FAQ

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the largest, most regulated, and best recognized of all complementary and alternative medicine professions. All 50 states recognize chiropractic as a health care profession, and chiropractic is the third largest doctoral-level health care profession following medicine and dentistry. The definition of chiropractic is healing done by the hands, without the use of drugs or surgery. Chiropractic focuses primarily on overall health and prevention of disease through maintenance of the nervous system. Chiropractic does not claim to cure any disease; it aims to restore the structure of the body through correction of subluxations to allow the body to heal on its own.

What are Subluxations? 

A subluxation is an abnormal relationship between spinal bones that impairs the structure and motion of the joint. The joint is said to be fixated, or “stuck”. The nervous system is in close association with the spine; therefore, a subluxation can irritate the spinal nerves, altering communication between the brain and the body. The nervous system controls every cell, tissue, organ, and system in the body. By compromising the integrity of the nervous system, any part of the body can be affected, diminishing function and general health of the body.

How Does Chiropractic Help?

Chiropractic adjustments release the interference of the nerves, allowing the body to heal and the organ systems to regain their proper function. An unhealthy nervous system can be the underlying cause of many health problems. Chiropractic helps maintain a healthy nervous system and therefore a healthy body.


Who Should See a Chiropractor?

Subluxations are a response to stress. This stress can be mechanical (trauma, repetitive motions, poor posture), chemical (toxins, drugs, poor diet), or psychological (emotional) in nature. Nearly everyone is under stress and has the potential to develop spinal subluxations, including infants, children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. Stress can even begin in the womb. Chiropractic is more than just pain relief. Spinal subluxations are often painless but may be causing other signs and symptoms in the body. Chiropractic has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of many conditions other than back pain. Some of these include:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Bedwetting
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Colic
• Ear Infections
• Extremity Conditions
• Headaches
• PMS
• Pregnancy
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Sinus Pain
• Wellness
• Whiplash

What Happens on the First Visit?

 Paperwork: Upon arriving at the office, the patient will be required to fill out paperwork that will give the doctor important information about your overall health and your current condition.

 History and Examination: In order to determine what the problem is, the doctor will perform a complete history on the patient. An examination will then be performed to find the areas of involvement and the root cause of the problem.

 X-Rays: If the doctor feels that x-rays are needed, the patient will be referred to the Albert Lea Medical Center. If you already have x-rays from a previous chiropractor, copies may be brought along to your appointment.

 Treatment: Unless found to be inappropriate, the patient will receive treatment on the first visit. Treatment will often include soft tissue work, or a "mini massage" to help loosen the muscles and relax the patient. Adjustments will be performed to the affected segments. They may be performed manually, with a drop piece, or with an Activator, depending on the patient and their needs and comfort level. Other therapies, such as acupuncture, electrical muscle stimulation, or ultrasound, may be performed if necessary.

 Home Care: The patient will often be sent home with recommendations for their daily living. Specific stretches for the patient will often be given, as well as other modifications for their daily activities.

Scheduling the Next Appointment: The doctor will give a recommendation as to the best treatment plan for the patient. After the treatment is complete, the patient is advised to schedule their next appointment before leaving the office. This will ensure that the patient will get the most convenient time for them as possible.


Will Insurance Pay for my Care?

Depending on the insurance company and individual policy, chiropractic may be covered by insurance. TouchWorks Chiropractic is currently an in-network provider for Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare and Medical Assistance. If the patient provides the office with their insurance information prior to the first visit, we are able to verify your benefits. A discount is also available for patients who are willing to pay for their visit at the time of service.

Will I Have to Come Back Multiple Times?

Every person is unique. After your first visit, the doctor will determine what the best plan for your situation is. Chiropractic care aims to remove subluxations from the body. The body, however, is very good at adapting to being in a bad position. Muscles spasm around the affected joints and tend to pull the joint back into a subluxated position even after receiving an adjustment. Therefore, it often takes more than one adjustment to retrain the body to stay in a better position. Once stability is created in the body, treatments can be spaced out or stopped completely. Many people chose to stay on a maintenance program once they realize how well they feel after their adjustments.