2. Do I always have to come back?
4. How long will the exam take?
5. Does Chiropractic Really Work?
6. Is chiropractic just for back pain?
7. Should I let my medical doctor know I’m considering chiropractic care?
8. Can I bring someone with me in the exam room?
9. How can I be sure my chiropractor is suitably qualified?
10. Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or do surgery?
A chiropractic adjustment should never be painful. Unfortunately, many people will wait until they have pain to seek chiropractic care as an option. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat the misaligned vertebrae without grabbing, pulling, twisting or other invasive procedures. The chiropractic technique is a gentle one.
2. Do I always have to come back?
The first step is to discover if chiropractic is even an option for your complaint or condition. After your initial exam and consultation, your Chiropractor will go over with you his “Report of Findings”. During this report, he will discuss the plan of care he feels will benefit you most. You’re specific situation will determine the number of visits the doctor feels will be needed to restore your vertebrae to normal position and proper functioning. Once this occurs, the doctor will discuss a maintenance plan that will keep you healthy and prevent problems in the future. A maintenance plan will vary, but in most cases a Chiropractor will suggest a “wellness” visit every six months to a year, depending on the patient . REMEMBER …the end result is optimal health and preventing future problems…Compare maintenance care to your routine dental exams. Why do you visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning? To avoid cavities and tooth decay, right? Same principle.
[note 2012] There have been a couple of Research Studies published recently from different Universities that recommend regular maintenance Chiropractic Treatments as the conclusion of their studies.
This is usually not necessary. At most you may be asked to expose your back, but will be given a gown to cover up.
4. How long will the exam take?
Exam times vary, but in most cases you can expect a complete exam and consultation to take less than one hour.
5. Does Chiropractic Really Work?
Chiropractic has been around for over a hundred years, and has been used to help everyone from tiny babies to the elderly. Even top sports stars and entertainers… like Tiger Woods, Emmitt Smith, Tony Robbins, Joe Montana, Lance Armstrong, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mel Gibson.
In fact, the U.S. government is so convinced chiropractic works they’ve been paying for it through the Medicare system for 30 years.
In addition to that, here’s what some of the top medical researchers had to say about chiropractic…
“Manipulation [chiropractic adjustments], with or without exercise, improved symptoms more than medical care did after both 3 and 12 months.”– British Medical Journal
“Chiropractor’s manipulation of the spine was more helpful than any of the following: traction, massage, biofeedback, acupuncture, injection of steroids into the spine and back corsets, and ultrasound.” — Stanley Bigos, MD, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
Although chiropractic works great for back pain, at our office we’ve helped patients with a wide range of problems.
6. Is Chiropractic just for back pain?
Absolutely not! Tens of millions of Americans routinely opt for chiropractic care as a means of preventing disease and maintaining health. Some symptoms and problems that can be relieved by chiropractic care include: Stress, headaches, carpal tunnel, sciatica, fibromyalgia, fatigue, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, allergies, etc…I am creating a page on Chiropractic Research that shows some of the positive clinical research results for various conditions.
7. Should I let my medical doctor know I’m considering Chiropractic Care?
There should be no reason not to make your medical doctor aware that you are seeking chiropractic care.
8. Can I bring someone with me in the exam room?
There is no reason why you can not be accompanied into the examination room if this makes you feel more at ease.
9. Do you need my medical records?
It is not necessary to have your medical records with you when you visit a chiropractor for the first time. If the chiropractor has a need to see medical records, he will let you know after the initial consultation and examination. It is important, though, to complete the health history form you will be given and to make the chiropractor aware of any medications you are taking and any chronic medical condition you are being treated for if this pertains.
10. How can I be sure my chiropractor is suitably qualified?
Dr Matthieu graduated from the prestigious University Chiropractic program in Paris, France. Here in Spain he is registered with the Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ) which imposes strict membership limitations based on their academic achievements.
11. Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or do surgery?
Chiropractic is a natural healing art and science. A chiropractor will never prescribe drugs.