Good Questions to Ask Your Chiropractor

 The relationship between practitioner and patient is as important as the treatment and level of care provided. By asking questions and expressing any concerns you have throughout your treatments, you can help ensure you get the best chiropractic care possible. 

Of course, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, it also helps to be prepared with a list of questions to ask your chiropractor. Here are a few good chiropractic questions you may want to ask during your next visit:

Is chiropractic care painful?

While adjustments of the back and neck seem intimidating to many people, chiropractic care is safe and effective. Some patients do experience some soreness after an adjustment, similar to the effects of a deep tissue massage, but the treatment itself is painless. 

Chiropractic physicians are highly trained professionals who understand how to ensure patient comfort and safety. While the cracking and popping sounds associated with adjustments can be concerning, they’re a normal part of the procedure and typically don’t result in pain or discomfort. If you experience any pain during or after your visit, make sure to let your care provider know.

Does insurance cover chiropractic care?

Many insurance companies provide coverage for chiropractic care. While benefits and coverage may depend on the specifics of your insurance policy, the out-of-pocket expense for chiropractic treatment is often comparable to an office visit to a family physician.

What is the out-of-pocket expense for chiropractic care?

Most health insurance policies cover some or all costs related to chiropractic care, on a limited basis, per year. If you don’t have insurance and will be paying out of pocket for your treatments, your doctor will discuss that with you during an initial visit. 

Chiropractic care is affordable for individuals with insurance as well as individuals who are uninsured. The average cost of an appointment with a chiropractor is around $56. 

What can chiropractic care treat?

While most people associate chiropractic care with neck and spine related treatments, a chiropractor can address other issues, as well, such as: 

• Posture and alignment
• Stress and migraines
• Muscle pain and stiffness
• Sciatica

Many people also seek chiropractic care to treat headaches, lower back pain, and other spine-related issues. It’s important to discuss any other concerns during your consultation or visit. After considering your specific symptoms, your chiropractor will determine which modalities will benefit you the most.

Are X-rays required for treatment?

In many cases, chiropractors will want to obtain and view recent imaging studies of your spine before treatment and suggest a treatment plan. Your chiropractor will notify you upfront if x-rays are needed and will assist you in finding out if the cost is covered by your insurance company.

How many chiropractic treatments will I need?

Chiropractic treatments are performed over several sessions to obtain the best results. While some issues may resolve quickly with just a few visits, other visits may require care on an ongoing basis. 

If you’re concerned about how many appointments may be required to treat your condition, ask your chiropractor during your next appointment.

What chiropractic techniques do you use?

Chiropractic care is frequently associated with a high-velocity and low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust. This technique is used during adjustments that involve the use of force to guide the neck and spine into healthy alignment.

While this technique is well-known, it is not the only technique used by chiropractors. Several low-force techniques may be used to treat individuals who have osteoporosis or other diseases that increase the risk of pain or injury during treatment.

One of these low-force treatments may involve the use of a spring-loaded activator. This metal instrument is placed over individual vertebrae to guide them back into realignment.

If you’d like to know more about available techniques used during treatment, ask your chiropractor about adjustment techniques and which chiropractic services in Woodstock are recommended for your specific condition.

What other therapies are available during treatment?

Chiropractic offices typically offer several adjunct therapies related to chiropractic adjustments. These therapies frequently support your ongoing chiropractic care and include services such as nutritional counselling, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), ultrasound therapy, hydrotherapy, heat/cold therapy, supplement recommendations, and more.

All available Woodstock chiropractic services will improve the benefits of your visit and extend pain relief to overall improvements to your health and wellbeing. If you have questions about available therapies offered by your chiropractic clinic or how these treatments might benefit you, simply ask during your next visit.

Does my chiropractor visit include a massage?

Many chiropractors offer access to massage as part of their treatment options due to the complementary nature of treating soft tissue along with spine-related conditions. Massage therapy sessions allow the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to relax and remain pliable during spinal adjustments. Massage therapy also provides pain-relief benefits.

If you’re considering the benefits of massage therapy during chiropractic treatment, ask if massage therapy is covered in the cost or by your insurance policy.

Schedule a Chiropractic Consultation Today

Chiropractic care is a safe and affordable practice that can assist individuals in addressing several pain-related health concerns. However, many people have questions about chiropractic care, and there are many misconceptions about treatment options out there. The best way to ensure you make the most of your treatment regime is to be upfront with any questions. It also helps to learn more about chiropractic myths. 

If you have questions about chiropractic treatment in Georgia, the experienced team at Ripley Chiropractic is ready to answer these questions and clear up any confusion. Ripley Chiropractic offers several integrated services and therapeutic modalities to complement and reinforce your chiropractic treatment. Contact Ripley Chiropractic in Woodstock, GA, today at 770-592-2505 to get started.