Faq
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
For people who haven’t visited a chiropractor, it may be difficult to understand the potential benefits that a chiropractor has to offer. To help clear up some of this confusion we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.
Chiropractic care is considered one of the safest approaches to treating issues related to the nerves, muscles, and bones. Unlike surgical procedures, it is completely non-invasive, and it avoids the use of medication. In fact, chiropractic treatment can often reduce or even eliminate the need for potentially addictive pain medications, which, if misused, may cause serious harm or even death due to the powerful substances they contain.
To become a chiropractor, individuals must undergo rigorous medical training, often involving more classroom hours than those required of medical students pursuing an M.D. Additionally, chiropractic students participate in clinical residencies similar to those completed by traditional medical doctors. This comprehensive education and hands-on experience contribute to chiropractic care being both a safe and highly effective option for addressing a wide range of health concerns.
In most cases, you don’t need a referral to see a chiropractor, and many insurance plans let you book an appointment directly. However, some insurance providers do require a referral from your primary care doctor. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company before scheduling your first visit. If you have any other questions or need more details, your chiropractor’s office can also help guide you through the process.
Chiropractic doctors undergo one of the most demanding educational paths among healthcare professionals. Most students entering chiropractic programs have already earned a bachelor’s degree, often with a focus on health or science. Their undergraduate studies typically include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and hands-on laboratory work.
Once admitted to a chiropractic college, students embark on an additional five years of intensive education. Their coursework covers a wide range of topics such as orthopedics, anatomy, physiology, neurology, nutrition, medical imaging, and exercise science. Alongside these subjects, they receive specialized training in chiropractic techniques, including spinal adjustments and other manual therapies.
By the time they finish their education, chiropractic students will have completed more than 4,200 hours of academic, clinical, and laboratory instruction, preparing them thoroughly for safe and effective patient care.
When a chiropractor performs a spinal adjustment, it often results in the release of built-up gases within the spinal joints. This release creates the familiar popping sound, which is simply the sound of gas bubbles escaping from the joint as pressure is relieved. It's the same mechanism behind the sound you hear when someone cracks their knuckles. Typically, this sound is not painful, and most people experience little to no discomfort during the adjustment.
Absolutely. Chiropractic care can be especially helpful for children, who tend to be highly active and more susceptible to injuries than other age groups. Because kids are still growing, it's important to address injuries early to prevent any long-term impact on their development. Unlike surgical procedures, chiropractic treatments typically involve little to no recovery time. This allows children to get the care they need and return to their normal activities much faster than with many other treatment methods.
Chiropractors are qualified to treat patients in both hospitals and outpatient clinics. Their care may involve the use of specialized tools such as X-ray machines, diagnostic labs, and other medical equipment to help assess and manage a patient’s condition effectively.
Chiropractic care is included in the majority of insurance plans today, with more providers continuing to add coverage each year. Both Medicare and Medicaid offer chiropractic benefits, and services are available at over 60 military installations and more than 60 veterans’ healthcare centers. If you're not sure whether your plan includes chiropractic care, it's best to contact your insurance provider to confirm your benefits.