Get the answers you need.
Patients who have heard myths about chiropractic care will sometimes state they feel nervous about their first visit to Sport & Spinal Rehab. Dr. Nevel, Dr. Bullock and our compassionate staff know there is misinformation about chiropractic care and therapy, so we’ve compiled a list of 18 frequently asked questions to help patients understand what we do. Do you have a question not answered here? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns.
What is a Chiropractor?
Doctors of Chiropractic, also referred to as chiropractic physicians, are trained to examine, diagnose and treat various disorders with drug-free, hands-on treatments. Chiropractors provide a vital role in the health of your body with various treatments, including physical therapy, laser therapy, spinal decompression, and the “chiropractic adjustment.” Also referred to as “spinal manipulation,” chiropractic adjustments restore the proper motion of joints when it is misaligned and/or loses its proper motion, a condition some chiropractors refer to as a “subluxation.”
For conditions such as low back pain, a chiropractic adjustment may be the primary treatment method. Chiropractic treatment can be integrated with physical therapy and massage therapy for quicker recovery for certain conditions.
What type of education and training do chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors and medical doctors have almost identical entrance requirements (pre-requisites) to get into chiropractic college. Chiropractors undergo approximately 4 years of graduate school studies and complete doctor-supervised clinical rotations where they treat patients prior to working as a solo practitioner.
Each state requires specific licensing exams to be board-certified prior to practicing. Many chiropractors, including Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock, also pursue additional post-graduate education so they have advanced training in certain conditions and various chiropractic techniques and therapies.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic physicians focus on the correct alignment and mobility of your spine and other joints to help relieve pain and stop patients from developing health problems. A typical treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, spinal decompression, deep tissue laser therapy, therapeutic massage, Graston, cupping, kinesio taping, electrical muscle stimulation, or ultrasound. Chiropractic care prides itself in being non-surgical and conservative.
Do chiropractors treat children?
Yes, there are many chiropractors, including the team at Sport & Spinal Rehab, that treat children. In fact, many patients bring their children in right after birth to get their joints and nervous system checked. As kids learn to crawl and walk, it is a good idea to get them checked by a chiropractor to make sure their joints are moving properly. As children mature, they can get injuries from running, jumping, or falling. Kids who have a lot screen time on electronic devices and phones tend to have neck pain or issues with their wrists.
Can pregnant women benefit from chiropractic care?
In general, chiropractic care is not only safe, but beneficial during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatments often help alleviate the aches commonly occurring in pregnancy including sciatica, back pain, and foot pain.
Is chiropractic care effective?
Research proves chiropractic care and spinal manipulation is a safer and more effective option for spine pain compared to nearly every other modality. We are fortunate to have the Journal of the American Medical Association, the American College of Medicine, and annals of internal medicine promote spinal manipulation as the first choice for low back pain.
We have helped alleviate many issues for our patients by utilizing spinal manipulation and chiropractic care. These issues include but are not limited to neck pain, low back pain and headaches. Chiropractic care has helped our patients find relief and have helped them avoid using prescription medication or surgical procedures.
Can chiropractic adjustments be addicting?
No, there is no evidence that chiropractic care is addicting. However, many patients choose to continue chiropractic care for maintenance adjustments since they feel so good when their joints are moving properly.
Once I see a chiropractor, will I always have to see a chiropractor?
No, many patients come in for specific injuries and are released from care after their injury has healed properly. Some patients can benefit from maintenance care and choose to come in periodically for treatment.
What causes the “popping” sound during a chiropractic adjustment?
During a manual adjustment, joints will sometimes release gases such as nitrogen gas, creating a “pop” or “crack.” These gases are naturally dissolved in the joint fluid and will typically build back up within an hour. Manual chiropractic adjustments often release this gas as a “pop,” while other gentler techniques do not create any “popping.” Sport & Spinal Rehab practices various chiropractic techniques including both manual adjustments and gentle instrument-assisted adjusting.
How do I know if I need chiropractic care?
Our chiropractors will let you know! Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock will perform an in-depth evaluation before prescribing treatment. The evaluation can include a physical exam and x-rays. With your consent, we may request health records from your other medical providers. This helps us collaborate to provide complementary treatment to improve your odds of recovery or pain management.
Can I perform my own chiropractic adjustment?
We do not recommend performing self-adjustments. Without training in chiropractic, it is dangerous to adjust your neck or back. This could potentially make your symptoms worse or damage your spine. Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock will often give patients home rehab exercises which include safe joint mobilization treatments to perform at home between chiropractic visits.
Can I go to the chiropractor without a referral from my medical doctor?
Yes, many patients visit us before they see another doctor. Therefore, you do not need a referral from other medical providers, but some insurances still require prior authorization. You can check with your insurance company before you schedule an appointment, or we are happy to verify your insurance benefits for you to help explain what your plan covers.
Is chiropractic treatment expensive?
It is a misconception that chiropractic treatment is expensive. The cost of care varies based on the injury and the number of treatments. Sport & Spinal Rehab is in-network with many insurance companies and has affordable cash treatments as well.
Are chiropractic adjustments painful?
Some patients have minor discomfort after treatment but typically chiropractic treatments are not painful. Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock usually recommend ice or heat to help with any discomfort. They may also recommend gentle stretching and exercises to help.
Most of our patients leave feeling better than when they walked in. Progress can take time, but many patients feel immediate relief. If you are sensitive to chiropractic care, let us know so we can work to make your visit more enjoyable.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
Patients come to Sport & Spinal Rehab for a variety of conditions, both acute and chronic. Sport & Spinal Rehab has many tools and techniques to treat many conditions including but not limited to:
- Neck and Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Tears
- Tennis Elbow / Golfer’s Elbow
- Foot Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
- Disc Bulges and Disc Herniations
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Muscle Strains / Ligament Sprains
- Ear Aches
- TMJ Disorder (Jaw Pain)
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Tendonitis
This is not an exhaustive list of all the conditions we treat. If you are suffering from a condition or injury not on this list, contact us to discuss if we can help.
How many visits does it take to heal and feel better?
The amount of time needed for healing can depend on multiple factors, including the nature of the injury, how severe the injury is, and what level of improvement you want. Some of our patients only come a few visits to get complete relief whereas other patients require weeks or months of consistent care. Let Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock know your goals so we can create a care plan to fit your needs.
What are some common treatments used by chiropractors at Sport & Spinal Rehab?
Many people are familiar with spinal chiropractic adjustments. In addition to spinal chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock also have advanced training in extremity adjustments of the arms and legs. In addition to spinal and extremity chiropractic adjustments, Sport & Spinal Rehab utilizes the following treatments as well:
- Spinal Decompression
- Laser Therapy
- Electrical Muscle Stimulation
- Ultrasound
- Physical Therapy
- Stretching
- Rehab Exercises
- Cupping
- Graston Technique
- Kinesio Taping
- Custom Orthotics
- Myofascial Release
- Mechanical Traction
- Heat Therapy / Cryotherapy
The therapies used during treatment will depend on your specific condition and your personal preference as a patient. Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock may recommend a combination of therapies to speed your recovery so you can heal faster. We will work with you to create a specific treatment plan.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica is characterized by pain, numbness, or burning that traveling through the largest nerve in your body, the sciatic nerve. This nerve starts in your low back and travels into the legs to your feet.
The sciatic nerve can become pinched in the low back vertebrae and disc or in the soft tissue of the legs including the piriformis muscle in the buttocks. Dr. Nevel and Dr. Bullock can evaluate your specific condition and determine the cause creating your sciatica.
