Frequently Asked Questions
Should I tell my medical doctor that I am receiving chiropractic treatment?
We encourage our patients to inform their medical care providers that they are receiving chiropractic treatment. In fact, our practice has been built through collaborating with contemporary minded, patient-centered medical practitioners.
As a courtesy to our patients and their caregivers, we will gladly forward a copy of our patient’s initial evaluation report to their primary care physician. Many of our patients request that we contact their primary care providers in order to introduce ourselves, or to provide them with information about our practice.
The key to comprehensive care is communication.
Does insurance pay for chiropractic treatment?
Yes, many health insurance companies reimburse for a portion of chiropractic treatment. We will call to confirm your benefits and highly recommend that you do the same.We bill all major insurances companies including Great West, Blue Cross, Medicare, Most Others, Auto Insurance,and Workers Compensation.
Is it true that once you have chiropractic treatment, you must keep going back?
No. Actually, many people elect to continue their chiropractic treatment after feeling well. Why? Because periodic elective “maintenance care” makes them feel better. Chiropractic treatment is an integral component to many healthy people’s “health maintenance” plan; similar to diet, exercise and proper sleep.
I was told that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. Will chiropractic adjustments cause arthritis?
Contrary to what your mother may have told you, knuckle cracking actually does not cause joint arthritis. However, knuckle crackers tend to experience more joint stiffness later in life.
Regardless, spinal adjustments / manipulations are quite different than cracking one’s knuckles. When a spinal adjustment is performed, the joint is slightly gapped momentarily; opening the joint surfaces. Knuckle crackers actually grind the joint surfaces together, potentially irritating the joint. There is no current evidence to suggest that chiropractic manipulative therapy is detrimental to your spinal joints.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
In general, chiropractic treatments carry a very low risk of complication. Approximately 25% of patients will experience short-term [24 hours] or local soreness following the initial adjustment. This may represent short term muscle tension or low-grade inflammation from the treatment.
The risk of serious, irreversible complication is rare. Estimates for neck adjustments are between 1 in 400,000 to 1 in 5.85 million. With regards to the low back, estimates for serious complication is “1 in many million”. It is important that you discuss any specific concerns with your treating chiropractor prior to receiving treatment.
How long does it take to receive a treatment?
Most treatment sessions require between 15-30 minutes; depending upon the depth and scope of care necessary. The initial examination typically lasts 45-60 minutes, depending on the complexity of a patient’s condition, and whether a treatment is received immediately after the initial evaluation.
I hear that chiropractors “crack” your back. Is this common?
Chiropractic adjustments most commonly elicit an audible “pop” or “crack” sound. Chiropractors refer to this as an “audible release” or “cavitation sound”. Treatment success is not contingent upon this noise.
What is the popping noise that occurs during an adjustment?
Your spinal joints contain a fluid known as synovium. The synovial fluid contains dissolved gasses; mostly carbon dioxide. When your spine is adjusted, a vacuum is created within the joint and the dissolved gasses come out of solution, forming a gas bubble. This vacuum creates a “pop”.
What does the “DC” after your name mean?
The title “DC” stands for “Doctor of Chiropractic”. “Doctor” literally means “teacher”. In keeping true to our title, we educate our patients about their conditions, how to improve their health and how to stay as healthy as possible. Other specialty designations obtained by Dr. Milam include:
DACBSP – Diplomate American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physician
CSCS – Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
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