Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of conservative health care. It is drugless, non-invasive, and actively promotes health.
What education is required to become a chiropractor?
Most Chiropractors today have at least 8 years of college education. A bachelor’s degree plus 4-5 years of graduate school is the average.
Chiropractic education is similar to that taught in medical school with regards to basic sciences and clinical diagnoses. The main difference is in treatment methods learned. While future Medical Doctors learn pharmacology and surgical techniques, future Doctors of Chiropractic learn hands on treatment methods, rehabilitation, nutrition and other clinically and scientifically established conservative procedures.
Like Medical Doctors, some Doctors of Chiropractic choose to further their studies and specialize in a particular area. Some Chiropractors choose to specialize in the treatment of children, the treatment of auto accident or occupational injuries, the treatment of disease through herbs or nutrition, and many others. Here at Spaulding Chiropractic we have a doctor who is working towards his sports chiropractic certification, which means that he has additional education in the treatment of non-spinal injuries and in rehabilitation.
What can I expect from treatment?
When you come in for treatment you will be asked for a complete history of your current complaint plus past health problems and other information that may help the doctor to arrive at a diagnosis.
An exam will be performed which may include orthopedic tests, range of motion, strength, sensation, x-rays or other tests.
If your condition involves a joint, a Chiropractic Adjustment will probably be performed. When the exam reveals that a joint is not moving properly (“fixed”) or in a less than optimum position (“out of alignment”) your doctor will exert a specific corrective pressure, usually by hand, to specific places on your joint. This is done to relieve pressure on joint tissues, muscles, and nerves and assist healing.
Your doctor may use other techniques such as muscle work or exercise, or certain modalities such as electrical muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, heat or cold therapy, or your doctor may recommend massage therapy.
What is the normal course of treatment?
This varies significantly depending on your condition, your age, and how well you take care of yourself. In general, the longer you have had a condition or the more severe that condition is, the more often you will have to receive treatment. Your pain reports and the doctor’s objective findings will be carefully monitored and your treatment plan may be modified daily to meet your changing condition.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
If you have already had x-rays or other tests performed for your condition, bring the films or the reports with you.
Make sure you have accurate records of any previous surgeries, significant injuries or diseases. These conditions may be important to your current complaint even if they don’t seem like it at first.
Bring any insurance information that might be necessary, including any referral required. Most insurance companies have chiropractic benefits and will pay for at least a portion of Chiropractic care.
What is the cost?
CHIROPRACTIC CARE: New patient visit: $100 - $165 **
Established patient: $50 - $90**
(Prices do not include X-rays, supplements, or supplies)
MASSAGES: 1 Hour: $80**
1 ½ Hour: $120**
** We offer a Time of Service Discount when paying in FULL at the time of service**
CLINIC HOURS:
Monday through Friday 9 am - 6 pm
Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm, Sundays closed
