What is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a doctor, but not a medical doctor. They can treat neck and back pain, and other pains, through manipulation of joints and muscles. These doctors have had lots of training to do what they do and are helpful to many people.
Just like with medical doctors, you need to do your research to find a chiropractor that can best help you. You can always check on Life Source Chiropractic to see if they would be a good fit for you. They have some really good reviews that you can read.
This article will share with you some things that you should know before you see a chiropractor for the first time. You can also do your own research to find out even more about these wonderful doctors. They do not always get the praise that they deserve.
- Chiropractic means “hands on care.”
Two Greek words are combined to say, “hands on care” and that is the meaning of chiropractic. Chiropractic treatment is care that focuses mainly on your muscles, joints, and bones and how they affect your overall health. Chiropractors are not medical doctors and therefore cannot do surgery or prescribe medication. What they do is use force that is controlled by using their hands to restore movement to your body.
- Chiropractors Treat Muscles, Tendons, and Joints
Chiropractors treat muscles, tendons, and joints for people who are affected by pain in these areas. Usually when a person seeks chiropractic care it is for neck and back pain: https://healthdc.com/top-5-reasons-people-go-to-a-chiropractor/. Chiropractors treat these pains but can also treat pain that is in the muscles and joints. They can also treat referred pain, which is pain in one area of your body that is caused by an issue in another area.
- Chiropractors Have Extensive Education and Training
A chiropractor must do premedical work in college, the same as medical doctors. When they are done with that, they must continue their education with four or five more years of chiropractic college. Studies in chiropractic college may include anatomy, nervous system disorders, bone disorders, manipulations, x-rays, exercise therapy, and nutrition. After all that they must pass a national examination so that they can practice in your state.
- You Will Have a Physical Exam on Your First Visit
On your first visit to the chiropractor, you will be asked what your problem is. The chiropractor will then give you a physical exam. They will tell you if they can help you or if you need to see another type of doctor. If they can help you, they may give you your first treatment. They will then tell you if you need to come back, and how often you need to come back.
- Chiropractors Do More Than Manipulations and Adjustments
There are other treatments that chiropractors do besides manipulations and adjustments. They can also treat you with heat or ice, or a combination of both. They can do relaxation training and tell you how to exercise at home. They can also do deep tissue work that will help loosen tight muscles. They will also give you advice on how to improve your health, such as diet planning, exercising, and weight loss.
- Most Insurances Companies Will Cover Chiropractic Care
Before you visit your chiropractor, check your insurance to see if it is covered. Many insurance companies will cover this care, but you will also want to check your co-pay. Worker’s compensation, Medicaid, and Medicare will sometimes cover chiropractic care, as well. If your insurance does not cover this, ask the chiropractor what their fees are and how many treatments that you will need.
Conclusion
If you are having issues with your bones, joints, tendons, or muscles, you should see if a chiropractor can help you. They are trained extensively for these kinds of issues and can treat you for them most of the time. Your care can be covered by insurance, so check your insurance coverage before you go.
You will likely need to have more than one treatment, so expect at least two or three. The chiropractor can also help you with other lifestyle issues such as diet, and exercise.
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