Chiropractic Treatment Program Questions
Although every individual treatment plan will differ, common questions you can ask your chiropractor may include:
- What is a typical practice pattern or treatment program?
- What chiropractic services do you offer? Which do you recommend for me?
- What is your recommendation if the treatment program doesn’t seem to help?
- Have you ever referred your patients to other health professionals? If yes, under what circumstances?
Foot Drop/weakness In The Foot:
If pain, weakness or numbness extends into the foot so that you are unable to lift your toe as you walk, this can be an emergency alert symptom. You should seek care from a spine specialist within 48 hours. If not treated promptly, this condition could lead to permanent weakness in the leg.My goal as your chiropractic physician is to quickly determine whether I am a good fit to manage your pain or problem. If I can help, Ill work to eliminate your pain as quickly as possible. If I am not your best choice, I will make the appropriate referral or will let you know what you need to do next. Your first choice for evaluation of spine pain should be your chiropractor. Chiropractic has an enviable success rate for most common nerve/muscle/joint challenges, and studies have shown that chiropractic is the most cost effective method of dealing with spine complaints. Call us today at 864-292-6777 for your first visit!
Other Treatment Hasnt Worked
You may need to visit a chiropractor if no other treatment has worked for your lower back pain. Whether it be massage therapy, heat therapy, or any other type of treatment, you have found no relief. A chiropractor will develop a specific treatment plan on a case-by-case basis and include a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating your back pain.
Pain is usually an indication of inflammation thats going on inside the body which can be caused by joint, muscular, nerve dysfunction or misalignment. Lower back pain, specifically, can be caused by a variety of factors including improper lifting, poor posture, and poor fitness levels. While lower back pain rarely indicates something is serious, people should seek out treatment well before the lower back pain gets worse.
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Pain Radiating Into The Arm:
Pain that radiates into an arm below the elbow can be a symptom of a disc herniation in the neck. That being said, many times radiating pain can be successfully treated with specific chiropractic methods without the use of surgery. Radiating pain is a symptom which should be seen by a chiropractor within two weeks of its onset.
Reduces Reliance On Opioid Pain Relievers
People with chronic pain are often given prescriptions for opioid pain relievers to help manage their discomfort. However, undergoing chiropractic treatment may lower your need to take these pain relievers.
A large 2020 study compared the number of prescriptions for opioid pain relievers filled for adults who visited just their doctor or who visited both a chiropractor and their doctor to treat spinal pain.
The study found that adults who visited a chiropractor were less likely to get an opioid prescription filled for their pain compared to those who only saw their doctor.
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What Is Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. The theory is that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
Chiropractic treatment is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
The initials “DC” identify a chiropractor, whose education typically includes an undergraduate degree plus four years of chiropractic college.
Chiropractors Undergo Proper Certification And Training
Chiropractors do not hold an MD because they dont go to traditional medical school. This doesnt mean you should not trust them to handle your pain. These specialists also undergo extensive training and are licensed practitioners.
The United States requires chiropractors to get a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. This they can only get from a Chiropractic Education accredited college.
They go through several theoretical training and practical experience before they start practicing, which are all the more reasons to trust them with your treatment needs. Some also specialize in specific areas during the training.
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Due To Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within your spine narrow, which puts pressure on the nerves travelling through it and creates searing pain. You need help and often surgery is not the answer but a chiropractic treatment plan with varied manual therapies and a therapeutic exercise plan is.
May Help Athletic Performance
Spinal adjustments may potentially improve your athletic performance. This could be due to increased joint mobility, reduced pain, and less tissue restriction.
However, there are still found that it didnt improve performance in people without symptoms.
Chiropractic adjustments may be effective when used to deal with pain caused by an injury.
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How Can Chiropractic Help Me
The manual techniques used in chiropractic may help to relieve pain and improve how your back works. The aim is for you to get moving again and start getting back to your normal activities. Keeping active, rather than resting is the best thing for back pain.
If youre offered manual therapies, doctors recommend that you have them as part of a treatment package. This should include a general exercise programme and, if needed, other treatments such as psychological therapy.
Studies on manipulation have found that it works as well as other treatments for back pain.
