FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For over a century, Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) have successfully helped millions of individuals recover from spine-related health problems. Because DCs are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of spinal conditions, patients turn to them for faster, more effective, and reliable care. Similarly, hospitals and other medical providers are now working closely with DCs to ensure the best quality of care for patients who suffer from spine-related injuries and dysfunction. This often improves patient outcomes and reduces health care costs.

Chiropractic care is patient-centered and all ages, from infants to seniors, can benefit from its holistic and whole-body approach. The benefits of chiropractic care have also been shown to extend beyond the reduction of back and neck pain. It is proven to reduce headache and migraine pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, jaw pain, sciatica, whiplash, and tingling or nerve pain in the arms and legs. For infants and children, chiropractic can help with colic and bed-wetting issues.^1&2 Additionally, according to the American Pregnancy Association, chiropractic care is ideal during pregnancy, from preconception to post-partum, to assist with fertility, pelvic changes, postural adaptations, nutrition and pain relief.³

Chiropractic care restores health naturally. It can help reduce pain, improve mobility, maintain strength, and prevent injury. Overall, patients who utilize chiropractic care report better health and well-being.⁴

REFERENCES

1. Miller, J. E., Newell, D., & Bolton, J.E. (2012). Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: A pragmatic single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), 600-607. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.09.010 
2. Van Poecke, A. J. & Cunliffe, C. (2009). Chiropractic treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis: A case series of 33 consecutive patients. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(8), 675-681. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.019 
3. American Pregnancy Association https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/chiropractic-care-during-pregnancy/ 
4. Adams, J., Peng, W. Cramer, H., Sundberg, T., Moore, C., Amorin-Woods, L., Sibbritt, D., & Lauche, R. (2017). The prevalence, patterns, and predictors of chiropractic use among US adults. Spine, 42(23), 1810-1816. https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0000000000002218

Chiropractic is proven to be safe and clinically effective treatment option for musculoskeletal issues and other conditions. A 2016 Gallup poll noted that six out of ten adults who saw a chiropractor in the last five years say chiropractic care is very effective.¹ It is also a safer strategy for treating many conditions over prescription medications like opioids or invasive procedures such as surgery. However, don’t take our word for it, check out what research says:

• • • A 2021 data study by ChiroUp found that after initiating chiropractic care, 80.24% of patients found improvement in their health after 4 weeks of care for all diagnoses, including dizziness, hamstring strains, ankle sprains, neck, and back pain.²
    • A 2019 comprehensive study review in Pain Medicine found that patients participating in chiropractic care were 64% less likely to receive an opioid prescription than nonusers.³
    • A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that the clinical outcomes are better when using non-invasive chiropractic care as a first treatment option for acute low back pain before prescription pain medication or surgery.⁴
      
    • A 2015 study published in Spine compared spinal manipulation with traditional medical care and found that 94% of manual-thrust manipulation (chiropractic) recipients experienced a 30% reduction in their low back pain, compared with only 54% of medical care recipients.⁵
      
    • A 2013 study found the likelihood of surgery was only 1.5% for workers who saw a chiropractor first after back injury, compared to 42.7% for those who first saw a surgeon.⁶
    • In 2010, the comprehensive UK Evidence Report concluded that spinal manipulation/mobilization is effective for low back pain, migraines, neck pain, and several joint extremity conditions.⁷
      
    • A 2003 study of neck pain patients compared treatments of general practitioners, manual therapy (spinal mobilization), and physiotherapy (mainly exercise). The manual therapy group showed a faster improvement and less costly than the physiotherapy group and the general practitioner care group.⁸

REFERENCES

1.2016 Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Report: Americans’ Perceptions of Chiropractic https://www.palmer.edu/getmedia/252696d3-9f6d-4bf6-a36b-196155fcae07/gallup-report-palmer-college-2016.pdf
2.2021 Chiropractic Outcomes & Patient Satisfaction Synopsis https://chiroup.com/copssynopsis2021/
3. Corcoran, K.L., et al. Association between chiropractic use and opioid receipt among patients with spinal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Pain Medicine, Feb 2020, 21 (2) 139-145. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz219
4. Paige, N. M., et al. (2017). Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 317(14), 1451– 1460
5. Schneider M, et. al. Comparison of spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain. Spine 2015; 40(4):209-217
6. Keeney, B.J., et al. Early predictors of lumbar spine surgery after occupational back injury: Results from a prospective study of workers in Washington state. Spine, 2013 May 15: 28(11), 953-64.
7. Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leininger, B., & Triano, J. Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2010 Dec: 18, 3, 1-33 https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-18-3
8. Korthals-de B., et al. Cost effectiveness of physiotherapy, manual therapy, and general practitioner care for neck pain: economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial commentary: Bootstrapping simplifies appreciation of statistical inferences. BMJ. 2003 Apr 26;326(7395):911-4. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7395.911

The Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association encourages people of all ages to take a proactive approach to health in order to maintain an active lifestyle. Nerve interference can affect anyone, which is why people of all ages experience improved health and wellness with chiropractic care.

