206-547-4427

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you don’t see the answer to your question below, please feel free to call us at (206) 547-4427.

What is a chiropractor?

Chiropractors are primary health care physicians in the state of Washington. This means they are qualified to diagnose and refer for conditions outside their scope of practice. They study three to five years after college and are licensed and recognized by all fifty states. Their primary purpose is to diagnose and treat spinal subluxations through gentle, manual spinal manipulation and often with adjunct physical therapy.

What is a spinal subluxation?

The word “subluxation” is derived from the Latin words luxare, meaning to dislocate and sub, meaning less than. Subluxation refers to a dysfunctional joint, usually of the bones of the spine. These disturbances may irritate nerve roots and blood vessels which branch from the spinal cord between each of the vertebrae. This irritation may cause pain and dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic, and organ tissue as well as imbalances in the normal body processes. When the joints of the spine become unstable due to muscle or ligament fatigue or trauma, they become restricted in order to prevent damage to the spinal cord. This restriction of the joints is called a subluxation and is often accompanied by soft tissue swelling and inflammation.

What should I do if I hurt myself and can't get to my chiropractor immediately?

If it is an emergency (i.e. broken bone, loss of bladder control, etc.) go at once to the emergency room. Contact your chiropractor or leave a message so that he/she can advise you.

How does chiropractic work?

The chiropractor applies a gentle force that unlocks the joints that are not moving properly. No drug in the world can accomplish that! After the joint is movable, it is up to you, the patient, to follow the doctor’s advice, exercise, rest and eat properly. Otherwise the subluxation, or improperly moving joint, may return. Sometimes, it may take a number of adjustments over several weeks before the muscles and ligaments are stable enough to prevent the subluxation from recurring.

Who needs chiropractic care?

Everyone can benefit from modern, safe, effective, and painless chiropractic care. Chiropractic care is often sought for back pain, but it has also been successful in treating headaches, knee and shoulder injuries, repetitive use injuries, as well as various other musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic care is beneficial to the overall health of the nervous system, serving those who wish to maintain the normal healing capacity of the body, or even those who are engaged in peak performance activities or sports and wish to sustain a competitive edge. Some people suffering from chronic illness or deficiency find chiropractic an essential adjunct to their health maintenance program. If you’re still not sure if you’re a candidate for chiropractic care, ask me.

Can pregnant women benefit from chiropractic care?

Pregnancy distorts usual posture. Increased weight and size of the uterus places greater stress upon the lower back muscles and ligaments. Hormones which relax ligaments, and aid in delivery may actually weaken joints, causing pain and tenderness. Gentle chiropractic care can relieve pain and align the body, reducing further stress.

How much education does a doctor of chiropractic receive?

A chiropractic education is comparable to that of other physicians, such as medical doctors and naturopaths. The curriculum, which includes four years of postgraduate academic study, differs slightly, in that there is an emphasis on the art of manual adjusting, radiology, and nutrition. Chiropractic care is a drugless profession, and therefore does not include pharmaceutical training. Continuing education can include: sport injuries, nutrition, neurology, orthopedics, internal medicine and radiology.

Chiropractors receive a doctorate of chiropractic upon graduation from an accredited chiropractic college. Initials used to designate a doctor of chiropractic are DC. Most states allow chiropractors to use the title physician.

Are chiropractic colleges accredited?

The CCE (Council on Chiropractic Education), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is responsible for setting, evaluating, and enforcing high educational standards.

How many chiropractors practice in the United States?

There are almost 50,000 chiropractors in the U.S., serving tens of millions of patients, and the profession is growing rapidly as new research re-validates the effectiveness of chiropractic care.

Do chiropractors and medical doctors refer to each other?

Yes. A good doctor will always work with other health care professionals for the benefit of the patient. Today’s doctors and chiropractors realize that no healing art has all the answers. Chiropractic care is the treatment of choice for musculoskeletal conditions.

Do all chiropractors use the same techniques?

As with all professions, chiropractors have a large number of various methods to evaluate and treat patients. It is most important to find a chiropractor you feel comfortable with, rather than choosing one based on his/her choice of techniques.

How long will I need chiropractic care?

After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide how much of it you want.

Will I receive any medication for my pain?

No. Chiropractic doctors don’t dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.

Can children benefit from chiropractic care?

Children, due to their active nature, tend to undergo more jolts and falls than adults. Although a child’s spine is more resilient, constant bumping around of the spine may lead to misalignment of the vertebra. If left untreated, these misalignments (or subluxations) can cause health problems later in life.

Children, because of their inherent recuperative powers, usually respond to chiropractic care with amazing speed. Often one or two adjustments can correct a problem that would require a multitude of chiropractic treatments in adulthood.

The techniques used to adjust children are safe and gentle. The birthing process is a traumatic event for an infant, and can result in spinal subluxations that can cause colic and or other similar problems. A simple adjustment may provide dramatic results. For an older child, with no diagnosed spinal problems, several times a year for a spinal check-up is sufficient. They should be checked immediately after any falls/accidents.

How can I find a chiropractor?

The best way to find a chiropractor is to ask a friend, email me, or ask your other health care providers.

Will my insurance reimburse me?

Chiropractic care is authorized under Workmen’s Compensation, Medicare, Medicaid, most commercial health care policies, and now veterans can receive chiropractic benefits. Check with your policy to see if you have chiropractic coverage. Our office will be happy to assist you in communicating with your insurance company. More Insurance Info.

Our Services

chiropractic at roosevelt

Chiropractic

To restore the body's ability to regulate and heal itself through spinal adjustments and alignments.

massage therapy at roosevelt chiropractic

Massage Therapy

To reduce stress and restore quality of live. Pair with chiropractic treatments for optimal results.

foot orthotics by roosevelt chiropractic

Foot Orthotics

Custom fitted to enable the body to balance weight distribution and engage more efficiently with gravity.