What is chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic was developed over 100 years ago as a way to help the body move better and become healthier. Initially, “adjusting” was the only therapy, but chiropractic has evolved to include a variety of treatments, all of which serve to improve function and decrease pain. Adjusting can be done in a variety of ways, all with the goal of getting joints that aren’t moving properly to move more freely.

 

How does adjusting help?

Think about a shopping cart with a wobbly wheel. That wheel that is not moving right can throw the whole cart off. This is true for the body as well. Take a “sticky” joint in the low back, for example. This can cause pain in that area but also in other areas because the body compensates. Adjusting the joints can help your “wobbly wheels” to move more smoothly and your body to work and feel better as a whole.

 

Should I feel nervous about chiropractic treatments?

If you have never seen a chiropractor before, it is reasonable to feel nervous. We’ll explain what we are doing, check with you to make sure that you are comfortable and discuss options that feel right to you. Chiropractic treatments are safe and highly effective. Just like starting a new workout program can make muscles temporarily sore, you may experience a bit of soreness after your first adjustment. If that happens, a few minutes with either ice, heat, or alternating heat and ice over the sore area can calm the soreness.

 

Once I’ve seen a chiropractor, do I have to keep going for the rest of my life?

This is a common misconception about chiropractic. Each person is different and each injury responds at a different speed. Most people with minor acute injuries heal with a short course of care. Others, with more chronic conditions or serious trauma can require a more involved treatment plan. Some people come to see us a few times a year, as they find that keeping themselves “tuned up” can reduce minor aches and pains and keep them from progressing to a “flare up”. Each treatment plan is customized and applied over time, based on your individual needs. We’ll discuss this with you at the time of your first appointment. We do not sell “packages” of care allowing us the freedom to treat you as an individual.

 

Will I need X-rays?

Imaging will be ordered on a case-by-case basis. It will be dependent upon the individual complaint as well as what is found during the history and exam.

 

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when conducted by a licensed practitioner. In Oregon, acupuncturists are required to attend a rigorous three to four year course of study and to pass national board exams prior to practicing. Although there are typically no side effects to acupuncture, a patient should disclose any known medical conditions. Acupuncturists at Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture promote the highest standards of safety by complying with OSHA regulations, practicing universal precautions, and using only stainless steel, sterile, single-use needles.

 

Are acupuncture needles safe?

Here at Neighborhood Chiropractic and Acupuncture, all our practitioners use needles that are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged, and disposable. Each needle is used only one time and then deposited into a container to ensure safe disposal.

 

How does acupuncture work?

According to Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works primarily by promoting the free movement of blood and energy in the body, the stagnation of which causes pain and/or illness. Western scientific research has shown that acupuncture causes the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. However, acupuncture is used for many conditions besides pain. More recent research has shown that the stimulation of certain acupuncture points can activate specific regions of the brain, which then allows regulation of other systems in the body through modulation of molecules such as neurotransmitters and hormones. In general, scientific research has shown that acupuncture can modulate all the primary systems in the body, including the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture needles are much thinner than the needles used to give injections. The needles are so thin that many patients feel only a mild sensation, or sometimes nothing at all. The amount of sensation depends on the location of the point and individual sensitivity levels. It is generally a pleasant experience for most people, even those who dislike needles.

 

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required is determined by the patient’s complaint, the underlying health of the patient, and how the patient responds to treatment. For many complaints, especially acute conditions, several treatments per week for the first 2 – 4 weeks is usually recommended. This allows the treatments to have a cumulative effect. After this intensive period, treatments are usually given weekly. Treatment duration can range from a couple of weeks to six months. Some patients continue treatment on a monthly basis to prevent illness, which is in keeping with one of the basic philosophies of Chinese medicine–prevention is better than cure.

 

What if I don’t get better?

​Sometimes the treatment that we provide isn’t enough. If we don’t see our patients improving steadily, we will consider referring them to someone who can further assist them. We may co-treat or have the other practitioner take over the care entirely. We know and trust many other practitioners in the area, including physical therapists, podiatrists, acupuncturists, naturopaths, orthopedists, neurologists, and primary care practitioners.

 

Will it be confidential?

Just like any other doctor’s office, we don’t share your information with anyone. That includes your care at the office, correspondence or any other contact you have with us. E-mail questions to the doctors may be printed by our support staff, so sharing highly personal information should be in person.

 

How do I know if my insurance will pay for alternative care?

Bring your insurance card to your first visit. Our staff will ask for your insurance information at the time of scheduling. We will do our best to verify your eligibility before your visit and quote our findings at the time of your appointment.

 

Does insurance pay for everything?

Alternative care coverage is dependent on the details of your plan, including specifics on copays, deductibles, and visit limitations. Additionally, not all services are covered under all policies. We will quote all costs to you when describing your benefits.

 

What if I don’t have insurance?

We offer a “time of service discount” to patients who pay on the same day as their appointment.

 

What does “out of pocket” mean?

This is a term used to describe the cost the patient is responsible for paying on their own or out of their own pocket. This applies to copays, deductibles, or non-insured patients.

 

What is a co-pay?

This is the amount of the bill that a patient who has health insurance is responsible to pay. Often times, a co-pay is a set amount per visit, sometimes it is a percentage of the amount billed to insurance.

What is a deductible?

​​A deductible is the amount of money a person must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company will begin to pay for care. This is a set amount as determined by your insurance plan and often has to be paid each year.