FREQUENTLY ASKED CHIROPRACTIC QUESTIONS
We know you likely have a lot of questions about chiropractic care and chiropractors. So let’s chat.
How much does an adjustment cost?
Your out-of-pocket cost is determined by your individual care plan. We design your care plan based on your unique situation and current health challenges. Your Columbus, Ohio and Charlotte, NC chiropractors will map out the adjustments you need to change your spine and improve the function of your nervous system.
Fortunately, we are able to make your care more affordable through insurance or by creating a customized payment plan. We do accept insurance and will check with your insurance company to see how it will contribute to the care you receive in our office. This may reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we accept insurance. On your first visit, we will ask to make a copy of your insurance card. We will check with your insurance company and see how they contribute to covering your chiropractic care.
No Insurance? No Problem. Some insurances don’t contribute to chiropractic care. You will find our rates are affordable, and you can receive the recommended care plan our experienced Chiropractors create for you.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes! We can utilize most Medicare policies including Medicare supplement plans. Upon scheduling your first visit, please let us know if you will be utilizing any type of Medicare policy so we can best advise you on how your insurance contributes to your care and any out-of-pocket expenses you may expect.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Due to the restrictive nature of the guidelines Medicaid places on Chiropractors, we are unfortunately unable to accept payment from any Medicaid insurance plans. However, because we believe everyone should be able to receive high quality chiropractic care, free from restrictions, recipients of Medicaid benefits qualify for the same competitive self-pay rates as other uninsured and underinsured individuals in our offices.
Will you adjust me on the first visit?
Yes, and here’s why…Your health is our main priority.
However, we will not perform an adjustment without thoroughly evaluating your body first to determine if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care. On your first visit, we will collect all of your information along with any necessary scans and X-rays. Provided the doctor does not find anything that would prevent us from adjusting you, we will perform your first adjustment in our office, at that time.
We schedule a follow up visit for the next day or two to review the results of your evaluation, set up your customized care plan, and answer any new questions you may have.
What adjusting technique do you use?
Our work is based on a technique called CBP—Chiropractic Bio-Physics (www.idealspine.com), which focuses on correcting shifts in your spinal column. We use a combination of drop tables, adjusting instruments, and traditional diversified (sometimes called Palmer Method) adjustments with that “pop” many people associate with chiropractic adjustments. Part of our initial evaluation is to learn any concerns you may have about adjustments and address them so we can find the most comfortable and effective way to adjust you.
Once you start going to the Chiropractor, do you have to go forever?
Funny, nobody ever asks their dentist this question…
The truth is, there is no lifetime contract. Patients can leave or resume care whenever they like. Chiropractic is not addictive—unless you consider a desire for better health to be an unhealthy pursuit. Chiropractic is best utilized with regular adjustments, similar to exercise…one workout does not get you in shape, and typically neither does one adjustment.
Based on our evaluation findings, we will give you our best recommendations for your care. The frequency of your adjustments is determined by the severity and number of subluxations in your spine. You should have chiropractic care for as long as you wish to function on an optimal basis, physically, mentally and socially. To a normal, healthy person, this would mean a lifetime of care.
How many times do I need to be seen?
We will not know the answer to this until after your initial evaluation. The doctors will go over their findings and give you their best recommendations on your second visit.
Do you take X-ray’s?
Yes. We prefer to know exactly what is happening with the structure of your spine before we give you an adjustment, so we will review existing or take new X-rays during your first visit.
How long are my visits?
Your first visit is typically around 30-40 minutes. This gives you time to sit with your doctor and have a real conversation about what you are dealing with. You have their undivided attention to truly be heard. From there the doctor will take some x-rays to see how your spine looks and make sure it is safe to get you adjusted. From there you will get your first adjustment!
Your second visit is also around 30 minutes. This visit you will sit down with the doctor again and go over your x-rays in depth and chat about what they see. They will also walk you through their recommendations for care. This is also your time to bring up anything missed on that first appointment. You will then get your second adjustment!
All visits after that are 15-20 minutes and while you will still have the doctors undivided attention your time will be spent getting adjusted!
Is Chiropractic dangerous?
Chiropractic is vastly safer than any drug or medical procedure.
Statistically, there is a greater chance you will be struck by lightning than the chances of a serious complication from a chiropractic adjustment.
Compare this to these frightening statistics for conventional medical treatment. Recent studies estimate 128,000 Americans die every year from prescription medications—even when taking them as prescribed or in a controlled medical environment like a hospital. Up to 31 hospital patients each day acquire a healthcare-related infection during their hospital stay. In 2017, medical errors ranked as the third leading cause of death for Americans.
The safety of chiropractic care is reflected in the fact that chiropractic malpractice premiums are miniscule compared to those paid by MDs. (About $3,000 per year versus up to $50,000 per year.)
I do not like my neck popped – What can you do for me?
We can utilize drop tables and adjusting instruments that are gentle and effective; no popping necessary.
When will I feel better?
Everyone is different. We wish we could somehow predict how fast your body will heal, but there are several factors involved. Though it is rare that patients aren’t feeling progress after their first or second adjustment.
The central approach is to remove any blockages to your body’s nerve supply caused by spinal shifts called subluxations. All cellular repairs are controlled and coordinated by your central nerve system. Therefore, our goal is to maximize expression of life and healing through adjustments.