Chiropractic care is used to restore mobility and maintain normal function of the spine. Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.s or chiropractors) use hands-on manipulation to reduce pain and inflammation in the back and neck, stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons, and restore range of motion. Chiropractors may also recommend exercises to improve strength and flexibility and hasten the healing process. Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science that works to restore posture, reduce pain and improve the body’s ability to heal.

Chiropractors are health care professionals
Chiropractors complete extensive undergraduate prerequisites and four years of graduate-level instruction and internship at an accredited chiropractic institution. Comprehensive knowledge of all systems of the body and diagnostic procedures enable the D.C. to make a thorough evaluation, address disorders relating to the spine and determine the need for referral to another health care provider. Chiropractors are licensed in all 50 states.

When you need treatment
When the vertebrae of the spine are injured through trauma or repetitive use injury, range of motion becomes limited and muscles become tight or sore. This can lead to pain, disability, and an overall decrease in the quality of life. Improved motion and muscle tone has been shown to have significant, lasting health benefits.

Chiropractors routinely perform a treatment called spinal manipulation. During this procedure, the chiropractor uses his or her hands to apply pressure to the back in order to improve spinal mobility. The treatment creates a popping sound similar to cracking one’s knuckles.

Chiropractic can be useful in treating pain, discomfort or restricted movement in many areas of the body, including but not limited to, back, shoulder/arm, knee, hip and other joints. Spinal manipulation is also helpful in treating arthritis, headaches, whiplash and more. Treatment has been shown to be especially helpful for acute back pain sufferers during the first month of symptoms.

When undergoing chiropractic adjustments, patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort similar to the ache in muscles following exercise. Symptoms disappear within 12 to 35 hours. Approximately half of all chiropractic patients experience some level of reaction.

Chiropractic is recognized by government health care programs
Chiropractic coverage is included in Medicare, Medicaid, Federal Employees Health Care Benefits Programs, Federal Workers’ Compensation and all state worker compensation programs.

Health insurance
Coverage varies between insurance companies. For specific information about your benefit coverage, call your health plan or the employee benefits department at your workplace.