro-Musculo Skeletal I, II, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Gastrointestinal/Genitourinary.
PHILOSOPHY PHYSIOLOGY: General, Cellular Cardiovascular/Pulmonary, Endocrinology, Digestion/Nutrition, Renal, Physiology Lab.
CHEMISTRY: Biochemistry I, II, Chemistry Lab, Toxicology. X-RAY Introduction, X-Ray Physics, X-Ray Positioning, Diagnostic Radiology, Pathology I, II.
TECHNIQUE: Biomechanics, Palpation, Specialized, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Pelvic, Principals and Practice.
The courses listed above represent a summary.

8. Should I ask my medical doctor's opinion before consulting a chiropractor?

        You are certainly entitled to ask your MD’s opinion on chiropractic, but be aware that some general practitioners may still have limited knowledge on chiropractic manipulative therapies.

        Chiropractors are trained to recognize disorders beyond a chiropractic scope of practice and when to refer a patient to the appropriate medical specialist.

9. What is a typical chiropractic treatment?

        First, the cause of your problem is determined with a complete examination including physical, orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests. X-rays are taken if necessary.

        The doctor will then explain your problem, tell you whether or not he/she feels chiropractic care is indicated, and an appropriate treatment plan will be recommended.

        Then, gentle manipulation (or adjustments) to spinal or extremity joints are performed. Physio-therapy such as Ultrasound, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Cryotherapy, Hydrocollator, and/or Intersegmental mobilization may also be used.

        In addition, massage can stretch tight muscles and personalized postural exercises retrain poor patterns of body motion.

10. How does chiropractic help athletes improve and maintain their best performance? What about sports injuries?

        Chiropractors help athletes balance body and joint motion for optimal sports performance.

        Chiropractic adjustments promote full range joint motion, stretch overly tight muscles, work underused muscles, and reduce stress from overused tissues.

        An athlete who can move fully, with balance, and in control can perform his best.

11. I was in a car accident. Should I see a Chiropractor?

        If you are involved in an auto accident it is important to be evaluated to determine if there is a soft tissue injury.

        Chiropractors focus on proper function of posture and the spine, nerves, muscles and ligaments, so the first thing evaluated is evidence of serious trauma such as fractures, etc.

        Because the symptoms from a soft tissue injury may not show up until 3-7 days after the trauma, a thorough chiropractic examination is very important. Pain changes how a body moves, therefore after the initial pain improves, the body may adapt to moving differently.

        Pain medication and muscle relaxers can mask the pain, but unless normal motion is restored, body motion will be unbalanced. Left untreated, the body adapts to the unbalanced pattern of motion, creating a chronic problem.