No method of health care has proven itself to be more effective than chiropractic in helping those who suffer from back and neck pain. DCs are the most highly qualified professionals in evaluating and caring for these, as well as many other health problems. Just like any other health care professional, a DC will gather information and evaluate the appropriateness of care for you or your entire family and will refer out to other health care providers when necessary.

Chiropractic by definition is a system of non-invasive therapy which holds that certain musculoskeletal disorders result from nervous system dysfunction arising from misalignment of the spine and joints and that focuses treatment especially on the manual adjustment or manipulation of the spinal vertebrae.¹

The human body possesses a natural ability to restore itself. This ability depends on a healthy nervous system. Life’s events such as automobile accidents, sports injuries, repetitive work, and stress are just some of the factors that can overwhelm the body’s ability to adapt. The joints of the spine ‘lock up’ when these sorts of events occur, limiting range of motion. Spinal joint restriction and/or misalignment results in irritation and/or pressure at the spinal nerve.

Chiropractic care can correct these structural distortions, known as subluxations, restoring the body to its optimal form and function. Localized symptoms of subluxations may include pain, tenderness, swelling, tingling, numbness, or spasm around the joints of the spine, back, neck, or other extremities. Many times, these sensations extend further into the shoulders and arms, around the rib cage, or into the hips and down the legs. Subluxations can even lead to headaches, stomach, and digestive problems, and have a negative impact on overall health.

Impaired nerve coordination causes the whole body to suffer. Vital communications flow between the brain and the body by way of spinal nerves. These instructions inform and direct the body as to when, where, and how it needs to heal itself. By irritating nerves, subluxations interfere with the essential brain/body exchange, thereby compromising the normal function of the body’s organs and tissues. Chiropractic care clears the path for the body to maintain its own health naturally.

Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) use a variety of techniques to adjust subluxations, but the most common and well-known is spinal manipulation, sometimes referred to as a “chiropractic adjustment”. DCs use their hands or a device to apply a controlled thrust (that is, a force of a specific magnitude or degree in a specific direction) to a joint of the spine. The amount of force can vary, but the thrust moves the joint more than it would on its own.² An adjustment restores nerve function by alleviating pressure and opening the nerve communication channels in the spine.

REFERENCES 
1. Oxford English Dictionary
2. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know

When selecting a health care provider, whether it be a DC, primary care physician, or a dentist, it is recommended to take the time to consult with a few different professionals to find one that meets your needs and build rapport. Prior to scheduling an appointment, summarize your current conditions and evaluate your health care goals. A healthy relationship can develop if you two have the same goals in mind. Next, talk with your friends and family for recommendations of their provider of choice. Or, you can find a DC near you or by specialty by clicking here.

Yes, infants and children can benefit from chiropractic care! Children are typically very physically active, especially if they participate in sports or other interests. Their higher level of movement and activity can cause injuries, soreness, and stiffness in their back, neck, or extremities.

Chiropractic is a safe, gentle treatment choice for children to help them maintain correct posture keeping their spine aligned as they grow, and it keeps them on the move!¹ Additionally, chiropractic care can help infants with colic or latching issues, and older children with bedwetting issues.^2&3

REFERENCES
1. Todd, A.J., Carroll, M.T., Robinson, A. Mitchell, E. L. K., (2014). Adverse events due to chiropractic and other manual therapies for infants and children: A review of literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 38(9), 699-712. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.09.008 
2. Miller, J. E., Newell, D., & Bolton, J.E. (2012). Efficacy of chiropractic manual therapy on infant colic: A pragmatic single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(8), 600-607. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.jmpt.2012.09.010 
3. Van Poecke, A. J. & Cunliffe, C. (2009). Chiropractic treatment for primary nocturnal enuresis: A case series of 33 consecutive patients. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32(8), 675-681. https://doi.org.10.1016/j.jmpt.2009.08.019

Chiropractic care is the number one preferred treatment for low back pain according to an in-depth 2016 Gallup Survey.¹

Additional findings from that survey include:

• 95% of chiropractic users rate chiropractic as effective
• 97% of past-year chiropractic users are likely to see a chiropractor if having neck or back pain
• 89% of those surveyed would recommend chiropractic care to family or friends
• 88% of past-year chiropractic users agree that it is a good value for the money

More recently, a 2021 study from ChiroUp found that 92.7% of patients rate their satisfaction with chiropractic as excellent, and 96.7% would refer others. Factors that impacted the satisfaction rating where whether the chiropractor orders and interprets laboratory tests, displays concern about the patient’s overall health and how well they explain the condition diagnosed and treatment options.²

REFERENCES
1.2016 Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Report: Americans’ Perceptions of Chiropractic https://www.palmer.edu/getmedia/252696d3-9f6d-4bf6-a36b-196155fcae07/gallup-report-palmer-college-2016.pdf
2. 2021 Chiropractic Outcomes & Patient Satisfaction Synopsis https://chiroup.com/copssynopsis2021/

Chiropractic has demonstrated itself to be one of the most cost-effective forms of care available in health care today. As with any product or service, fees vary by provider and location.

