Menu
Search

Looking For a Chiropractor? Here are 10 Commonly Asked Questions

Chiropractic care can help treat a variety of conditions and symptoms, ranging from headache and neck tension to scoliosis. To know more read this.

By Sourabh Singh Updated on September 29, 2023 • 6 min read
copy link
Are you experiencing tension, pain, or numbness in your neck, back, or legs? You may need to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can help treat a variety of conditions and symptoms, ranging from headache and neck tension to scoliosis. However, it's normal to have some apprehension about your first chiropractic adjustment. In this article, we set out to answer ten of the most commonly asked questions regarding chiropractic care. We break down what chiropractors actually do, when to see a chiropractor, what a chiropractor can treat, and more. Keep reading to see if you're a good candidate for chiropractic care. 

  • What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractors specialize in treating a variety of conditions relating to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. During your appointment, your chiropractor will "adjust" your body's alignment through spinal and joint manipulation in order to relieve pain, tension, and stiffness. Through treatment, they can successfully realign joints, loosen tight muscles, improve mobility and flexibility, and encourage faster healing of sprains and strains. Most chiropractic offices offer a variety of supplementary services to help expedite your healing process. These include:
  • Kinesio taping
  • Physical therapy
  • Spinal decompression therapy
  • Massage therapy

  • When to See a Chiropractor

If you're experiencing pain in your muscles or joints, decreased mobility or flexibility, or even symptoms from specific conditions like sciatica, arthritis, or migraines, a chiropractor can help you begin your road to recovery. Chronic pain, frequent headaches, limited range of motion, and numbness or tingling are typical signs that you should seek medical assistance. Chiropractors can help with those exact symptoms and much more. However, you should first consult your primary doctor to build out a proper treatment plan and rule out any other causes. Your primary doctor may request X-rays, which then the chiropractor can use to help formulate the best plan for you. 

  • What Do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors treat a wide array of different conditions for both existing symptoms and preventative care. While chiropractors can treat many underlying symptoms, their scope of care extends further than just treating general pain. The symptoms most commonly treated by chiropractors include:
  • Back or neck pain
  • Myofascial pain
  • Pinched nerves
  • Herniated discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Whiplash
  • Sprains & strains
  • Scoliosis 
  • Sciatica
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • And more.

  • How Does Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic services can reduce symptoms of back and neck pain, stiffness, and tension, as well as improve your range of motion, flexibility, strength, and stability. Your chiropractor will outline a treatment plan for you and your specific symptoms. Within a few sessions, you should start to feel the results. Generally, after 4 weeks of care, your symptoms should lessen. Your chiropractor will check in with you periodically in case he/she may need to increase or modify your treatment plan.

  • How Do Chiropractors Know Where To Adjust?

Chiropractors are extensively trained on the natural posture and gait of the human body. By conducting a thorough examination and assessment, they are able to identify where your body might benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Stunted movement or abnormal posture may indicate the need for chiropractic care. If you're visiting the chiropractor due to pain or tension, an experienced chiropractor will be able to locate the exact areas that are causing you those uncomfortable symptoms. 

  • Are Chiropractors Safe?

Chiropractic care is considered generally safe when it is performed by a licensed, trained, and experienced chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments are considered to be a relatively effective form of treatment when treating acute symptoms. Qualified chiropractors focus on aligning the spine as opposed to "cracking" it into place, which can cause blood vessel strains or other vascular complications. There is a certain degree of risk when undergoing chiropractic adjustments, but they are ruled safe overall with the most general risk being minimal effectiveness or improvement of symptoms. 

  • Can Chiropractors Prescribe Medication?

Chiropractors are not licensed to prescribe medications to patients. They can offer suggestions and advice but are legally not allowed to write prescriptions. However, they can write referrals in order to refer you to other medical professionals. 

  • How Much Does it Cost to Go To a Chiropractor?

The total cost of your chiropractic care session will depend on a number of factors. Your bill may include an office visit fee, in addition to the overall cost of the adjustment and any other supplementary services. Each individual chiropractic practice is responsible for its own pricing, but on average you can expect to pay $30 to $200 per session. However, some chiropractors will offer a "sliding scale" that works with your budget. 

  • Do Chiropractors Take Insurance?

Whether your insurance is covered is entirely dependent on the chiropractor. Smaller chiropractic clinics tend not to accept insurance and are typically considered to be out-of-network. However, like with most out-of-network healthcare providers, you can submit a "superbill" to the insurance company that can reimburse you for a portion of your expenses.

  • What To Wear To The Chiropractor 

When receiving a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will evaluate your gait, posture, and range of motion. This will require you to wear something loose, comfortable, and stretchy in order not to restrict your range of movement. Typically, yoga pants or leggings, running shorts, gym shoes, and loose-fitting shirts are good choices. You will not be required to undress and remove any clothing. 

Conclusion - Looking For a Chiropractor? Here are 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care

Are you ready to feel relief from your nagging aches and pains? Are you stiff, tense, and lacking flexibility? It may be time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can help alleviate a multitude of different symptoms, ranging all the way from persistent pain to numbness or tingling. However, if you've never received a chiropractic adjustment before, it's normal to have questions. In this article, we've sought to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. From insurance to modes of treatment, you should now have the answers you need to make an informed decision. Work with your primary care provider to determine the best treatment plan for you. 
Categorized into General Health
Tagged in Whiplash,Yoga
Sourabh Singh

Reviewed by

Sourabh Singh

Public Health Writer

GenderMale
CountryIndia
JoinedOct 2021
Wrote571 posts

Sourabh Singh is a medical writing expert With over 11 years of experience writing and editing articles, blogs, product reviews, e-books, news, press releases, and more for various healthcare brands.

He carefully proofreads every article to ensure that the medical facts are accurate and free from errors.View Profile

More by Sourabh Singh

How to Use V Wash: Detailed GuideWellness & Nutrition

How to Use V Wash: Detailed Guide

almost 2 years

Framycetin Skin Cream Uses, Benefits, Dos...Wellness & Nutrition

Framycetin Skin Cream Uses, Benefits, Dos...

over 1 year

10 Best Omega 3 Capsules in IndiaHealthy Food

10 Best Omega 3 Capsules in India

almost 2 years

Best Creams for Burns: Soothing Relief & ...Skin Conditions

Best Creams for Burns: Soothing Relief & ...

over 1 year