FAQ
Q: What is chiropractic?
A: "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning
"effective treatment by hand."
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, the theory being that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It looks to address diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly (Source).Q: What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
A: Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.
Q: Does Chiropractic hurt?
A: All treatments are done according to your tolerance. If your condition is more acute, then much less pressure is applied than would be used after several treatments when the condition is improving.
Q: How much does chiropractic care cost?
A: Cost varies depending
on your insurance policy. When you come in for your first visit you will need to provide us with a copy of your
insurance information, we will then contact your insurance company for
your chiropractic benefits. If you do not have
insurance the cost is $60 for your first visit and $40 for any follow up
appointments. Additional costs vary depending on treatment, however, Dr. Russell and his office will work with you to make sure you get the treatment you need as cost-effectively as possible.
Q: Do you take insurance?
A: Yes! We are also in network with almost every insurance company in our area. Some of the insurance companies that we are in network with are Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Aetna, Medicare, Medicaid, Sagamore, as well as several more. If you are unsure if we are in network with your insurance company, please call Russell Family Chiropractic at 765-362-1111 and ask one of our friendly staff.
Q: Do you work with medical doctors?
A: Yes. We often communicate with medical doctors in the area. We will refer patients to medical doctors if we feel like they need medical attention and several different medical doctors’ offices refer patients to see us for chiropractic care.
Q: Do I need a referral from a physician or my insurance company?
A: No you do not, you can call and make an appointment at anytime without a referral. Since we are in network with these insurance companies, they do not require you to have a referral to our clinic.
Q: Will I get adjusted on the first visit?
A: A doctor will do an exam and go over what treatment options he feels would be best for you. You will receive treatment on your first visit, which could be any one of several treatments we offer at our clinic but may not necessarily be an adjustment.
Q: Will I have to have X-Rays?
A: X-Rays are not always necessary. It is determined based on the severity of symptoms, age of patient, duration of symptom, and other factors. The need for X-Rays and its costs will be discussed with you during your initial evaluation and is optional.
Q: Can someone that has had back surgery see a chiropractor?
A: Yes! We see many post surgical fusions, disectomy, laminectomy, patients. The treatments sometimes need to be gentle but they can be very effective relieving pain even if surgery was not very effective.
Q: Why did you become a chiropractor?
A: Dr. Larry explains: As a Junior High student, I injured my neck tumbling and my mother took me to a Chiropractor for treatment. In a very short time I was pain free. This was my first experience with this wonderful profession. As time passed, I found myself interested in helping people who were suffering from various painful conditions. I recalled my earlier chiropractic experience, which caused me to investigate chiropractic medicine more thoroughly. I found that I'm a good listener and helping others find solutions to their health problems. It seemed to me that a natural approach to health care made more sense than just another doctor prescribing medicine.
Q: Will I get a prescription for some pain medication?
A: No you will not get a prescription for pain medications here. We cannot prescribe medications of any kind. We will be happy to refer you to a medical doctor in the area that can prescribe medication if we determine that is what you need.
Q: What can I expect on my first visit?
A: The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. We will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.
A physical examination will be performed in accordance with our clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural and soft tissue abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.