5 Questions You Should Be Asking About Chiropractic Treatment

If you’ve thought about chiropractic treatment, you probably have a general idea of what chiropractors do. Most chiropractors are back pain specialists, and many people seek out a chiropractor for neck pain or back pain treatment. But you might be surprised at what you don’t know, too. Here are some questions people frequently ask about chiropractic practice:

Are Chiropractors ‘Real’ Doctors?

While most chiropractors do not have M.D. degrees, they do have doctoral degrees and go through similar processes as medical doctors. After undergrad, they attend five years of chiropractic school and have at least a yearlong internship. Most also do residencies or complete training for specialties before moving on to private practice. That’s a minimum of 10 years of higher education (for comparison’s sake, family physicians usually have about 11 years of higher education). Chiropractors take a national board exam, state board exams and specialty board exams.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Covered by Insurance?

This question is actually related to the one directly above. In some states, chiropractors are considered healthcare providers and are covered by most insurance companies; in other states, they aren’t. You need to check your individual policy to know for sure, but it’s likely your insurance will help pay for chiropractic treatment.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Though the general public is most familiar with chiropractic work as it applies to back problems, chiropractors treat a wide range of complaints that are connected to alignment and joint mobility problems. Chiropractors can help their patients with everything from headaches to foot pain.

What Chiropractic Techniques Are Most Common?

The most common chiropractic techniques are ones using manipulation to improve alignment. However, many chiropractors take a more holistic approach that also includes massage, exercise planning and nutritional counseling to promote better long-term health.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Effective?

Like any kind of medical treatment, a chiropractic approach isn’t for everyone. However, there’s very little risk in visiting a chiropractor, as the techniques used generally have no adverse effects. If chiropractic treatment is successful for you, it could help you live with less pain — without needing to rely on risky medications or painkillers.

Did any of this information surprise you? Have you been considering visiting a local chiropractor? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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