GENERAL
Q: What do chiropractors do?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic treat patients using a variety of procedures classified as physical medicine. The primary procedure is manipulation of the spinal joints or the extremities which is used to help restore normal function. Additional modalities such as ultrasound therapy, electrotherapy, and rehabilitative exercises are often used to complement the manipulative procedures and speed recovery.
Q: What is manipulation?
A: Manipulation is a procedure involving sudden mobilization of a joint or joints slightly beyond the normal range of movement without exceeding the boundaries of normal anatomic integrity. It may or may not be accompanied by a sound, such as when someone “pops” their knuckles.
Q: How does manipulation help?
A: Manipulation stimulates and causes firing of nerve receptors in the joints that are responsible for what is referred to as joint position sense, or proprioception. One benefit of this stimulation is inhibition of pain which also results in decreased muscle spasm brought on by joint pain. The result is decreased pain and increased joint mobility and function along with improved nerve function.
Q: Is manipulation painful?
A: The answer depends on how sensitive the joint or joints are at the time. The more painful and tender an area is, the more likely it is that the manipulative procedure will hurt. However, this tends to be brief and results from the pressure applied to an already tender area. As joint function improves joint tenderness naturally decreases and with it any discomfort associated with manipulation. In fact, it is far more common for manipulation to be associated with a pleasant sensation than an unpleasant sensation.
Q: What is the age limit for chiropractic care?
A: Chiropractic treatment does not have an age limit. If you have a spine, you can receive chiropractic treatment! Some chiropractic offices emphasize pediatric care, others geriatric care, and others family chiropractic care. Valley Chiropractic is a family practice in general but some pediatric patients will be referred out to a pediatric chiropractic practice.
Q: Do you take x-rays?
A: We no longer take x-rays at Valley Chiropractic. We refer out to various imaging centers in the area as well as Waynesboro Hospital and Chambersburg Hospital for these studies.
Q: Can I still be treated if I have had spine surgery?
A: Areas of the spine not affected by surgery may be treated. Spinal manipulation may be safely used in some cases in areas of uncomplicated, well-healed spinal surgery. Manipulation cannot be applied to surgery sites involving fusion, laminectomy, interbody cages, etc.
Q: What conditions can chiropractors treat?
A: The following are examples of conditions commonly treated by chiropractors:
Headaches
Neck and Back Pain
Arm, Leg and Hip Pain
Arthritis Pain
Sports Injuries
Sciatica
Tendonitis
Myofascial Pain
Vertigo
TMJ Dysfunction
Plantar Fasciitis
Auto and Worker’s Compensation Injuries
Q: Does it cost anything to schedule an appointment?
A: There is a $50 booking charge to reserve a New Patient appointment. This charge is applied to any deductibles, coinsurances, or copays incurred from treatment. This charge is non-refundable if cancelling or rescheduling within 24 hours of the appointment.
Frequency
Q: How often will I need treatment?
A: The frequency of care depends on the age of the problem. Not your age. The longer any joint dysfunction has existed the more challenging the treatment can become. Pain relief may be achieved relatively quickly in many cases but long-term functional improvement may require more frequent treatment and involve life style changes.
Q: Can I just come in and get cracked?
A: No. This is not the “Stop-N-Pop Spine Shop”.
Insurance
Q: Does my insurance cover chiropractic?
A: Most employer health insurance plans cover chiropractic. Benefits vary and are limited by patient co-payments and deductibles. Our staff will attempt to determine your coverage and benefits but we also recommend that you contact your insurance company directly or through its website to verify your policy benefits, whether our office is a participating provider, etc.
Q: Is Dr. Myers a participating provider with my insurance company?
A: Many of the provider networks that Dr. Myers has participated in have been bought/sold and changed names in the past twenty years. Therefore, it is impossible to accurately list them on this website. We recommend that you confirm our participation directly through your insurance company website.