Answers to Common Questions for Chiropractic Care in Hartville, Uniontown, Green, North Canton & Mogadore.

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  • What is chiropractic care?

    Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the body’s main structures – the skeleton, the muscles and the nerves – and the patient’s spinal health.

    The chiropractic premise is that back pain along with other complaints can be improved by making adjustments to these structures, particularly to the spinal column.

    Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgical procedures, although they do refer patients for these services if they are medically indicated.

    Chiropractic care has become a well-recognized and highly respected health care field.

    Chiropractic services are covered by health insurance, including Medicare, and chiropractors are bound by the same regulations and ethics as medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy.

    Most patients seek chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain as well as other joint problems.

    Because of the emphasis on holistic health care, chiropractic is associated with the field of complementary and alternative medicine.

  • What is a chiropractic adjustment?

    Chiropractic adjustment (or chiropractic manipulative therapy) is the term used for the procedure performed by a chiropractor to correct segmental dysfunction (spinal joint dysfunction).

    There are a number of different methods or techniques which chiropractors use to adjust dysfunctional joints.

    These include traditional manual (by hand) manipulation which most people associate with chiropractic treatment or newer methods of hand-held instrument manipulation.

    Our doctors use an instrument manipulation technique called the Activator Method. This technique is highly effective, safe and comfortable.

  • Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

    No, it does not have to anymore.

    Using more modern techniques, like the Activator Method, chiropractors no longer need to “twist, pull, pop or crack” your back.

    The Activator provides a controlled, fast thrust that is comfortable for the patient.

    In fact, adjustments with the Activator are so quick and measured that the body’s muscles are less likely to resist, allowing for a more precise and accurate adjustment.

  • Do I have to keep going back for the rest of my life?

    No. We specialize in short-term, mainstream chiropractic care.

    That means we provide all the care and only the care known to be effective.

    When you seek treatment you will likely need a short series of chiropractic care (2-3 sessions a week for 2 weeks is typical) to stabilize your condition.

    But, when you get to the point where you feel better (and can stay that way), you will be discharged from active care.

    We call this a “treat and release” approach to chiropractic care, and it is very popular with our patients.

    NOTE: Of course, if at some point in the future you have a recurrence of your problem (or a new problem), obviously you may need an evaluation and chiropractic treatment again – but, only at your discretion.

  • How safe is chiropractic care?

    Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record.

    It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or drugs with side-effects.

    Proof of this lies in malpractice insurance claims and rates.

    For example, surgeons often pay over $250,000 a year for malpractice insurance and general family physicians about $25,000 a year.

    By comparison, our doctors pay less than $3,000 per year in malpractice insurance, because their chiropractic protocols are safe and effective.

  • What type of education do chiropractic doctors receive?

    Chiropractic education is similar to a medical or osteopathic education.

    An undergraduate degree focusing on biological sciences is a prerequisite.

    This is followed by four (4) years of professional education at one of the 18 chiropractic schools in the United States.

    The coursework requires mastery of in-depth knowledge in anatomy, physiology, human chemistry, and function as well as an internship at an outpatient clinic associated with the college.

    The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) graduates with a high level of clinical competence.

    After graduating, the candidates must pass the demanding four-part National Board Examinations.

    Then, the chiropractic doctor must apply to their chosen state licensing board and pass another difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice.

    A chiropractor’s education, however, never ends.

    All states require doctors to complete regular postgraduate instruction each year for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and treatment techniques.

  • Can a person who had back surgery see a chiropractor?

    Yes.

    It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years after the surgery was performed.

    They then face the prospect of additional surgery.

    This all too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.”

    Chiropractic care can be highly effective in managing this discouraging condition and may help prevent additional back surgeries.

    In fact, if chiropractic care is initially utilized, many times back surgery can be avoided altogether.

    The specialized chiropractic technique our doctors use in these cases is very safe, even for spines that have undergone fusion and instrumentation.

  • Does chiropractic care work for any and all types of health problems?

    No. However, due to improved nervous system function, chiropractic care may be helpful with a wide variety of health problems, even those that are not necessarily considered “back” problems.

    With a properly functioning nervous system, the body’s natural healing capacity can improve a variety of health problems.

  • Is it okay to get chiropractic care if I’m pregnant?

    Pregnancy is an especially good time for a better-functioning nerve system.

    As the baby grows, the extra weight puts additional stress on spinal joints.

    We often receive referrals from OB/GYNs because chiropractic care offers a safe way to relieve back pain in expectant mothers without the need for drugs, and our techniques can be applied without the need for X-rays.

    Pregnant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve the comfort of their pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby.

  • Do I have to have x-rays taken before I can undergo chiropractic care?

    Generally, no.

    When it comes to back pain, neck pain and routine x-rays, less is more.

    Adhering to the best current evidence about the use of imaging reduces overuse, most chiropractic patients do not need immediate imaging and will benefit from an initial trial of chiropractic care, massage or laser therapy.

    Key chiropractic management principles to guide imaging decisions include a thorough history and physical examination, as well as effective communication with the patient.

    In the unusual event that our doctors determine x-rays are necessary, we have radiology privileges at Mercy Health Center of Lake and can order any necessary tests.