Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is most often used to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. It is a non-invasive means of treatment. In other words, no drugs or surgery are used to restore and improve health. Chiropractic involves a careful assessment of the spinal joints and surrounding tissues including the discs, muscles, tendons and nerves to identify dysfunction and restore mobility. This in turn alleviates any muscle tightness, allowing soft tissues to heal.
What is a subluxation and what does it feel like?
A subluxation is a misalignment of bones in the vertebrae that house and protect the spinal cord. Any misalignment can produce pressure on the nervous system, damaging the nerve supply to different parts of the body. Vertebral subluxations are often undetected until they begin producing symptoms. Subluxations are often not apparent until pain is present. This means that you can suffer from subluxations for years without any painful warning signs. Chiropractic can detect subluxations prior to producing any symptoms and can ultimately correct them effectively.
Do Chiropractors treat conditions other than back pain?
Chiropractic provides effective relief for all types of musculoskeletal disorders, not just neck and back pain. At Blake Chiropractic, we treat the back and neck as well as conditions of the joints and extremities including ankle, knee, shoulders and hips as well as many soft tissue problems. On many occasions, a specific spinal problem will produce symptoms in other areas after months, if not years, of abnormal function.
Does Chiropractic hurt? Is it safe?
Under normal circumstances, spinal adjustments are very comfortable. However, in a small percentage of the time, a patient may experience slight discomfort during the adjustment and for 12 to 24 hours afterwards. Chiropractic adjustments (or manipulations) are extremely safe. The risk of an abnormal reaction is estimated to be 1 in 1 million treatments.
Once I see a Chiropractor, do I have to go for the rest of my life?
The simple answer to this question is no. The extent in which you choose to benefit from chiropractic care is ultimately up to you. Our goal is to correct and restore normal function of your spine and alleviate pain. However, we do strongly urge all of our patients to consider regular chiropractic care to maintain long term, lasting benefits and proper spinal function. Just as you would regularly visit the dentist for your oral health, we recommend that you visit your chiropractor on a regular basis to restore and maintain optimal spinal health. Most patients feel chiropractic is a very valuable tool for optimal health along with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary generally depending on the amount of treatments required to effectively treat and correct your condition. At Blake Chiropractic, we treat people the fewest number of times needed to correct your problem. Chiropractic care, in general, is a very cost effective form of care. We also are top-tier providers for Medica, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Preferred One, Select Care and many other health care plans. In addition, we also treat patients with injuries from automobile and work accidents, which are covered 100% by automobile and workers compensation insurance. We also offer affordable cash plans for those without insurance or choose to not bill their health insurance.