It’s completely natural to have questions about your treatment, in fact I encourage it. I’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about chiropractic care below. If you don’t find the answers your looking for, give me a call. Despite the many benefits of Chiropractic care, there are still patients who avoid going to a chiropractor.  In many cases, this reluctance is due to fear. The thought of a chiropractic adjustment is often frightening to those who haven’t experienced it.  They imagine their back being forcefully twisted, as loud popping sounds occur.  This anxiety can keep patients from seeking the care that could bring lasting relief to their symptoms.  However this fear is usually unfounded. Read on to see answers to commonly asked questions about chiropractic care and give me a call when you’re ready to live better…

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Common Questions About Chiropractic Care from New Patients

Do Chiropractic Adjustments Hurt?
Some patients experience soreness for 24-48 hours after their first Chiropractic Manipulation after which they usually begin to notice a change in symptoms. Should soreness persist after a few sessions, tell your doctor so he can adapt your treatment to alleviate discomfort.
Do I Have to get my Back 'Cracked’?
Not if it makes you uneasy. Many Chiropractors employ non-“cracking” techniques if you prefer.  Communicate your concerns to your doctor, if “cracking” worries you.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Doctors of Chiropractic provide a holistic hands-on approach to treating a variety of common neural, muscular, and skeletal problems. For people concerned about surgery or other invasive procedures, Chiropractic Physicians are trained to differentiate the causes of back pain and provide less costly solutions (i.e., non-surgical spine specialists.)
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Me?
Chiropractic Physicians specialize in differentiating the underlying cause of back pain and uncovering contributing factors.  If your symptoms have a mechanical origin that be reproduced during physical exam, chiropractic treatment can offer rapid relief when traditional methods of symptom relief (muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory medications, rest) prove unsuccessful.
How do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?
Chiropractic Manipulation stimulates sensory nerves in your joints that inhibit out-going nerves potentially contributing to complaints such as muscle tightness, headache, referred pain, nausea, dizziness, malaise, etc. In addition, manipulation promotes pain relief by stimulating centers in the brain (descending inhibitory pathways) that temporarily shut off local pain receptors in the spinal cord.
How Long will I need Chiropractic Care?
My primary goal of care is rapid pain relief. My secondary goal of care is patient empowerment so pain does not control your life. When properly diagnosed, people respond within a few treatments. However, every patient is unique. The best results come from an individual care program determined by patient expectations, perception of improvement, and objective findings.
Are Chiropractic Visits Covered by Insurance?
Most insurance plans cover a trial of Chiropractic care. Dr. Lopez is in network with Medicare, Horizon BCBS, Amerihealth, United Healthcare, Cigna and Aetna.  For all other insurance, I accept Multi Plan.  Check with your insurance card for the MultiPlan logo or call your carrier for details on your coverage.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
When performed correctly by well trained Chiropractors, manipulative treatment and manual therapy is completely safe for people of all ages.
What should I expect on my First Visit?
Your initial consult consists of an in-depth interview regarding your complaint and past history. A physical examination including joint palpation, neurologic and orthopedic tests follows. In most cases, a diagnosis is made and treatment options recommended. At that point, you decide whether a trial of care is right for you. If so, we schedule accordingly.
What is an Adjustment?
Chiropractors use an adjustment, or spinal manipulation, to direct a precise force into a joint that is “locked” (or not moving properly) without pushing past its natural barriers.
Does everyone receive the same Treatment?
Absolutely not. Every patient is unique. People can have the same symptoms with different causes or they may have the same problem with different symptoms. A good history and physical will help pinpoint the problem area, dictate the direction of care and guide referrals.
What Conditions do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors are best at treating joint, muscle or nerve conditions/injuries. As a general rule, when the doctor can reproduce your pain on a physical exam you may benefit from trial of care. Below is a short list of conditions that have responded favorably to Chiropractic Care.
  • Headaches, migraines
  • Upper, mid, lower back pain & stiffness
  • Neck pain & stiffness
  • Pinched nerves, muscle spasms
  • Leg & arm pain, tingling, numbness, weakness
  • Leg & arm joint pain or dysfunction
  • Carpal or Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Does Chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
It depends on your health plan. Most PPO plans to not require referrals. If you are unsure, we will be happy to contact your insurance provider and verify benefits.
Is Chiropractic treatment appropriate for Children? Elderly?
Chiropractic care is safe for all ages. A good Chiropractor will adjust the treatment plan to meet the patient’s age and needs.
Can Chiropractors practice in hospitals or outpatient facililites?
NJ state law grants Chiropractors physician status. A licensed Chiropractor may treat patients in any facility where medical doctors are allowed.
What type of Education or Training do Chiropractors have?
Academically, DC and MD receive almost identical education especially as regards anatomy, physiology and diagnosing. Since we are granted physician status, a DC should be able to diagnose non-chiropractic conditions or at least recognize when something is “above his pay grade.” Also, DCs spend very little time in toxicology/pharmacology that address drug utilization and interaction. Lastly, MDs undergo longer formal paid training often called residency. MDs having completed their academic education, practice in teaching hospitals. DCs, on the other hand, usually go straight into private practice where they work under a more experienced practitioner. There is no formal standardized post-graduate training program aside from the experience they receive in their early years. Click HERE for additional information.
Can I go to a Chiropractor if I am under Medical Care?
Yes. Many people experience treatable physical problems alongside their medical conditions. In fact, there are some studies showing favorable results with pain management and functional outcomes in certain cancer patients. Dr. Lopez co-manages many patients with different medical providers including primary care physicians, orthopedists, neurologists, endocrinologists, cardiologists, etc.
Is it bad to ‘crack’ my own neck or back?
Can you self diagnose on the internet? Can you self medicate? Can you give treatment advice without any formal training? It’s America! You can do just about anything…but you absolutely should not ‘crack’ your own spine.
What if my insurance does not cover Chiropractic?
I will work with you make sure you get the care you need and figure out a method of payment that fits your budget.