What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is the quick movement of a joint to restore or improve its function, which reduces inflammation and decreases the patient's pain. Adjustments are typically performed with the chiropractor's hands or an instrument. Chiropractic manipulation is a very precise yet gentle procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Adjustments are tailored to address the unique needs of each patient and patients often notice results immediately.
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
An adjustment of a joint causes the pressure within the joint to rapidly change, which results in the formation of gas bubbles inside the joint. The popping sound is just the gas being released from the joint. There is often no discomfort with the adjustment and if there is, it is minimal.
Why do I have to keep coming back for treatment?
When a joint is injured, whether by a fall, a car accident, repetitive strain, or sometimes chemical or emotional stress, your body protects it. The muscles that control that joint can effectively switch off. That protective shutdown also quiets the signals the joint normally sends your brain about how it's moving and where it is in space. With less information coming in, your brain sends fewer signals back out to those muscles. Muscles that stop getting signals weaken and shrink, even after the original injury has healed.
An adjustment stimulates the sensors in and around the joint, reconnecting your brain with that joint so the muscles can receive signals again. Studies led by Dr. Heidi Haavik have found that a single chiropractic adjustment can increase the brain's drive to muscles and improve muscle strength in the short term.
Turning a muscle back on is only the first step. Rebuilding strength works a lot like going to the gym: it takes repetition and time. Regular adjustments keep those signals flowing while the muscle gets stronger. Treatment plans vary from 4 to 8 weeks for acute conditions to 6 to 12 months for severe chronic conditions. After your first visit, we'll have a clearer sense of your needs and how long we recommend.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
One of the safest therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints is chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic therapy has an excellent safety record with very few risks. However, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. Some patients may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Other patients report immediate relief with no soreness. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 to 48 hours.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
A referral is usually not needed to schedule an appointment with one of our Vancouver based chiropractors. Please contact your insurance company directly to find out if your plan requires a referral or to check your chiropractic coverage. You may also call our office at (360) 693-3030 and our staff can check your coverage, or answer any other chiropractic related insurance questions.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic services?
In most cases, yes. Chiropractic care at Cooper Chiropractic is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, auto insurance (PIP), workers' compensation, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among many others. Our Vancouver, Washington chiropractic office is a preferred provider for most major medical plans. If you're having trouble verifying your insurance, please call our office and our staff can answer your questions and address any insurance concerns. If you do not have insurance, please don't hesitate to call our office and ask about our time of service discount rate. See the insurance plans we accept.
What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
Our chiropractors received 4 years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work before attending chiropractic college. The Doctor of Chiropractic curriculum consists of 4 to 5 academic years of professional study in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition, rehabilitation, and more. A significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master manipulative procedures because chiropractic care requires highly skilled manipulation and adjusting techniques. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?
According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractors are allowed to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities, such as labs and x-rays, for their patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.