Frequently Asked Questions

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care discipline based upon the knowledge that good structure (primarily the spine) and proper function (motion) is key to health. We work to find areas of the spine and other joints where the joint motion is restricted and work to improve those restrictions and restore the function and flexibility to the joints. Improved motion reduces pain and spasm and diminishes the irritation to the nervous system. “Chiropractic” is a Greek word meaning “treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body, which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Because chiropractic treatments are primarily applied to the spinal region, many individuals incorrectly assume that chiropractors treat only back and neck ailments. While we do quickly and effectively eliminate back and neck pain, it’s not the only goal. The objective is to restore and optimize human health. Studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as tension headaches, migraine headaches, benign positional vertigo, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even pediatric conditions such as infantile colic and otitis media.

Does chiropractic hurt?

Most patients report a sense of well-being. Since repeated adjustments are necessary, if adjustments didn’t feel good, patients wouldn’t return to finish their care. Chiropractors are experts at making adjustments feel good.

Is chiropractic safe?

Even risk-adverse insurance companies recognize the safety of today’s chiropractic care. The premiums for malpractice insurance paid by chiropractors are a mere fraction of what medical practitioners must pay. Chiropractic care is safe.

What kind of training do chiropractors have?

The fact is, educational requirements for today’s chiropractor are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.

Today’s chiropractor receives a broad education. In fact, it’s quite comparable to that received by medical practitioners.

Before acceptance to a five-year chiropractic college, prospective chiropractors must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate work with a heavy emphasis on the basic sciences.

This focus on science continues during the first two years of study, emphasizing classroom and laboratory work in anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology and biochemistry. Later, the focus is on specialized subjects, including chiropractic philosophy and practice, along with chiropractic diagnosis and adjusting methods. Since chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs, instead of studying pharmacology and surgery, they receive an even deeper training in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, nutrition, diagnosis, X-ray and a variety of adjusting techniques that aren’t taught in any other health care field.

Are there studies that support chiropractic?

Many scientific studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving acute and chronic neck and back pain. Several studies support the chiropractic approach to reducing nerve disturbance along the spine, enhancing the ability of the nerve system to control and regulate the body. These include published research documenting the results of chiropractic care on ear infections, asthma, infantile colic, menstrual cramps, lower back pain, and several others. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating cervicogenic headaches (tension headaches) and migraine headaches.

How often will I have to come?

While treatment lengths vary somewhat from person to person and from condition to condition, there are a few rules of thumb you can follow.

First, newer injuries, tend to respond to fewer visits assuming that major tissue injury has not occurred. Many of these first time injuries can be effectively managed in as little as 3 to 4 visits. Conditions that have been present for greater than 3 months and recurring conditions are generally more stubborn and difficult to manage. Resolution may require 12 visits or more. Rarely is anyone recommended treatment more than three times in one week. Care is planned no longer than four weeks in advance.

The only sure way to determine how long your treatment will take is to schedule a consultation and/or examination.
For those of you who believe in just waiting for the problem to “go away” on it’s own – understand that the longer your condition has been around, the more treatments it will eventually require to resolve.

Once I see a chiropractor, do I have to go forever?

You may have heard the notion that once you go to a chiropractor you have to keep going back. Before we answer that question, ask yourself how many times you have visited a dentist? Like most people, you’ve probably gone dozens of times. Why? Quite simply, to prevent your teeth from decaying.

Once we have rehabilitated the injured tissues we do recommend you schedule periodic spinal checkups. Like your dentist and like many of the medical experts are now recognizing, prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future.

So the answer is yes, we want you to keep coming back, but just periodically. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, prevents new injuries from developing, minimizes degenerative processes, which enhances overall health and wellness.

Will I have to have X Rays?

Not usually! However, x-ray studies of your spine or injured body part may be indicated. They are useful in assessing the appropriateness of chiropractic care as they can help to rule out the existence of more serious pathological processes such as spinal fractures, tumors and infections which require immediate emergency medical intervention. Doctors of chiropractic receive over 300 hours of x-ray studies in college prior to graduating and thus are fully trained to take radiographs and identify subtle abnormalities of the spine as well as more serious pathologies.

What does the first visit/initial examination entail?

Please visit What to Expect for details on your first visit.

Do you work with MDs?

Yes. Nearly 50% of our patients are referred by our area’s MDs and specialty providers. They refer to BCA because they know us and our reputation for getting results. Furthermore, we stay in constant communication with all of your healthcare providers and work well as a part of your interdisciplinary team.

Does my insurance cover chiropractic?

Probably yes! Most insurance plans provide chiropractic benefits. Check your plan booklet or call the member services number on the back of your insurance card.