Frequently Asked Questions in Mill Hall

YES! Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest forms of health care available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Doctors of Chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education prepares them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to ensure those patients receive the most appropriate care; referring patients to another medical specialist if chiropractic care is contraindicated.

A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied to a spinal joint not moving properly or “locked up.” The purpose of this natural and safe procedure is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.

Chiropractic is no more addictive than exercise, proper diet, or brushing your teeth. Chiropractors recommend getting your spine checked for subluxations periodically throughout your lifetime to ensure spinal health (similar to a dental check-up). Patients under long-term chiropractic care report an overall sense of health and wellbeing.

Yes, chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans. Advanced Family Chiropractic is in-network with many insurance companies. This includes: Geisinger, Geisinger Gold, Highmark, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UPMC, Medicare, and United Healthcare. Worker’s compensation and automobile accident claims also cover chiropractic care.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. They are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches using highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions may involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

Yes, chiropractic care is very safe and beneficial for children. Children are 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 - in the case of children, it is very gentle.

Yes, pregnant women frequently get amazing results from chiropractic. Chiropractors are trained in special techniques for adjusting pregnant women. Because many pain medications should be avoided during pregnancy, the natural approach of chiropractic care makes it the logical choice for pregnant women. More and more, obstetricians are referring to chiropractors due to the effectiveness of spinal adjustments for pain relief during pregnancy.

The Webster technique, designed to naturally turn a Breech baby, is a safe and effective chiropractic treatment that can be utilized when babies need to be turned in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can cause spinal trauma. Studies suggest that infantile colic, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle, safe, and offer a drugless alternative that many parents prefer. Pediatricians commonly refer to chiropractors for a natural approach for infant health problems.

Yes, most people can safely receive chiropractic care after back or neck surgery. However, chiropractic care may need to be modified depending on the type and location of surgery. Research shows that up to one-half of those who have spinal surgery report a relapse of their original symptoms within months or years. This common occurrence is known as "Failed Back Surgery Syndrome," and usually results in the necessity of additional procedures. Chiropractic care may prevent repetitive surgeries, or better yet, if used initially, may help avoid surgery in the first place.

Actually, adjustments do not always produce a sound. However, some techniques do create a "popping" sound. This audible release is the result of gas shifting in the joint; similar to the noise created by "cracking" your knuckles. This sound is painless and causes no harm.