So When Should You Go To A Chiropractor
If your pain is caused by a strained ligament, poor posture, or something more mechanical in nature. Repeating the same motions over and over, like lifting with your back instead of your knees, for example, is an ingrained habit that can cause your back to hurt by pulling muscles, joints, and more out of alignment. A chiropractor can solve the problem by re-aligning what is out of place . He or she will also give you a series of exercises to do at home to help you break bad habits and strengthen your muscles. These exercises will help reduce the possibility of getting re-injured.
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What Type Of Certification And Training Do Chiropractors Have
Chiropractors must earn a postgraduate degree called a Doctor of Chiropractic . It usually takes 4 years to complete. Admission to the program requires at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, and some programs require a bachelors degree.
All states also require chiropractors to be licensed. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, but all states require a chiropractor to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams.
Some chiropractors specialize in a particular area of chiropractic treatment and go on to do a residency for several more years.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are more than 70,000 chiropractors in the United States.
Here are some suggestions for finding a qualified chiropractor in your area:
Why Would I See A Chiropractor For Back Pain
If you have lower back pain thats causing significant problems or isnt getting better, it could be worth trying manual therapy. Manual therapy is a treatment where your practitioner uses skilled hand movements to manipulate and move your joints and soft tissues.
A chiropractor can offer this type of treatment for short- or long-term general lower back pain. They can also help with sciatica pain that spreads from your back down your legs. Most people arrange treatment with a chiropractor themselves, by booking a private appointment. Chiropractic is rarely available on the NHS, but if chiropractic is available in your area, your GP may refer you. For more information on this, see our section: Finding a chiropractor in your area below.
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Chiropractic Care Of The Upper Back
There are many sources of dysfunction in the upper back , especially when we consider the numerous joints and the interlacing of muscles that comprise the thoracic spine and rib cage. If one muscle or joint is injured or inflamed, it can create a cascade of pain and dysfunction that can be difficult to treat.
This article reviews the most common sources of dysfunction in the upper back, and commonly accepted treatment approaches used by chiropractors.
The Definition Of Physiotherapy
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists definition of physiotherapy is as follows:
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that works with people to identify and maximise their ability to move and function. Functional movement is a key part of what it means to be healthy. This means that physiotherapy plays a key role in enabling people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Physiotherapists use their professional knowledge and practical skills, together with thinking skills and skills for interaction in their day-to-day practice. This combination of knowledge and skills means that practitioners can work in partnership with the individual and other people involved with that person.
Physiotherapists recognise that physical, psychological, social and environmental factors can limit movement and function. They use their knowledge and skills to identify what is limiting an individuals movement and performance, and to help individuals decide how to address their needs.
Physiotherapys values means that practice is person-centered, ethical and effective. The evidence-base underpinning physiotherapy is constantly evolving as practitioners develop new knowledge and understanding through critical reflection, evaluation and research. This evolving evidence base supports the use and development of physiotherapys scope of practice.
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Should You See A Chiropractor For Back Pain
Nearly everyone suffers from back pain at some point. One treatment option is chiropractic care, which often includes spinal manipulation , exercise advice, and self-care recommendations. A review of research found that spinal manipulation can help relieve pain and improve function in people with acute low-back pain, one of the most common types of back pain.
Duke chiropractor Eugene Lewis, DC, MPH, answers questions about how chiropractic care can help.
When Not To See A Chiropractor
Patients with herniated or slipped discs and those with arthritis may need advice from specialist physicians before seeing a chiropractor. If there is a physical abnormality or injury in your body, such as a fracture, chiropractic care may not be for you. People with osteoporosis and those with fragile health should also check before beginning chiropractic care.
So, whats the best way to determine if you could benefit from seeing a chiropractor? Simply consult with a chiropractor! Chiropractors are the best professionals to talk to if you want to know whether your condition can benefit from chiropractic care. A simple consultation in which you detail your symptoms and medical history along with imaging tests to check for physical abnormalities can help a chiropractor determine if you should seek care from them.
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How Often Should You Go To The Chiropractor For Maintenance
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Chiropractors are wonderful, and they help people daily. Today, there are more than 3,000 chiropractors in the UK, and the British Chiropractic Association has set a goal of increasing that number to 5,000 by 2025.
Chiropractors use adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. Many people swear by the scientific magic that chiropractors can achieve.
If you are interested in seeing a chiropractor for ongoing, chronic pain, you may want to learn more about this profession and what a chiropractor can do for you. And, how often should you go to the chiropractor for maintenance, anyway?
Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
When You Should See A Chiropractor For Upper Back Pain
Although deciding when to see a chiropractor for your upper back pain will vary from person to person, there are some general rules of thumb you can follow to help you navigate through the process.
If you have some upper back pain, but it is not too severe and uncomfortable and goes away quickly, you probably do not need to seek treatment from a chiropractor. Pain that is not drastically affecting your quality of life and does not linger or come back on a regular basis can often be treated at home. Perhaps your posture is poor some days or maybe your upper body workout made you tweak a muscle. In these cases, you should be fine with some ice, heat, and over the counter pain medications for treatment.
However, if you are experiencing chronic upper back pain, it is getting worse, it goes away, but comes back often, and it is making your day-to-day life harder than it should be, you should consider making an appointment with a chiropractor to help get the issues sorted out.
Not seeking proper treatment will just make your upper back pain worse and cause more serious issues in the future. Your main goal should be to avoid more intensive and invasive treatments for upper back pain such as surgery, injections, and prescription pain medications.
Furthermore, if you have had a trauma to the upper back, seeking treatment immediately is imperative. Trauma cannot be treated at home and without a doctors assistance.
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What To Expect After Chiropractic
You may have some pain or discomfort for a short time after your treatment. This shouldnt last for long and is usually nothing to worry about. If you have any concerns, contact your chiropractor for advice.
Your chiropractor should tell you at your first visit how many sessions youre likely to need. The plan may be for you to have one or two treatments a week for a few weeks initially. Your chiropractor may recommend a longer-term treatment plan if you have complex problems or your job means you keep getting back pain.
If your symptoms dont feel any better after a few sessions of treatment, your chiropractor may reassess you. They may discuss other care options for you or suggest you see a different healthcare professional.
Manual therapies such as those offered by a chiropractor are usually only one part of your treatment for back pain. Its important that you also follow any advice your chiropractor or other healthcare professional may give you on looking after your back and on things you can do to keep active. This will help you to get better faster.
Potential Red Flags About Chiropractic Treatment Programs
There are several red flags patients should be on the look-out for when they visit a new chiropractor. Examples may include:
- Pressure to purchase specific supplements or devices sold exclusively at their clinic. You should never feel pressured to purchase more than the service you initially paid for.
- Treating all patients the same If your chiropractor seems to find the same problem in every patient, he or she may not be very experienced or reputable.
- Negative online reviews Always read the online reviews of the chiropractic offices you have booked an appointment with. This will give you clearer insight into how treatment with previous patients has gone in the past. If the majority of reviews are not great this is usually a red flag.
- Continued treatments after symptoms have resolved Your chiropractor should want you to heal, and schedule visits less frequently once your symptoms have alleviated.
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Youre Experiencing Neck Pain
Your spine goes up into your neck, and neck pain is a big red flag. If you feel a crick in your neck or a tight and painful jaw, make a chiropractic appointment.
That pain, tingling, or weakness in the arms could be due to an issue in the neck, as can headaches and face pain. These are all warning signs that its time to get to a chiropractor for an evaluation and treatment.
Neck pain, just like back pain, can mean that your spine is out of alignment and you want your chiropractor to get it back to being just right.
What Are Their Treatment Processes Like
Physical therapists design treatment processes that improve long-term functionality. PTs tailor each treatment plan to the patients needs. As part of their treatment process, PTs will explain what caused the problem and why youre in pain, then walk you through exercises that will help you improve function over time. PT treatment programs can last from a few weeks to several months and can include 30-60 minute sessions with a therapist and an at-home exercise plan.
While chiropractors also use a hands-on approach, their treatment is focused more on the spine. They focus more on realigning the vertebrae in your spine to release tension in the body, which relieves your pain. Chiropractors also recommend multiple visits, which can last around 10-30 minutes per visit.
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Reason : Chiropractic Care Is Non
So, if a chiropractor does not use medications or surgery to help someone recover from back discomfort issues such as sciatica, then how does he or she help people struggling with back pain?
A chiropractor uses manual therapy called adjustments and manipulations to help patients recover. Chiropractors believe that the body has the power to recover naturally. It simply needs to be placed in the correct position to do so. This means making sure that the vertebrae in the back are properly aligned. A chiropractor will make sure that the bones in the back are working with the muscles, ligaments, and tendons to provide a strong foundation for the rest of the body. Then, the body will heal itself naturally without side effects or complications.
