Frequently Asked Questions
At Advantage Chiropractic Clinic, we hear many questions from new and current chiropractic patients. Below are some of the most common questions and answers…
How much does a chiropractic visit cost?
It depends on the treatment plan the doctor prescribes for you, as well as your insurance policy limitations. We believe that everyone deserves to benefit from the relief of chiropractic care. We are more than happy to develop a payment plan with you to help you budget for your care.
Do you take insurance?
We accept all major types of insurance. Most insurance companies recognize that many musculoskeletal disorders and injuries are effectively treated with chiropractic care. Insurance coverage varies greatly. We strongly encourage you to contact your insurance company to discuss your benefits for chiropractic care. If you still have questions, our staff will do their best to assist you with your particular insurance coverage.
I had back surgery, can I receive chiropractic care?
YES. In fact, it is more important for these patients to undergo chiropractic treatments than it is for the general public. If you had a previous back surgery, it is likely there are other degenerative or arthritic changes taking place affecting other joints directly around the area where the surgery was performed. It is vital that the affected joints remain healthy or you may just be waiting for the next surgery.
It has been estimated that 1 out of 4 patients who undergo a surgical back or neck procedure, require another surgery on an adjacent area within 10 years. It is important that we make sure you are giving your body a fighting chance and not simply waiting for the next operation.
Additionally, it is important for our doctors to know about your surgical history and we routinely access your past medical records following a surgical procedure. After all, as your Auburn AL chiropractor our first priority is your safety, and we need to know what we are dealing with in order to give you any recommendations for care, whether with our office or any other specialists.
Do you always take X-rays/Radiographs?
NO. Radiographs (pictures taken by using X-rays) are not taken on every patient. However, when our doctors feel that the information gained will be useful or that the tests are necessary for your safety, we have the ability to take digital images using state-of-the-art computerized X-ray equipment on site. If you are concerned about the radiation exposure, please refer to the NRC website.
Our X-ray machines are calibrated annually and with the digital technology we are able to significantly reduce the amount of exposure to radiation over older, standard models of equipment. Additionally, our doctors will try to utilize images taken at another facility in an effort to reduce your exposure and costs by not repeating un-necessary tests. Typically, radiographs of good quality taken within the last 6 months can be used without taking new images. Specifically, pregnant women and children are less likely to be X-rayed.
Our doctors are happy to discuss any concerns you may have and you will not be forced to undergo any testing you are not comfortable with, but remember radiographs are taken for your safety and many times help our clinicians to better diagnose your injury.
Do you work with medical doctors?
YES. We work with a variety of different specialist around Lee County and surrounding areas including Columbus/Phenix City, Montgomery, Birmingham and Atlanta. Different specialists provide different insight into options for different conditions. Our role is that of a primary care physician, much like your General Practitioner (GP). You come to us with a problem, you’re not sure what it is, through testing and other procedures our doctors will diagnose the condition and, based on the diagnosis, suggest options for us to pursue.
Once I start, will I have to go forever?
NO! We offer specific treatment plans designed around your needs. Most patients experience relief of their primary complaint within 2-4 weeks. We recommend follow-up care to provide for continued improvement, but this is completely up to you and you can of course discontinue care at any time if you feel it is not beneficial. Consider this though, when will you stop going to the dentist? When will you stop eating a healthy diet? Your body is continually changing and constantly requires repetition of healthy habits, if you stop these, you can expect your health to decline.
Do I need a referral from another doctor or pre-certification from my insurance?
In most cases, NO. However there are many different types of coverage and different insurance policies, and some of these policies do require a referral or pre-certification. Contact your insurance directly (there is usually a customer support phone number on the back of the card). Then fill out our online paperwork here.
Contact our Auburn chiropractic office and we will be happy to check on your coverage benefits for you. We don’t like surprises either and will assist you in getting the best information so you may determine your options.
What conditions do you treat?
Basically, Chiropractors are nervous system doctors. By treating and keeping your spine healthy, this allows your body to perform at a healthier level which usually means you feel better in a variety of ways. Another way to look at it would be like this; there are two basic types of conditions that affect the health of the human body, chemical problems and physical problems. Conditions such as anemia, high cholesterol, hypertension, certain types of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, are examples of chemical problems which typically require a chemical solution (i.e. medication).
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Chiropractors spend 4 post-graduate years studying physical problems and their effect on the human body and spend 2 of those 4 years extensively practicing physical solutions to these problems. These types of treatments include manual adjustments to help joints to re-align and function better, as well as types of physical therapy to help muscles and discs heal and support the joints better.
Do you prescribe exercises or stretches for me to work on?
YES. Our doctors understand the importance of continued rehabilitation. In many cases, we can provide relief of your pain or other symptoms within a few short weeks, but in order to keep these problems from returning it is necessary for you, the patient to continue to rehabilitate the area of complaint for continued improvement.
Think of it like going to the dentist to get a cavity filled, then going home and NOT brushing your teeth. It doesn’t make much sense and will inevitably lead to other problems. Also, by working on the exercises on your own schedule, we are able to stretch your in-office appointments further apart giving you your life and your health back.
Still have questions? Call our Auburn chiropractic office or email us and we will get right back to you.