If you've never received chiropractic treatment, it's natural to ask about what to expect at the office. Blue Mountain Family Chiropractic understands and will gladly answer your questions. Below you'll find a few of the questions we often hear from patients. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call us at (570) 366-2613 or send us an email. We'll get back to you shortly!
Q: What is a chiropractor?
A: A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic (D.C), is a doctor trained in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle, joint, and nerve pain without the use of drugs and surgery. A chiropractor receives 5 academic years of training in addition to undergraduate studies, including an internship of at least one year. Chiropractors must also pass a four part national board examination, a physiological therapeutics examination, and become licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania.
Q: When should I see a chiropractor versus my medical doctor?
A: If you have flu like symptoms, a fever, a cough, stomach pains, or any other symptoms associated with the internal portion of the body, it is best to see your medical doctor. However, if you are experiencing muscle, joint, or nerve aches and pains, then a chiropractor is better equipped to handle your problem. A referral is not necessary as the chiropractor is trained to evaluate your problem. If necessary, the chiropractor will refer for further testing and/or to your medical doctor if the condition cannot be treated by chiropractic care.
Q: I don't want to be adjusted. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?
A: Every patient is unique. Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions, but are not absolutely necessary. The signature treatment is the education you will receive about the spectrum of treatment options that are recommended for you.
Q: Can you help with spinal stenosis?
A: Spinal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly where a narrow spinal canal pinches on a spinal nerve root. Non-surgical care such as exercise and physical therapy is the treatment of choice. We have helped many patients with this condition. If you are a candidate for surgery we would recommend a consultation for you.
Q: How long is the typical visit?
A: Usually 30 to 40 minutes.
Q: Do you offer massage therapy?
A: Soft tissue massage is an integral part of most treatment programs. So, a massage focused on a particular set of muscles might be prescribed during your office visit. For a relaxation or wellness massage, separate time must be scheduled with one of the massage therapists that are available.
Q: Can you help with a pinched nerve?
A: Yes. Pinched nerves in the neck or low back cause arm or leg symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness. We will perform the necessary examination to diagnose this condition. The first line of treatment includes ergonomic or lifting advice, therapies, and exercise. Often, anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed by your medical physician is important too. About 20% of the time pinched nerve symptoms worsen in the first month or fail to resolve over a 1 to 3 month period. Such cases require additional testing such as with an M.R.I. and more invasive treatments such as epidural injections or surgery. We will make appropriate referrals in these instances.
Q: Can I see you for headache pain?
A: Absolutely. Chiropractic along with postural/ergonomic advice is a proven approach for many headaches. Occasionally, multidisciplinary management with other specialists is required and a team approach is utilized.
Q: What type of treatment is used for knee problems?
A: Initially, the knee disorder is assessed and diagnosed. As an example knee tendonitis will require a thorough evaluation of the foot and hip as well as the knee. Proper foot wears and balance exercises along with a specialized patello-femoral tracking exercise program are utilized.
Q: If I can't raise my arm overhead should I see an orthopedist?
A: Typically, we will evaluate you and begin a physical rehabilitation/pain management program. However, an orthopedic consultation and M.R.I. evaluation will be necessary if no progress is seen within a few week period. Soft tissue massage, gentle exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, and heat or ice treatments are usually quite effective.
Q: Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
A: Chiropractors are portal of entry providers, so a referral is not necessary, unless it is required by your particular insurance plan.
Q: Do chiropractors treat only the neck and back?
A: Chiropractors can diagnose and treat any type of muscle, joint, and nerve pain. This includes back pain, as well as pain in the arms and legs, and headaches.
Q: If my pain is very severe, could chiropractic care still help?
A: Yes! We see many severe cases and depending on the cause, chiropractic care can offer relief even when pain medications do not.
Q: I was told I probably need surgery, could chiropractic care still help?
A: It depends on the case, but most of the time it is best to try something safe like chiropractic care before resorting to surgery. It is amazing how many patients scheduled for surgery find relief with chiropractic care.
Q: I have pain radiating into the arms or legs and my doctor said not to see a chiropractor. Is this correct?
A: No. Many medical doctors do not realize that we offer treatments other than spinal manipulation. In very severe cases, we will use more gentle methods of treatment such as traction, stretching, electrotherapy, etc. If we feel chiropractic care is not indicated, we will not treat you.