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New Patient Paperwork <--- Click the link
During the first chiropractic consultation, we will complete a thorough chiropractic exam the of back pain or other symptoms in about 45 minutes, and then advise treatment. X-Ray may be performed in office and analyzed as needed, some other imaging tests such as CT and MRI may be ordered based on patients’ symptoms.
The Chiropractors may conduct spinal manipulation and some physical therapy modalities on your first visit, the full treatment usually being conducted at the second visit.
Our insurance specialist will verify your insurance coverage and discuss your finial responsibility for your treatment plan. Chiropractic and physical therapy are usually well covered by most insurances.
Most patients wonder what to expect after their first adjustment. There are three common responses.
The first possibility is that the patient can actually feel worse! While rare, this can be caused by the examination process earlier, or because of the changes made to the spine. Ever get sore after overexertion in the garden or raking leaves? Same thing here.
Another possibility is that after the first adjustment you immediately start feeling better. While obviously welcomed by patients, this can give the false impression that the problem is fixed. However, without retraining supporting muscles and soft tissues with more visits, patients often experience a relapse of their original problem.
The most common response is practically no response! By the time some patients consult our office, they've had their problem for months, sometimes years. This can make their recovery slow. The good news is that the cause of their problem is being addressed, rather than simply numbed by drugs.
How will you respond?
Regardless of your response to your initial adjustments, we hope you'll give your body time to fully heal. Join the millions who have enjoyed relief and better health without drugs or surgery!
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches…particularly with their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries Chiropractic FAQsand disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues, as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits and occupational and lifestyle modification.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education has prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.
Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Doctors of chiropracticare educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.
The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation and more. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.
How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure whereby the chiropractic physician typically uses his or her hands–or an instrument–to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released.
Monday: 8:00am --- 5:30pm
Tuesday: 8:00am --- 2:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am --- 5:30pm
Thursday: 8:00am --- 5:30pm
Friday: 8:00am---12:00pm
Closed daily for lunch from
2:00pm --- 3:00pm
Allegany Chiropractic Center
376 Mill Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-739-0090
Fax: 301-739-0288