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Frequently
Asked Questions
Questions About Our Doctors
Questions About
Chiropractic Care
Is a Chiropractor a
Doctor?
Yes. The Doctor of Chiropractic is required by law to have a minimum of six years study. The first two years of study at a college or university are pre-chiropractic science courses. Chiropractic college consists of four years study, with the last two years including out-patient clinic where he/she will treat patients with varying conditions on a daily basis
After completing his/her studies, the Doctor of Chiropractic must pass a State Board of Examiners examination in the basic sciences. This is the same type of basic sciences examination that other doctors, including medical doctors need to undergo. The Doctor of Chiropractic also has to pass an examination by the state Board of Chiropractic before he receives a license to practice.
The Doctor of Chiropractic continues to study throughout his/her career. In order to maintain a license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Chiropractor must complete credit courses every year. This is a good thing because it keeps Chiropractors up on the latest studies and techniques available.
Do Chiropractors take X-Rays?
Yes, Chiropractors will take x-rays when necessary. After an examination, the chiropractor may decide that he needs additional diagnostic information. Chiropractors may take x-rays to rule out problems and to determine if the patient is actually a chiropractic case. X-rays can help the Chiropractor determine the best possible treatment technique and plan for you. X-rays are not always necessary or advisable. If you have had recent x-rays taken elsewhere that are related to your condition your Chiropractor may be able to use them to learn more about your problem. You may feel confident that your Chiropractor has extensive training in radiology. He is licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and his x-ray equipment must pass regular inspection.
Do Chiropractors prescribe drugs?
No. Drugs and medications are never used by Chiropractors. Most drugs block or mask the cause of pain and symptoms. Masking symptoms will make it more difficult to find the source of the problem. A Chiropractor looks for the cause of the problem. Knowing that only nature heals, the Chiropractor strives to remove interference to normal bodily function so that the body can heal itself.
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What will happen when I make an appointment with a
chiropractor?
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A complete health history will be taken and
discussed with you.
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A physical examination to include
chiropractic, orthopedic, neurological and possibly x-ray
studies.
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The doctor will review your health history
and examination findings. The doctor will explain the
findings to you, and recommend a treatment plan. In
addition to chiropractic manipulation, recommendations for
other therapies such as heat, ice, ultrasound, traction,
etc. may be given A treatment plan may also include
nutritional advice, exercise and suggestions on how you can
help yourself by modifying your daily activities.
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When you receive your first chiropractic
manipulation you may or may not hear the vertebrae move.
You may feel the vertebrae move, but usually this is not
painful unless there is a lot of muscle spasm and swelling
in the area. In that case the chiropractor will
precede the adjustment with some type of physical therapy
such as hot or cold packs, massage or electro-muscle
stimulation to relax the muscle.
Will one chiropractic
treatment be enough?
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Sometimes immediate relief is obtained.
Usually, it will take several treatments to give the body a
chance to relearn and accept the proper alignment of the
spine. When a condition has existed over a period of
time, muscles and ligaments will stretch or contract in an
effort to compensate for the misalignment.
What will it cost?
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The cost of chiropractic treatment is
considerably less than traditional healthcare. If you
have insurance
coverage, you may have a yearly deductible with a co-pay or,
depending on your particular insurance, you may need
to pay a percentage of the charges. These amounts can
only be determined by contacting your insurance company and
learning about the benefits of your plan.
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If you treat for a
work related injury,
your employer's workman's compensation insurance will pay
for your care.
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If you have an automobile
accident, your no-fault personal injury protection
benefits will pay for your care.
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If you don't have any type of insurance you
can look for our FREE EXAMINATION COUPON in the Yellow
Pages. Or when you call for an appointment, mention
this web site MASSCHIRO.COM and we will give your a
complimentary spinal examination.
What
is a Subluxation?
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Misaligned spinal
vertebrae (bones of the spine) are called subluxations.
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A vertebral
subluxation is a spinal condition that interferes with the
ability of the nervous system to function properly.
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Subluxations can be
caused at birth when the infant is twisted, turned, pulled or
withdrawn with forceps from the birth canal.
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Subluxations can be
caused by some of the following: Incorrect lifting, bending,
twisting, over-exercise, improper seat height at your desk,
repetitive movements on the job that cause gradual and
cumulative muscle spasms. Stress and substance abuse can
cause subluxations.
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Subluxations can be
caused by minor accidents that we are likely to ignore. At
a later time when symptoms appear, a minor accident might not be
remembered as the possible cause.
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Automobile
accidents are a major cause of subluxations.
Often people believe that the headache, stiffness or ache will
go away by itself. These symptoms should never be
taken lightly and should be checked by a chiropractor as soon as
possible.
What
does the cracking sound mean when the chiropractor moves the bones?
Does it mean the bones are cracking?
No. Some people also think the
sound comes from the bones rubbing together, but that doesn't happen
either. The sound that is heard when the chiropractor manipulates
the spine is caused by a release of gas from the joint. This causes
the "crack" sound and is perfectly harmless.
I
wonder if spinal adjustments are dangerous and whether chiropractors
carry malpractice insurance like medical doctors do?
Instances of people being harmed
from spinal adjustments are very low. It is possible for a bone
fracture to happen with osteoporosis or some other underlying
disease. The chiropractor will screen for those by x-ray and
examination. Yes, Chiropractors do buy malpractice insurance. They
pay a lot less than do medical doctors due to the safe nature of
chiropractic treatment and the low incidence of lawsuits against
chiropractors. Chiropractors pay about 5% of what most doctors pay
and about 2% of what most surgeons pay.
Why
do chiropractors keep their patients coming back for several
treatments?
The goal of the chiropractor is
to correct the cause of the problem which is subluxation. It takes
time for the body to adapt to the repositioning of the vertebra.
Chronic conditions may take longer to correct because over time the
body has adapted to vertebra out of place, but that results in
chronic pain. Let's compare that to when a medical doctor writes a
prescription which is usually for several doses per day over several
days, and you are instructed to complete the whole course of
medication. Likewise, the chiropractor will recommend a course of
treatment that should be completed in order to attain optimal
correction. The advantage of chiropractic is that it can be
accomplished without drugs, surgery or other invasive procedures.
Why
does my chiropractor need an x-ray?
If your house was crooked, you
wouldn't try to fix it by putting on a fresh coat of paint. You
would want to inspect the foundation so that you could determine
what structural flaws created the imbalance. At times, based on the
findings of your physical examination, the chiropractor may decide
that he needs to look more closely at your spine to determine the
cause of your imbalance. In that way he can pinpoint and correct the
subluxation that may be the cause of your health problem.
Furthermore, x-rays are diagnostic tools that help your chiropractor
verify that you will benefit from chiropractic care. With the help
of x-rays he can rule out some underlying disease or condition that
may require a referral to another kind of health care specialist.
Do you have questions?
Write to: postmaster@masschiro.com
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