Chiropractic Care Frequently Asked Questions
at South Main Chiropractic
Will I Need Continuous Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care isn’t always a lifelong commitment. Only about 10% of our patients require long-term supportive care, usually due to chronic issues or demanding daily activities.
Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Painful?
Typically, chiropractic adjustments do not cause pain. We realign the joints within their natural range of motion. The surrounding tissues, if tight, torn, or painful, are addressed first to minimize discomfort. Some patients may experience slight discomfort during the initial visit.
Can Chiropractic Cure Everything?
Chiropractic care doesn’t claim to cure conditions. It focuses on removing interference from the nervous system and restoring the skeleton’s normal mechanics, facilitating the body’s natural function.
Why Adjust Newborns or Young Children?
The birthing process, especially when involving forceps, vacuum extractors, or C-sections, can cause trauma to a baby’s spine, particularly the upper cervical spine. As children grow and become more active, regular adjustments can help maintain optimal alignment.
Can Chiropractic Help with Colic? How?
Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate colic by removing interference at the brainstem’s base, under the first neck vertebra. This can positively affect the digestive and respiratory centers.
Is Chiropractic Covered by Insurance?
In North Carolina, most insurance plans are required to cover chiropractic care as part of a patient’s bill of rights.
What is the Cost of Chiropractic Care?
Costs vary based on insurance coverage. They range from a $20 copay to about $175 for a self-pay examination with x-rays and treatment. The average cost without insurance is around $50.
Do I Need a Physician’s Referral?
No referral is needed, as chiropractors are recognized as physicians under the law, allowing unrestricted access.
Do You Collaborate with Medical Doctors?
Yes, we work closely with many local physicians for specialty care, imaging, and refer back to primary care when needed. We also assist newcomers in finding the medical services they require.
Will I Be Adjusted on My First Visit?
Many patients receive an adjustment on their first visit, barring any complications. In some cases, only therapy is performed until x-rays are diagnosed, and a care plan is established.
Do You Recommend Exercises or Other Self-Care Practices?
Absolutely. We offer a variety of exercises and resources, including videos on our webpage and YouTube channel, to complement your chiropractic care.
Can Post-Surgery Patients Receive Chiropractic Care?
Yes, we often see patients post-surgery to maintain mobility around the treated area and potentially prevent further surgeries.
Pediatric Chiropractic
Why Adjust Newborns or Young Children?
Trauma from the birthing process, including the use of forceps, vacuum extractors, C-sections, or prolonged labor, can affect a baby’s spine, particularly the upper cervical spine.
How Can Chiropractic Help with Colic?
By addressing the upper cervical spine, we can alleviate pressure on the brainstem and upper spinal cord, affecting the digestive centers and the digestive tract.
How Safe Are Adjustments on Children?
Children’s adjustments are very safe. They require minimal force, similar to that used in testing the ripeness of fruit.
When Should Children Receive Their First Adjustment?
Children can benefit from adjustments as early as a few hours old. Regular checks during developmental milestones are recommended.
Pregnancy Chiropractic
How Safe Are Adjustments During Pregnancy?
Adjustments are safe throughout pregnancy. We tailor our techniques to each pregnancy stage, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
How Often Should I Visit During Pregnancy?
The frequency of visits depends on your needs. We aim to reduce symptoms and support your body as it changes throughout the pregnancy.
Do You Collaborate with OB/GYNs?
Yes, we often work with OB/GYNs, especially for patients experiencing lower back pain or sciatica during the second trimester.
Sports Chiropractic
How Is Sports Chiropractic Different?
Sports chiropractic considers potential significant injuries to ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, often seen in high-velocity sports injuries.
Can Chiropractic Improve My Golf Game?
You bet your sand wedge it can! Our Chiropractic Golfers Protocols are designed to enhance foundation and swing mechanics.
Does Chiropractic Help with Sprains?
Chiropractic care can realign joints and minimize force from misalignment, helping to stabilize and retrain coordination to prevent future injuries.
Why Do Athletes Choose Chiropractic?
Chiropractic helps restore natural function and mobility, aiding in faster recovery and avoiding the use of potentially harmful medications.
Auto Accident
Do You Work with Insurance Companies After an Auto Accident?
Yes, we work with most insurance plans to provide comprehensive care.
We have a state-of-the-art digital x-ray suite installed in 2021/2022.
What is the Duration of the Initial Appointment?
The initial appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, especially if paperwork is completed beforehand via our online portal.
Do You Bill Insurance Directly?
We bill insurance directly and only collect copays, coinsurance, and deductibles from patients once coverage is confirmed.
Are There Additional Treatments Available?
Our clinic offers several non-covered services, including Class IV Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Pulsed EMF, Acupuncture, Dry Needling, Whole Body Vibration Treatment, Nutritional Counseling, Weight Loss Programs, and Bioidentical Hormone Therapy.
What Injuries Can Occur in an Auto Accident?
Injuries can range from sprains and strains to cartilage damage, dislocations, fractures, and concussions. We emphasize the importance of seatbelt use for safety.
