Seeking Chiropractic Care: What You Need to Know

​By: Dr. Xavier A. Ortiz Ramírez DC, MD, FP

Do you suffer from pain, discomfort, or have difficulty moving?  Whether that pain is caused by arthritis, an injury, or if you don’t know the cause, you may consider chiropractic care.  Chiropractic care is a natural way to seek pain relief.  With proper treatment, that relief will be long-term and long-lasting.  However, if this is your first-time seeking chiropractic care, you may have many questions.  Continue reading on to get your answers.

Question:  What types of conditions can chiropractors treat?

Answer:  A wide range.  Many are surprised to hear that chiropractors treat more than just back pain.  This is a common misconception.  In actuality, they treat a wide range of medical conditions that result in pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility.  They typically treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints and joint pains in the entire body.

Question:  What types of treatments are offered in chiropractic care?

Answer:  Many.  Although many procedures are performed, two are common.  They are adjustments and therapeutic massages.  One mistake that many makes is believing that they can perform these procedures at home; it is very risky.  A chiropractic adjustment is a fine practice that only a few know how to master.  Yes, only the hands are used, but the precision force is required.  The hands manipulate joints to enhance function, improve mobility, and reduce pain.  These joints are important to mobility.  One wrong move and a person can land themselves in a world of pain.

Question:  Is chiropractic care safe?

Answer:  Yes.  Many are surprised to learn just how safe chiropractic care is.  It is a lot safer than most traditional forms of medicine.  Chiropractors do not prescribe medication.  They cannot, but most would not anyways.  This is because they believe in natural relief.  They also aim for more than just temporary relief, but a permanent solution to the problem.  Most primary care physicians mask pain with over the counter or prescribed pain pills.  This temporarily stops pain, but it will return.  On the other hand, chiropractors target the source of the pain and fix it.  So, not only is chiropractic care safe, but you get better longer-lasting results.

Question:  Do you need a referral before seeing a chiropractor?

Answer:  You should not.  Many insurance providers do require referrals for specialists, such as surgeons.  Although chiropractors do have a specialty, which is a natural manual therapy, they are not legally classified as specialists.  All states classify them as contact physicians.  This means your insurance provider should not require you to have a referral.  Chiropractors provide referrals.  In cases that they cannot treat, such as a neck fracture, the patient is referred to a qualified surgeon.

Question:  Does chiropractic care hurt?

Answer:  It shouldn’t.  If you opt for a certified chiropractor who performs all procedures correctly it should not hurt.  The only exception is with a therapeutic massage.  If you suffer from arthritis, your joints are already hurt.  The first couple of touches may result in some discomfort, but that will soon disappear.  As for adjustments, they should not hurt.  Although chiropractors advise against cracking our knuckles, we have all done it.  It is similar.  You may hear a popping sound but will feel no pain.

Question:  How do I find a chiropractor?

Answer:  You have many options.  It is easier to turn to your local phone book.  In the yellow pages or the business directory, look under the headings of “physicians,” or “chiropractic care.”  The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) allows you to search for Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) on their website, located at AmerChiro.org.

Question:  Does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Answer:  It depends on your insurance company and the coverage plan you selected.  A growing number of insurance providers are extending coverage for chiropractic care.  Some are doing so at the suggestion of employers and employees.  Those in physically demanding professions, such as construction and mail delivery, can benefit from having easy and affordable access to care.  

Question:  What about those who do not have health insurance?

Answer:  If you do not have health insurance, do not avoid seeking chiropractic care.  Instead, find a care provider who is willing to work with you.  Some will develop affordable payment plans.  Some chiropractors also accept credit cards as payment.  Although the costs increase with late fees and interest rates, it may be your only way to seek relief.

Contact the Author:

Dr. Xavier A. Ortiz Ramirez, DC, MD, NRCME
CEO / Chiropractic Physician @ Back 2 Work Clinic
 

Web: https://back2work.clinic
Office Phone: (208) 965-2262
Mobile Phone: (208) 576-4696
Email: drxavierortiz@back2work.clinic 
Mail to: PO Box 382 Meridian ID, 83680 
Practice: 950 E Riverside Dr. Eagle Idaho, 83616