demystifying chiropractic care

BY DR. JOHN RUBINO

Daniel David Palmer founded chiropractic care in the 1890s and helped introduce it in Canada and the U.S. Based primarily on the tenet of spinal adjustment, chiropractic treatment can reduce musculoskeletal pain and discomfort by addressing spinal misalignment, which can lead to functional disability.

HOW DOES CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP? As we age, our muscles and joints become tighter and less elastic--creating pain and stiffness, and interfering with our enjoyment of life. Chiropractors use “osseous” manipulation and soft tissue manual treatment techniques to help restore functional motion to fixated joints and tight muscles. There are some conditions where chiropractic spinal adjustments are not recommended: for people (not inclusive of other issues) with severe osteoporosis, spine cancer, a higher risk of stroke and numbness, tingling or loss of strength of an extremity.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT THE CHIROPRACTOR? On your first visit, the chiropractor will seek an in depth understanding of your chief complaint. After taking a detailed history, a physical exam will assess range of motion by identifying any limitations to joint movement. Orthopedic tests may be done to verify and confirm musculoskeletal and neurological issues. Palpation skills are used to identify tenderness, muscle spasms, or any joint fixations. If the chiropractor determines that you can benefit from the stretching and manipulation of the restricted area of the spine, informed consent would be obtained from the patient to proceed with treatment. That popping sound indicates pressure being released by gaseous fluid in the synovial joints of the spine when it’s manipulated; it does not mean a bone has been cracked.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE

FOR A CHIROPRACTIC VISIT? There is no special preparation for a visit though you may not want to go on a full stomach.

HOW MANY VISITS ARE NEEDED? Regular spinal adjustment can help keep your body well aligned and reduce diseases that originate in the spine. However, each practitioner will guide his/her patients to the appropriate number of treatments. Dr. John Rubino with a patient HOW WILL YOU FEEL

AFTER A SESSION? You may have immediate relief and even feel like you can move your joints more easily than before treatment. This may not occur right away but with regular chiropractic adjustments, you should have an improved feeling of well-being and the ability to move your spine more easily.

Pursuing a multi-pronged approach to your care including chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture will help your overall musculoskeletal problems and pain.

DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FOR CHIROPRACTIC CARE LIKE PT? Unlike physical therapy, a prescription for chiropractic care is usually not necessary though some insurances may require prior authorization for visits.

DOES INSURANCE COVER

CHIROPRACTIC CARE? Yes, most insurances including Medicare do cover chiropractic care. Each insurance carrier offers a different number of annual visits, based on medical necessity. Sometimes, additional care can be obtained if you are benefitting from treatment.

n n n

IS THERE ANYTHING TO FEAR? Many patients say they are afraid of chiropractic treatment because a cracking noise occurs when the joints are manipulated.

ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS TO CHIROPRACTIC CARE? Chiropractic spinal adjustments are safe if done by a licensed and experienced professional chiropractor. In rare cases, there can be pain at the site of adjustment or pain in another area, as well as the possibility of a headache or nausea.

Dr. John Rubino is a licensed Chiropractor, practicing at Millennium Medical Physical Therapy and Rehab, a comprehensive rehabilitation facility located at 1075 Central Park Ave. in Scarsdale; 914-472-2700; www.mmrclinic.com