Chiropractic services are included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. Most health plans do not require a referral for chiropractic care.

It would be advised to check with your plan to find out what coverage you may have for chiropractic and if a referral is necessary with your health plan. Also, it is recommended to talk with your prospective Doctor of Chiropractic to learn about their payment options as some patients pay directly for care.

Following a consultation and examination, a treatment plan will be designed and customized to meet your specific needs.  This plan is centered on spinal manipulation otherwise known as the chiropractic adjustment, which is a method of treatment unique to chiropractic. A chiropractic adjustment corrects spinal subluxations and dysfunction. The primary goal of an adjustment is to improve spinal alignment and motion, thereby relieving nerve irritation, pressure, and pain.

You may feel immediate improvement after an adjustment, although most people experience gradual, progressive relief of symptoms. Since adjustments restore motion to previously locked joints, ligaments and tendons begin to stretch back to their normal length. This lengthening may cause slight muscle soreness similar to that brought on by rigorous exercise.  If you experience these sensations, be assured that within days you will likely be enjoying the benefits of improved spinal motion with less pain that results from a healthier spine. For the best results, follow the treatment plan that your Doctor of Chiropractic recommends for you.

One of the most common and well-known therapeutic procedures performed by Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) is spinal manipulation, or often referred to as a “chiropractic adjustment”. Spinal manipulation restores mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement due to a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as the improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period. Manipulation of extremity joints can also be used to provide the same benefit.  

DCs will adjust the amount of pressure and adjustive technique used based off the age, condition, and the specific needs of each patient. Spinal manipulation or extremity adjustments rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment, just like some forms of exercise,  that usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours. Additionally, adjustment or manipulation of a joint may cause an audible popping sound that is no need for concern. This is a caused by a release of pressure within the joint and is similar to cracking your knuckles.

The number of visits you make to your Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) depends on the nature of your condition and the treatment goals that you mutually establish. Many people use chiropractic as part of their preventive health care routine, so scheduling chiropractic appointments on a regular basis keeps their bodies functioning at their best. Others seek care and treatment for specific conditions such as pain relief. It is important for you to discuss your objectives with your DC in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

Keep in mind, healing rates vary from person to person. Children tend to respond more quickly to treatment, whereas adults and seniors may respond more slowly. A good rule of thumb is that the longer the spine has not been working properly, the more extensive the care plan may be to achieve desired results.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are experts in musculoskeletal conditions and treatments. In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be a patient’s primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic services may complement or support other medical treatments by relieving the musculoskeletal pain associated with the condition.

DCs play an essential role in today’s health care system as conservative care can lower patient risks and overall health care costs. A collaborative approach between health care providers has proven to be more effective for better patient outcomes and can also lower health care costs. However, there are some primary care providers (PCPs) that may be hesitant or avoidant to integrate complementary alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, such as chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture. This is mainly due to lack of knowledge about the proven benefits of CAM services.  

It has been recognized that PCPs who utilize an integrative approach emphasizing a variety of CAM therapies [complementary alternative medicine therapies, including chiropractic] had substantially improved clinical outcomes and cost offsets compared with PCPs utilizing conventional medicine alone.¹ It is recommended to speak with your DC about coordinating your care with your PCP to ensure that all of your health care needs are being addressed.

REFERENCES 
1. Qaseem, A., Wilt, T. J., McLean, R. M., Forciea, M. A., & for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. (2017). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 514. https://doi.org/10.7326/M16-2367.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) are licensed to practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and over 48 countries worldwide. To become a DC, a student must undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences at institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, and  they must pass the rigorous national board exams and state exams before entering the field.

Like all primary health care providers, Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) undergo extensive education and training before becoming licensed professionals. Prospective chiropractic students begin by fulfilling undergraduate degree requirements, with a strong emphasis on the core sciences such as chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and physics. 

The professional program leading to the Doctor of Chiropractic degree is very demanding. The curriculum requires a minimum of 4,200 instructional hours beyond the undergraduate prerequisite requirements. Chiropractic students continue their study of the sciences, including pathology and biochemistry, at a highly detailed level along with advanced clinical sciences including orthopedics, neurology, examination procedures, differential diagnosis, and X-ray interpretation. During this entire process, aspiring DCs gain knowledge of the philosophy and practice of health care and chiropractic. DCs also refine their technical adjusting skills in technique classes and clinical internships.

Additionally, upon graduation, many DCs seek additional specialty training and certifications to increase their knowledge and expertise in areas such as pediatrics, chiropractic neurology, acupuncture, chiropractic radiology, sports and performance, and functional medicine.