1. How does Chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works by restoring your body's inborn ability to be healthy. When under the proper control of your nervous system, all the cells, tissues, and organs of your body are designed to resist disease and ill health. The chiropractic approach to better health is to locate and remove interferences (subluxations, misaligned vertebrae) to your nervous system. With improved spinal function, there is improved nervous system function. The goal of the chiropractor is to remove interference that may be impairing normal health through specific chiropractic adjustments, allowing your body to heal itself. A healthy spine and a healthy lifestyle are your keys to optimal health!
2. What type of education do chiropractic doctors receive?
Doctors of Chiropractic are well educated. Chiropractic education and medical education are similar in many respects and different in others because chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, and medical doctors do not correct vertebral subluxations. After graduating with a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree, each candidate passes the demanding four part National Board Examinations. Then, doctors apply to a governmental or professional licensing board and pass a still more difficult test before being granted the privilege to practice. A chiropractor's education, however, never ends. Most doctors complete regular postgraduate instruction for license renewal and to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.
3. How much does it cost?
The fee for a chiropractic visit is $95 on the initial visit and $55 for each subsequent visit. The initial visit consists of a consultation, focused physical exam and treatment.
4. Do you accept insurance?
Most insurance plans are accepted at our office. We accept auto accident, workers compensation, personal injury and most health insurance plans, including Medicare. Since there are so many plans and coverage varies widely, please call us to find out if your plan covers care in our office. Our staff will verify and explain your benefits before treatment, at no charge.
5. How long does each visit take?
The initial visit takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Once the patient has filled out the necessary paperwork, Dr. Ardell will spend an extended period of time for the consultation, focused physical exam and the treatment. Each subsequent takes approximately 10 minutes.
6. How long will I need chiropractic care?
This is a tricky question because it is completely dependent on the individual. Once Dr. Ardell has performed the focused physical exam he will be better able to assess the length of time a patient needs care. There are factors that can contribute to the length of time needed for care such as age, occupation and the extent of trauma.
7. Is chiropractic safe?
Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health care professionals. Chiropractors' malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.
8. What type of person needs to see a chiropractor?
Everyone. Typically people associated a ‘bad back’ with chiropractic care, but many patients utilized chiropractic to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
9. What kind of techniques do you use?
a. Activator Method - The Activator technique is a chiropractic treatment method and device used as an alternative to manual manipulation of the spine or extremity joints. The device is categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted instrument which is a softer chiropractic treatment technique.
b. Diversified Method - Diversified is characterized by a high velocity low amplitude thrust. Diversified is differentiated from other techniques in that its objective is to restore proper movement and alignment of spine and joint dysfunction.
c. Arthrostim - The Arthrostim is a device that allows precise corrections or adjustments in a faster time, and these adjustments will generally hold for longer durations. The Arthrostim generates a very gentle pulse/force to your body, these "Taps" 12-14 per second in every cycle.
It is always the patients choice which way they want to be adjusted, either manually or by instrument.
10. Do I need to have my neck cracked?
We only adjust what the patient is comfortable with. Some patients prefer instrument adjusting for the cervical spine since it is gentle and effective.
11. Can children get adjusted?
Yes. It is common for parents have their children adjusted for optimal health. Patients commonly bring their children for spinal check-ups, ear infections, bodily aches and pains and food allergen testing.
12. Do I need x-rays?
It depends on the individual patient. However, Dr. Ardell will not recommend an x-ray unless it is medically necessary.
13. Do I have to undress?
No.
14. Does it hurt?
While each person has a different pain threshold levels, typically little to no discomfort is reported when chiropractic care is received.