Chiropractic Gaithersburg MD
The Pain Arthritis Relief Center, a chiropractic Gaithersburg, Maryland has to offer, may be able to adjust your spinal alignment and alleviate discomfort and pain. A chiropractor is a type of care provider who focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure, particularly the spine, and the body’s function. These doctors use a type of hands-on therapy known as adjustment or manipulation to treat musculoskeletal conditions with the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
When Should You See a Chiropractor in Gaithersburg, MD?
The best time to see a chiropractic Gaithersburg MD has to offer is immediately after suffering an injury or trauma or within 48 hours of feeling pain which cannot be attributed to any incident. You may especially want to consider a visit to a chiropractor when you’re limited from getting sleep or unable to sit or walk.
Is a Referral Needed to See a Gaithersburg MD Chiropractic Doctor?
As a primary care provider, you are not obliged to get a referral before having a consultation with a chiropractic Gaithersburg MD residents can count on. Due to the unnecessary waiting time, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to avoid a small problem potentially escalating into greater medical challenges.
What Are the Main Symptoms Which Signal the Need for a Chiropractor?
When your body exhibits pain, it is telling you something’s not right. Pain is the most effective indicator of a problem, whether it is tissue damage, an infection, or broken or torn bones and ligaments. No matter what age you are, if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to see a chiropractic Gaithersburg MD offers if:
- You are suffering from back, neck, or shoulder pain;
- You have suffered a recent sports-related injury, fall, or accident;
- You have experienced subluxations or partial dislocations;
- