Everything You Need to Know: 11 Hard Questions About Chiropractic Care

1. What can a chiropractic physician do for me that another doctor can’t?
Chiropractic physicians primarily use spinal manipulation and rehabilitation. They are trained to focus on your body’s structural integrity because of how closely it relates to function and overall health. Their therapies support the muscles, nerves, and bones your body depends on, and they offer an approach that medical doctors traditionally do not use. Research has documented the clinical effectiveness of chiropractic care.

2. Does chiropractic therapy really work?
Research supports chiropractic treatment as clinically effective and cost effective for both acute and chronic low back and neck conditions. It is also used for headaches, disc herniations, disc ruptures, arm and leg pain, and rib pain.

3. What other health problems can chiropractic care help?
The most common are back and neck pain, headaches, sports injuries, and posture problems. Chiropractic care is also used for carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, whiplash, and work-related spine injuries.

4. How does a chiropractic physician find my problem?
Chiropractic physicians are trained in standard diagnostic methods and use physical, orthopedic, neurological, and laboratory examinations. X-rays may be used to look at the spine, bones, and joints for abnormalities and to assess spinal curvature and posture balance. Imaging such as MRI, CT, or bone scans may also be used to rule out disease or evaluate disc lesions.

5. What therapies do chiropractic physicians use?
Care may include manipulation of the spine and the joints of the arms and legs. Supportive therapies can include massage, myofascial release, ultrasound, electric stimulation, and diathermy. Rehabilitation, such as specific corrective exercises to stabilize the problem, is also common.

6. How long does chiropractic treatment last?
It depends on the problem, because care is individualized. Some conditions need only one or two visits, while others may take a year or longer. A common rule of thumb for chronic pain is about a month of care for each year you have had the problem. Your doctor should be able to explain the time frame clearly.

7. Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
It is usually covered, and about 90% of insurance plans include chiropractic care. Coverage varies by plan, so check with your insurance provider to confirm your benefits.

8. How do I ask my doctor for a referral to a chiropractic physician?
Simply talk with your doctor about it. Chiropractic physicians have been reaching out to the medical community to bridge the gap between the two professions. You can encourage your doctor to call the chiropractic physician you choose to discuss your case, and the two can work together on your care.

9. If I see a chiropractor, do I have to keep going?
No. A common myth is that once your spine is manipulated, you are committed to ongoing visits. In reality, many people choose to continue because they feel better and want to stay that way. It is similar to dental cleanings: regular visits help you catch problems before they become painful.

10. What training do chiropractors have?
Chiropractic physicians in Tennessee hold a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree before licensure. Chiropractic college involves four academic years of training with a clinical rotation in the senior year, and graduates must pass five National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams. Some pursue additional training and board certification in areas such as neurology, pain management, nutrition, orthopedics, acupuncture, rehabilitation, and sports injury management.

11. How should I choose a good chiropractic physician?
Look for a good reputation in the community and, when relevant, additional training in the area that concerns you. For headaches or nerve problems from a disc, that could mean board certification in neurology. For sports injuries, it could mean a CCSP® credential or a master’s degree in sports medicine and rehabilitation. For chronic pain, it could mean board certification in pain management, and some patients also do well with acupuncture. Finally, look for a physician who presents a rational treatment plan with clear goals and an end point.