Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

The following are conditions that generally respond to chiropractic therapy:

Back pain, Neck pain,
headaches, Arm and shoulder pain,
Bursitis, Tendonitis,
Hand and wrist pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome,
Hip pain, Groin pain,
Tail bone pain, Sciatica,
Disc problems Leg pain,
Knee pain, Ankle and foot pain,
Sprains /Strains, Fibromyalgia,
Menstrual pain, Muscular pelvic pain,
Muscular chest pain,
And most painful muscle and joint conditions.

Other conditions may also be helped with Chiropractic, such as sinus problems and anxiety symptoms to name a few, ask your doctor if Chiropractic therapy may help your specific condition.

How long will I need to have treatment?

Every condition like every person is unique, the length of time it takes to achieve pain relief and correction depends on many factors, such as, the duration of the condition, living habits, occupation, your ability to rest, and underlying stressful, degenerative and or structural problems. Other considerations include your adherence to the advised treatment plan, and home recommendations. Most people feel a substantial improvement within the first couple of weeks; however, just because the pain is diminished or gone does not necessarily mean the condition is resolved.

We always do our best to relieve your pain and stabilize your condition in the shortest possible time

Your condition will be evaluated at every visit to determine your treatment frequency. At Lemont Chiropractic Center your therapy is based on your response, not on an arbitrary pre determined number of visits.

How long you choose to continue active therapy and or supportive care is always up to you, you will never be pressured or harassed to continue unwanted care.

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 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 judgment, 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.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.

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

Chiropractors receive an education similar to that of medical doctors with an emphasizes on 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. The average program length is 4 years with an average of 4,820 hours of classroom and clinical study, compared to Medical, 4 years with 4,670 hours, and Physical therapy, 3 years with 3,398 hours. Doctors of chiropractic must pass national board examinations and become state-licensed before they can practice. In Illinois doctors of Chiropractic are required to take a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education per year to maintain their license.

Does insurance cover Chiropractic treatments?

Most insurance does cover Chiropractic therapy, what they cover and how much they pay is dependent on your individual policy. Some have a set number of treatments they will pay for, others have a specific yearly dollar amount, and others only cover certain therapeutic procedures. You can call your insurance company to find out what will be covered and what they will pay. We will also contact your company to determine coverage, and we will explain what they will cover and what your responsibility will be.

Do I have to see my Medical Doctor before I see a Chiropractor?

Doctors of Chiropractic are Licensed physicians, you do not need to consult with your medical Doctor or have treatment prescribed, as with physicial therapists. The only time you would need a referral from your primary care physician would be if you belong to an H.M.O.

Should I tell my Medical Doctor I am seeing a Chiropractor?

Your primary care physician should be made aware of any treatment you are receiving be it Chiropractic, medical, or alternative, just as you should let your Chiropractor know what kinds of medication you are taking or other treatment you may be having. Sometimes a specific condition may require the services of both your Chiropractor and Medical Doctor, and possibly other specialists. Letting all of your doctors know what types of treatment you are receiving helps them make informed decisions regarding your health care.