Chiropractic care paired with lifestyle modifications can help address pain.
Neck and back pain can make a significant impact on your daily life. Having aches and pains that prevent you from doing what you love isn’t normal. Seeing a chiropractor can help address the underlying causes.
Almost everyone will have low back pain at some point in their lives. It can affect anyone at any age. According to the American Chiropractic Association, disability due to back pain has risen by more than 50% since 1990.
From pinched nerves to migraines, chiropractors treat patients for a variety of conditions.
Chiropractors can help people who have pain in the low back, neck and headaches, often related to nerve and mechanical dysfunctions from the spinal complex. They also can help with painful extremities such as shoulders, wrists and knees.
Chiropractors reduce acute and chronic pain
Depending on the condition, chiropractic care is another resource people can use during recovery. They use a range of hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve function and restore range of motion. Your treatment plan will often include an assessment of how to improve ergonomics, therapeutic exercises you can do at home and lifestyle changes to prevent future problems.
One of the most commonly used therapies is spinal manipulative therapy, or SMT, which is a high speed, low amplitude impulse focused on the spinal column. Other techniques chiropractors may use include stretching, manual therapies, electric muscle stimulation, an impulse tool to loosen taut muscles, a traction table, dry needling and exercise and rehabilitative programs.
“We have specialized equipment and specialized treatment tables,” said Dr. Ben Shier, Marshfield Clinic Health System chiropractor. “We can frequently help you feel a pretty significant change, fairly quickly, even after a short visit.”
Chiropractic adjustments pair with lifestyle modification
Like choosing your primary care provider, it’s important to find the right chiropractor. “Choose someone who practices evidence-based care,” Shier said. In your first visit you can expect a consultation and examination. However, Shier advises you don’t necessarily need an X-ray to assess your situation.
“Through the years we’ve found that X-rays or more advanced diagnostics are only needed when we’re investigating red flags or when a patient is failing to respond to conservative measures,” he said. “If you are unsure whether a condition should be treated by a chiropractor, I encourage you to go. Chiropractors are experts in diagnosing and treating spine-related pain and will be able to help you determine if a referral is needed.”
Moreover, in addition to providing in-clinic treatment, your chiropractor will prepare you a therapy program at home, ensuring you get well and stay well. “The majority of people are able to resolve their complaints and can stay pain-free by following lifestyle adjustments,” Shier said. “Other people enjoy opting for maintenance care because it helps with minor aches and pains before those become something that decreases your quality of life.” Shier said.
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Medicare part B only covers spinal manipulation for "active treatment". Maintenance care is not covered by Medicare part B and would be the patient's responsibility unless they have a secondary that covers this cost. If they have a part C, they should check with their insurance carrier to see how this is covered on their plan.
Does chiropractic care help carpal tunnel syndrome?
Hi Joyce, This was Dr. Shier's answer to your question: "Often times it can make a big difference. We can do manipulation of the carpal bones to take pressure off the nerve, dry needling for the muscle knots in the forearm, and many carpal tunnel patients have a neck component to their case which is something else we can help with." -Thanks, Jordan
Do most health insurance companies typically cover chiropractic care?
Hello Corita,
Thank you for reaching out.
We contact our expert to get his advice and here is what he had to say:
"Yes, most 3rd party insurance companies do cover chiropractic services. However, each plan is different."
We recommend contacting your insurance company directly if you want to learn any additional information on chiropractic coverage.
Thanks and hope you have a great day,
Jake
Is chiropractic care covered under Medicare and/or Tricare?
Hello Sharon,
We reached out to our expert and here is what he had to say:
"Medicare does cover chiropractic adjustments (manipulation of the spine), but does not cover examinations. These would be self-pay or be covered by a secondary insurance.
Tri-care is a little more complicated. To my understanding, they do not have direct chiropractic coverage unless seen by a DC in a VA clinic or hospital setting. However, we are able to see VA patients through the Veteran’s Choice program, where they are referred by the VA to a local chiropractor if there isn’t one available nearby. The laws and rules of these programs sometimes change, so it is best to consult with your VA administrator or coordinator if you wish to see a chiropractor."
Hope that helps,
Jake