Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.

Is there Chiropractic Coverage from Medicare?

Chiropractic is covered under the Federal program called Medicare. If you have an HMO overseeing your Medicare coverage, then you may be restricted to certain providers who are on that HMO's preferred list. Dr. Silber participates with most of them.

As with all insurance carriers, examinations are required to be performed on a new patient or Medicare will not cover the subsequent treatments. We are required to bill the patient for the examination. Medicare does not cover that required examination, therefore it is the patient's responsibility.

X-rays are no longer a requirement in order to achieve Medicare coverage for chiropractic. They may still be medically necessary in some cases.

Medicare is almost always the primary insurance company. That means that they are billed first when there are more than one insurance companies covering your care. Some companies are on a secondary billing system and Medicare will automatically forward your bill to them. Others have to be re-billed by our office once we get the explanation of benefits (EOB) from Medicare.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What are the Phases of Care available to the Chiropractic Patient?

Phases of Spinal Care:

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you!

Initial Intensive Care
If an ache, pain, or other obvious symptom has prompted you to begin chiropractic care, the first thing you want is to feel better. Office visits will be frequent and your adjustments may be combined with other procedures to help offer relief. Depending on your age, condition, and lifestyle, repeated visits over weeks or months may be needed to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Rehabilitative Care
Muscle and other soft tissue damage often remain after the original symptoms improve. Rehabilitative care stabilizes your spine and promotes more complete healing. Visit frequency is reduced and you may be encouraged to supplement your care with exercises and other self-care procedures. With your aches and pains diminished, true healing can occur. Stopping care at this stage may risk a relapse.

Wellness Care also known as Maintenance Care
When maximum improvement is reached, periodic chiropractic checkups are recommended. These wellness visits can detect, and help correct, new problems before they become serious. Health conscious adults choose this type of care for themselves and their children. Like other preventative health measures, wellness care can save time and money by helping you stay well. Most people don't wait until all their teeth fall out before visiting their dentist! Why wait until it hurts?