You may develop chronic pain in your back that isn't only frustrating, but unbearable. You've tried back compresses, stretching, and exhausted every other alternative so you can get better, but the pain just won't go away. So, the question is, how are you going to fix it?
Visiting your general practitioner is a good place to start, but these professionals may not have all of the answers. In fact, a referral to a chiropractor may be in order. Millions of people deal with back pain every year. Chiropractors are known for their experience in this area. At this point, you are willing to try anything, but having someone realign your body makes you wonder, are chiropractors safe? Let's take a look at the benefits and risks associated with chiropractic.
Are Chiropractors Legitimate Doctors?
Chiropractors are qualified specialists in their field. They don't have a doctorate degree that's required for your general practitioners, but they have certification for spinal adjustments. These professionals are considered safe when you research each caregiver for their background. A certified school that offers a Doctor of Chiropractic degree is considered legitimate. Even after a chiropractor finishes their schooling, they still must hold current licenses and certificates.
All of these qualifications are easily verified by the local authorities. With a certified and experienced professional, your odds of being paralyzed by a chiropractor are incredibly low.
When You Should Consider Seeing a Chiropractor
Visiting a chiropractor should be a decision that's based on your personal needs and physician recommendations. Chronic pains that cannot be cured through traditional medicine, for example, are good reasons to try a holistic approach. Injuries to the neck, spine, and surrounding back are also concerns that may require a chiropractor's expert touch.
Are chiropractors safe? They certainly are when you're working with a professional who understands your particular issues. Chronic pain shouldn't be fed with painkillers that have potentially harmful side effects, and don't actually solve your problem. Adjusting the joints and realigning the muscles may be the change that you need to feel more comfortable than before.
Is Going to a Chiropractor Safe?
Yes, going to the chiropractor is considered safe if you schedule an appointment with a licensed and experienced chiropractor. It should be noted that no medical practice is completely safe, there are some complications that can arise if you are being worked on by someone with little to no experience. However, the risk associated with seeing a chiropractor is extremely low, but it is still recommended you talk to your doctor before seeing a chiropractor.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor
The positive, chiropractic side effects of regular visits are numerous. You'll feel more relaxed with each adjustment. Part of manipulating the joints is relaxing the muscles around them. Most professionals achieve this relaxation through heat treatment and massage. Are chiropractors safe? When they manipulate a relaxed body, safety is achieved as the tissues move with ease.
Your body will eventually balance out and remain aligned. Chronic pains disappear, which reduces any need for painkillers.
Risks of Seeing a Chiropractor
There are risks to seeing a chiropractor. If you aren't leading a healthy lifestyle, complications can arise. Adjustments might lead to herniated discs in your back. Nerve endings might be overstimulated or pinched, which causes tingling and possible loss of feeling. In very rare cases, strokes occur from neck manipulations.
The odds of being paralyzed by a chiropractor are so low that most people don't think about them. As long as you choose a qualified professional, you should experience positive outcomes.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
Every insurance policy is different. Before you visit any chiropractic professional, examine your policy. A visit might be partly covered by your insurance. You may be able to pay the balance with an HSA or health savings account. By being prepared for costs above and beyond your insurance, you can fit a chiropractic visit into your budget.
If your insurance policy is seriously lacking in the holistic department, consider supplemental coverage. The benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to spinal manipulation.
Why Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
Many medical insurance plans cover chiropractic care as long as it is deemed medically necessary by a doctor. Chiropractic care is widely accepted in the medical community as a safe and effective way to treat musculoskeletal problems such as neck and back pain, sciatica, and headaches. By covering chiropractic care, insurance companies are able to save money that would otherwise be spent on more expensive treatments like surgery and medication. Additionally, many people find relief through chiropractic visits without needing to take medications or have surgery, which can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
What Types of Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
Most major health insurance plans cover chiropractic care as long as it is medically necessary. These plans include PPOs, HMOs, and Medicare Advantage plans. Coverage typically includes office visits and treatments such as manipulation, spinal alignment, and massage therapy. Other alternative therapies like acupuncture may also be covered depending on the plan. It's important to check with your insurer before beginning treatment in order to determine what is included in your plan coverage.
Insurance Restrictions for Chiropractic Care
Most medical insurances have certain restrictions when it comes to chiropractic care, depending on the plan. Issues such as pre-authorization or referral may be necessary before beginning treatment and services that are outside of traditional spinal manipulation may not be covered. Some plans also limit the number of visits each year, so it's important to check with your insurance provider in order to determine what is specifically covered under your particular plan. Additionally, some treatments may not be fully covered and co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses may apply.
Get Health Insurance That Covers Chiropractic Visits
You might have an acute injury or pre-existing condition. Regardless of the health issue, a chiropractor may be a logical solution to your ailment. First Quote Health can easily help you find a health insurance plan to cover your chiropractic needs. By entering your zip code, you will be able to instantly compare quotes in your area, and find a plan that fits your needs.
Hospital privileges were granted to chiropractors in 1983 after medical professionals recognized the benefits associated with chiropractic practices. Even health insurance companies acknowledge the benefits of seeing a chiropractor, and include chiropractic services in their coverage, making it one of the only holistic medical treatments covered.