Frequently Asked Questions in Peoria

Chiropractic adjustment is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the Doctor of Chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education.  The chiropractor typically uses his hands to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function.  This resolves joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain.  Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound.  Sometimes the joints are dry and don’t have the lubrication needed for the popping sound.  The experienced chiropractor can discern by palpation, if he achieved the desired joint movement.

Yes, chiropractic care is included in most insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers compensation and Medicare.  Chiropractic care is also available to active duty member of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and now available to veterans via referrals through VA Clinics.

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.  Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of conditions.

There are no known contradictions to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy.  All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant.  Dr. Carter utilizes techniques that avoid unneeded pressure on the abdomen.

No, you cannot become addicted to chiropractic care, but you certainly can become addicted to feeling better, which is a result of chiropractic care.  Many patients report that they had forgotten how great it feels to be pain free.

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic.  Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living, as well as from sports participation.  Injuries such as these may cause symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort.  Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient.  It is a highly skilled treatment and in the case of children, very gentle.

Doctors of Chiropractic are educated as primary contact health care providers with an emphasis on Diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musuculoskeletal system.  Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation/adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique to master these procedures.

Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions.  The typical applicant for Chiropractic College has already acquired four years of pre-med undergraduate studies.  Once accepted into Chiropractic College, four to five years of professional study are the standard.

Yes, patients can still get excellent results with chiropractic care after spinal surgery.  Sometimes Dr. Carter will modify the treatment/technique to avoid compression around the surgical area.

The hands on nature of chiropractic treatment, is what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times.  A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic and/or preventative care, thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary.  Dr. Carter will tell you the extent of recommended treatment and how long you can expect treatment to last.