  |
|
|
|
|
Dr. Cramer's AUTO ACCIDENT & WHIPLASH CENTER * 719-433-0750 * 3803B Palmer Pk Blvd., Colo Springs
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions about CHIROPRACTIC
|
|
|
|
|
|
Questions About Chiropractic, Chiropractic Orthopedics, Activator Methods, Spinal Decompression
|
|
|
Q: What IS Chiropractic?
A: The word "Chiro" means
"hand" in english. "Practico" means "to do". Thus "CHIPROPRACTIC" is
to do with your hands. What is done is a low amplitude, high velocity correction of spinal segments that
have lost their ability to move, restoring normal motion. This, in turn, will decompress entrapped nerves, relax muscles in
spasm, increase blood flow, and relieve pain.
Q: What is an Activator?
A:
It is a hand-held Chiropractic adjusting instrument used on the very young and the elderly. The force delivered by
an Activator is extremely mild.
Q: Is Chiropractic painful?
A: No.
If it was painful, it was being done incorrectly. Adjustments should feel good.
|
|
|
|
|
Q: Can That "Spinal Decompression" I've seen on T.V. Help Me?
A: Probably Not. Spinal decompression machines are not Chiropractic, and were designed
to help people with significant disc injury, usually to the point where there is radiation of pain, numbness, tingling, and/or
weakness starting in the patient's back traveling into their feet (severe sciatica). The treatment is very expensive,
upwards of $ 5,000-- Insurance Companies WON'T pay for this, and YOU have to pay for it up front many times.
It's an alternative to surgery for very serious injuries only. WHAT YOU CAN DO: Get a Chiropractic Orthopedic
or Acupuncture evaluation, and treat your injury for 4-6 weeks conservatively, and for a reasonable amount of money. If you
are still in pain, then go get Spinal Decompression.
By the way, "Spinal Decompression"
is a combination of traction (which we all do), inversion (which you can do at home), and sometimes rollers (which those chairs have
at the Mall). There is nothing "New" or "Innovative" about the treatment. Beware if the Chiropractor doesn't
disclose that he/she is a Chiropractor in their advertising.
|
|
|
Q: Are all Chiropractors
Board Certified?
A: NOT ALL CHIROPRACTORS ARE BOARD CERTIFIED!
Chiropractors
must have a Bachelor's degree to be accepted into Chiropractic College, and after the 8 total years of
higher education, they must pass examinations given by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (N.B.C.E.). These
are called "National Boards", and every Chiropractor who is currently in practice has passed these tests in
order to have a license. This is NOT Board Certification.
To get Board Certified
in a particular specialized area, they may enter residencies in fields of study after graduating from Chiropractic
College, which take an additional 4 years to complete. Course studies are typically in specialties like Neurology,
Orthopedics, Nutrition, etc. Written Boards are offered only yearly, and Oral Boards are offered
only after Written Boards are passed. If these criteria are met, only then does the Chiropractor earn the right to use the
letters D.A.B.C.O., and be called a Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists, a
fully credentialled
Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist. In 1991, I became the first ever in Colorado Springs.
Please NOTE: The American Board of Chiropractic Orthopedists does NOT recognize terms like "Board Qualified"
or "Board Eligible Chiropractic Orthopedist". A Chiropractic Orthopedist is either BOARD CERTIFIED
or they are NOT. If a Chiropractor is using these other terms, this can be misleading to the public.
|
|
|
Q: Is Chiropractic Care Expensive?
A: It shouldn't be. Unfortunately, I hear stories
from my patients who go to a particular Doctor who spends very little time with them, and then charges them double what they
should. While the Doctor can charge whatever they want, there are some guidelines to go by.
All Chiropractors and
most Medical Doctors offer a discount on fees, if you pay at the time of service. In Colorado, this discount can be up to
39 percent of the total charges. It is not considered to be a dual fee schedule, since billing Insurance costs a considerable
amount of time and overhead; many times Insurance just doesn't pay--the patient has an unknown large deductible, limited
Chiropractic Coverage, or the doctor is "out of network".
Time of service fees are generally much lower,
the patient can still submit their own bills (which have already been PAID to the Chiropractor) to their Insurance company
for reimbursement. You won't owe the Doctor any money, you won't get a bill, and everyone stays happy.
|
|
|