FAQ

FAQS

Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?

Most insurances DO NOT require a referral but there are a few exceptions such as anyone under 21 with Medicaid as their primary insurance, if you are unsure please call your insurance provider and ask.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects.

The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension. Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) -- as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.

Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Dr Mary Eckmann has treated hundreds of children in her 25 years of practice, some as young as 3 days. Children are very 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 is not just for injuries. Unlike adults, kids- especially babies cannot express their discomfort. It may just appear as a fussiness or the inability to rest easy- this may be reason enough to bring your child to the chiropractor. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?

Montana Medicaid does not cover chiropractic for anyone over age 21

Yes, many insurance plans do have chiropractic as a benefit. It is best for you to check with your plan to see if you have coverage and what the limits of the coverage are before making your first appointment. Some plans have a limited number of visits and some are limited by a dollar amount they will pay per year. Most insurances that cover chiropractic WILL NOT cover at 100%. Patients will have a co-pay or deductible to meet or both in some cases. Your insurance is a contract between you and them and it is your responsibility to know if you have coverage and how that coverage works. Our office will file your insurance and help you in anyway we can to determine your benefits if needed.

What type of education and training do chiropractors have?

Chiropractors are educated as primary contact health care practitioners, with an emphasis on musculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The applicant at a chiropractic college has already acquired four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training.

In total, the chiropractic 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.

How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation may be either a manual procedure or done with the aide of a hand held instrument but either way the adjustment utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the intensive years of chiropractic education. Dr. Eckmann may use her hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to reduce pain, and restore or enhance joint function. Other chiropractic techniques may also be used including using a hand held impulse instrument or a special table with a give to it to apply a more gentle force as another option to have the same affect. Dr. Eckmann will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?

The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient must come into our office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
We appreciate your questions and concerns, Dr. Eckmann and her staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Please send us an email with any remaining questions.
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