Chiropractors perform a manual therapy called spinal adjustment on patients of all ages who suffer from conditions ranging from migraines to scoliosis. Typically, the chiropractor uses the hands as a tool to manipulate the joints of the spine. Over time, this procedure reduces inflammation and helps restore the spine to optimal positioning, thereby reducing stress on the whole body.

Spinal Adjustments: 4 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Conditions Do Spinal Adjustments Treat?

Spinal adjustments work particularly well to treat back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even high blood pressure. Everything from sciatica to allergies and stress may be treated with help from chiropractic care.

2. Are Spinal Adjustments Safe?

Spinal adjustments are non-invasive, drug-free, and completely safe for the vast majority of patients. In rare cases, patients report mild side effects like temporary headaches, discomfort, or sleepiness. A 2007 study found the risk of serious adverse effects from spinal adjustments to be “low to very low.”

Ultimately, spinal adjustments have not been linked to any serious health complications. Meanwhile, each year over 15,000 people in the U.S. die each year due to opioid painkiller overdoses. When it comes to pain management, spinal adjustments are exponentially safer than many commonly prescribed painkillers. 

3. Does Insurance Cover Spinal Adjustment Therapy?

The majority of health insurance plans cover spinal adjustment therapy. Medicare, some Medicaid plans, Blue Cross Shield plans, and workers’ compensation all cover chiropractic care.

4. Do You Need a Referral from Your Doctor to Receive Spinal Adjustments?

You do not need a referral to visit a chiropractic doctor. However, your insurance plan may require a referral in order to receive insurance benefits. Before you make an appointment, you may want to ask your provider about referral requirements.

Find out if spinal adjustments are right for you when you talk to the experienced chiropractors from West Chiropractic Clinic in Soldotna, AK. For more information about the family chiropractor center, visit the website. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call the practice today at (907) 262-9171.