Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic is a health care profession focusing on conditions and disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with particular emphasis on the spine and extremities.
Chiropractic is very safe and has been for over 100 years it has been practiced. Current research shows chiropractic as one of the safest non-invasive treatment types. While all types of medical treatment may have adverse effects, chiropractic treatments typically provide instant relief for most patients but may cause tenderness or muscle soreness following an adjustment.
A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan directly—to find out if there are referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. In the case of children, it is very gentle.
Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. Chiropractic care and massage therapy coverage is also available, in the state of Oregon, through your automobile insurance after an auto accident, regardless of fault.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. They are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches using their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. DCs also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions may involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
