Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic
Q: What conditions do chiropractors treat?
A: Here at Lakewood Chiropractic we treat many health conditions. We
specialize in treating back pain, disc conditions, sciatica, pinched nerves,
neck pain, and headaches. These conditions can be the result of an accident or
injury, stress, or misalignment of your vertebrae for other reasons. In
addition, Chiropractic helps patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal
tunnel, allergies, and many more conditions.
Q: How do I select a doctor of chiropractic?
We recommend looking for an office with a depth of experience, therapeutic
treatments in addition to chiropractic adjustments, and acceptance of
insurance payments. At Lakewood Chiropractic, our doctors have over 30 years
of experience in the Kansas City community, offer physiotherapy treatments,
and file insurance claims for all treatments. For your convenience, we offer
evening and Saturday morning appointments.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe?
A: Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free,
non-invasive therapies available for treating neuromusculoskeletal complaints,
and scientific studies have shown that chiropractic care is a viable option for treating back pain. Doctors of chiropractic are well-trained professionals
who provide patients with safe, effective care. Their extensive education has
prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get
those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a
medical specialist.
Q. Does chiropractic treatment hurt?
A. At Lakewood Chiropractic, we adjust our treatments to meet the needs of
each patient. Our doctors utilize various treatment options to ensure a
comfortable and pain-free experience.
Q: Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from a medical
doctor?
A: Typically, a referral is not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC);
however, first check with your health insurance company for coverage details
and referral requirements.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe for children?
A: Children are very active and experience many types of falls or injuries,
especially from sports. Children can benefit from chiropractic care to keep
their spine properly aligned, as well as to treat back and neck pain,
stiffness, soreness, or discomfort. At Lakewood Chiropractic, it is our top
priority to protect the well-being of our patients, respect their needs, and
make their treatment experience an enjoyable one.
Q: Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
A: Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans. At
Lakewood Chiropractic, we file all insurance claims for you. We would be glad
to tell you which services in our office are covered by your specific policy.
We also offer interest-free billing and payment plans for policies with
deductibles and co-pays, as well as for those who do not have insurance at the
time of service.
Q: What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
A: Doctors of chiropractic are educated in nationally accredited, four-year
doctoral graduate school programs through a curriculum that includes a minimum
of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical internship. Before
acceptance into a doctoral graduate school, most students have already
completed four years of pre-medical studies, focusing on biology, chemistry,
physics, and psychology. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic
college, doctors of chiropractic spend four to five years studying
orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis,
diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation, and more. A
significant portion of study time is spent in clinical technique training to
master these important manipulative procedures. The course of study is
approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency that
the U.S. Department of Education fully recognizes.
Q: How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
A: Chiropractic adjustments utilize the highly refined skills developed during
the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education as well
as specialized equipment. The chiropractic physician manipulates the joints,
restoring and enhancing joint function. The adjustment also helps to reduce
joint inflammation and relieve pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly
controlled procedure, adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following
treatment.