Chiro Q & A
How does Chiropractic Work?
What type of education do Chiropractors have?
How long will I need Chiropractic Care?
Is Chiropractic Care safe?
How do I know if I need Chiropractic Care?
What is a Spinal Subluxation?
How do I get a Subluxation?
What's a pinched nerve?
What is a slipped disk?
Does the Military cover Chiropractic Care?
What health insurance plans do you accept?
How much does care cost?
A very common
source of interference to your nervous system is the 24 movable
bones in your spinal column. A loss of motion or malposition of the
bones can irritate or pinch the nervous system. This can disrupt the
transmission of vital nerve impulses traveling throughout your body.
This is very much like a kink disrupting or stopping the flow of water through
a garden hose.
With improved spinal function, there is often improved nervous system function. Our chiropractic doctors can locate and eliminate the nervous interference that may be making you sick, thus sapping your body of vital nerve energy.
Q: What type of education do Chiropractors have?
Today's doctor of chiropractic is well educated, typically
completing 4 years of undergraduate college and 4 years of
Chiropractic College.
The science of chiropractic requires special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, biomechanics, neurology, x-ray, and many different spinal adjusting techniques. The demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the nerve interference and correct it.
To graduate with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate must pass a number of demanding National Board Examinations plus State Board Exams. Each doctor is then required by the state to attend yearly continuing education courses to stay current on the latest scientific research.
Q: How long will I need Chiropractic Care?
Spinal problems, neglected since early childhood, may require
ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function. These
longstanding problems are often associated with muscle weakness,
soft tissue damage, and degenerative changes to the spine.
Most patients find that periodic chiropractic checkups help keep them in tip-top shape. Those who are active, have stressful jobs, or want to be their very best, find a schedule of preventative visits are helpful in the maintenance of good health.
Some patients seek chiropractic care only when their aches or pains become unbearable. While this style of "crisis management" is usually more costly and time consuming, our office stands ready to help all patients, regardless of their health goals. How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.
Q: Is Chiropractic Care safe?
Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a
conservative approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or
addictive drugs. A thorough history and examination, including x-ray
analysis, help reveal areas of the spine that may be causing nervous
system malfunction. This information will be used to determine the
best course of care for each patient. A variety of low force, high
velocity, techniques are used to help adjust spinal bones back to
their normal position.
In the words of a recent New Zealand government study, chiropractic care is "remarkably safe".
Q: How do I know if I need Chiropractic Care?
If
you have a spine, then you may need chiropractic care. Everyone from
the newborn to the 90 year old should have their spine regularly
checked for the presence of spinal misalignments, or subluxations.
Think of it like having your teeth checked on a regular basis.
Q: What is a Spinal Subluxation?
A
spinal subluxation is a condition, which occurs when one of the 24
moveable bones in the spine becomes misaligned with the bone above
or below it, to the extent that it interferes with the spinal nerve
and causes a loss in normal nerve function.
Q: How do I get a Subluxation?
Most common causes of spinal subluxations are due to physical trauma
such as slips and falls, sports injuries, auto accidents, and work
injuries. These injuries can occur to anyone, anywhere.
Emotional stress such as job, family, and financial worries can cause
subluxations as well. As we experience more and more pressure our
muscles (especially those across the shoulders, neck, and lower back), we
begin to get more and more tense. These tense muscles then begin to
pull at the bones of the spine causing them to get stuck out of
position, leading to a subluxation.
Q: What's a pinched nerve?
Many people hear the term pinched nerve used to describe a pain in
the neck or lower back. A pinched nerve is really a simple way of
describing what can happen when the bones of the spine become
subluxated.
Q: What is a slipped disk?
A
soft disk material made mostly of cartilage and water separates the
bones of our spine. The disks are vitally important in maintaining
space between the 24 bones of the spine. Disks also help increase
our range of motion, and help us absorb the daily shock our spines
encounter.
When disks become unhealthy they tend to dry out and become thin. When a disk thins, it tends to squish out the sides like the filling of a jelly doughnut. So as you can see, the disk itself does not slip out of place, it actually bulges out of place. Regardless of the terminology, it is a very serious situation. A bulging disk causes pain by pressing on a spinal nerve in the affected area.
Chiropractic can help greatly by restoring balance to the spine and relieving pressure put on the nerve by a bulging disk.
Q: Does the military cover chiropractic care?
In some instances, the Military will cover a brief stint of chiropratic care
if you have been referred by a military medical doctor. However, Tricare
in and of itself does NOT pay for chiropractic care. At Casacade Chiropractic
and Massage, we strive to make regular chiropractic care as affordable as
possible to people in the military. That is why we offer regular chiropractic
treatments to active duty members of the military for $15. If you are no longer
active, or if you are a dependent of someone in the military, we offer a discounted
rate of $40 at the time of service.
Q: What health insurance plans do you accept?
Both Dr. Stemp and Dr. Enstad are currently preferred providers with the following health
insurance plans:
Premera
Regence
Aetna
Cigna
Medicare
Labor & Industries (L&I)
Blue Cross
/ Blue Shield
Wateridge
First Choice
Humana - Choice Care
United Health Care / Optum Health
If you do not see your health insurance plan listed here, we may
still be able to bill your insurance. We also have a number of cash payment plans to make
your chiropractic care as affordable as possible. If you have any further questions about
your health insurance and whether we can accept it, please call (253) 472-2225 and ask to
speak with Lorie.
Q: How much does care cost?
Chiropractic care costs depend on your situation. If you are a member of one of the insurance plans above,
it depends upon your deductible, copay, and other factors. If you have been involved in an auto accident,
your auto insurance may cover chiropractic care. If you have been involved in a work injury and you have a
claim number with L&I, you may be able to receive chiropractic care through L&I.
If you do not have any
insurance plans or choose not to use your insurance for chiropractic care, we offer discounts for payment at time of service, as well as affordable health and wellness packages for you and your family.
For further questions regarding cost of care, please call (253) 472-2225 and we will
do our best to answer any questions you may have.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to call (253) 472-BACK to speak with one of the doctors.
