Chiropractic care focuses on the maintenance of health by improving the biomechanics of the spine and skeletal system. The relationship between joint function in our body, especially along the spine, and the responsiveness of our nervous system to react to our environment, is enhanced by chiropractic care.
Injuries, poor posture, the rigors of athletic training, and the aging process typically disturb normal body mechanics. Because of our expertise and extensive training in neuromusculoskeletal conditions, we are uniquely skilled in treating athletes and non-athletes alike. When joint or muscle pain occurs, proper evaluation and treatment will support a quick recovery and resumption of normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a natural method of health care that focuses on treating the cause(s) of physical problems rather than just the symptom. It is based on a simple but powerful premise that with a normally functioning spine, joints and muscles and a healthy lifestyle, your body is better able to stay healthy and heal itself. Chiropractors specialize in the detection and correction of problems in the spine, muscles and other joints of the body which may not be moving correctly or functioning properly. When this happens inflammation can result, as well as pain and degeneration (arthritis). When these problems are found, chiropractors use manual “hands-on” manipulation (adjusting) to help move joints and restore their normal movement patterns. Chiropractic is not only designated for spinal problems. Skilled chiropractors can treat all different types of joints in the body, some of the most common being shoulders, wrists, knees. Please click here for a list of the most commonly treated problems in our office.
Q. Does chiropractic care hurt?
For the most part chiropractic is not painful and a very effective way of treating spinal and other non-spinal problems. Like any health care intervention, some methods can be temporarily uncomfortable. We explain to our patients it’s much like going to the dentist. Sometimes there may be post-treatment soreness, although mild, but in the long run you feel better overall.
Q. Can chiropractic care help my arthritis?
Yes, arthritis is an extremely common condition affecting the cartilage in-between two bones. This cartilage provides shock absorbing properties and lubrication in order to distribute the weight of gravity in our bodies. In arthritic conditions the fluid within the cartilage tends to dry out. When this happens the friction between the two joints increases.
There is no direct blood supply to cartilage, the only way cartilage maintains its fluid contents is through motion. Cartilage needs movement in order to have fluid pumped into it. When a joint becomes stiff or arthritic, the lack of movement in that joint worsens the condition because now there is less fluid being mechanically pumped to the cartilage. Chiropractors use adjusting, (a manual “hands-on” therapy) in order to restore normal range of motion and increase the fluid motion of that joint. Combine this with exercise and proper nutrition and we can achieve outstanding results.
Q. Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?
Nearly all insurance companies in Vermont cover chiropractic care to some extent. Some policies are better than others. Some require a primary care physician referral, but for the most part most people have access to chiropractic care. If you call the number on your insurance card you can ask a customer representative to check your benefits. You can also call our office and ask for our billing manager, who is familiar with many policies in the area. We accept most insurance. (We currently do not participate with MVP, United, Medicaid, or Aetna. Patients with these insurance companies still receive care in our office but must bill themselves after paying for the care.)
If you do not have insurance coverage, chiropractic care is still an affordable therapy to pay for out-of-pocket. The fact that there is no surgery or invasive procedures involved keep the cost of care reasonable as opposed to medical doctor’s care.
It is also important to note that your car insurance and Worker’s Compensation fully cover chiropractic care regardless of whether or not your personal insurance covers the incident. If you are hurt on the job you have the right to seek care from a chiropractor regardless of what your employer tells you. Chiropractic care has been proven to get people back to work quicker at half the cost in relationship to work injuries. In a Work comp situation you are only required to see the company doctor one time. Then it is your choice to seek care where you want. Even if the company doctor recommends otherwise.
Q. Can a Chiropractor prescribe medication?
No, just like a primary care physician can’t do dentistry, and a dentist can’t adjust your spine, chiropractors specialize in hands-on, drugless treatment; thus medication is not part of the schooling and we do not prescribe in the state of Vermont. We firmly believe that most patients need a primary care physician and thus we encourage you to work hand-in-hand with your own physician. If medication is needed we will usually phone your doctor and work directly with them to take care of your needs.
Q. Can a Chiropractor be my primary care physician?
Each state law is different as to the way that managed care plays a role in the health care system. It would not be prudent for a chiropractor to be your primary care physician in relationship to internal medical needs. We at Williston Chiropractic and Sportsmedicine work to integrate with your primary care physician and/or set you up with someone with whom we are familiar and trust. We would like to be considered part of your health care team much like your dentist, your primary doctor, your OBGyn and pediatrician. We feel that no one physician has all of the answers and that a team approach best benefits the patient.
Q. Do children need chiropractic care?
The best answer for that is, sometimes. We see many children in our practice for all different reasons. The most common being for problems arising following a fall or sporting injury. Many young children also suffer from headaches and back pain. Another problem that we also see frequently is ear infections. All of these conditions can respond very well to chiropractic care and we are happy to discuss this option with parents. Kids tend to like chiropractic because its pain free, drug free and a fun experience all round.
One important aspect to remember is that many problems that are seen in adults actually start from traumas that occurred as children. Even mild traumas can have a lasting effect. We have a saying in health care that “your body keeps score.” Small problems add up over the years, and it’s best to catch them early.
If you are under chiropractic care for a problem that came on slowly and/or for no apparent reason, you should ask your chiropractic physician if he or she feels that your children should be checked. Its quick, painless and may stave off problems in the long run. Please e-mail any questions.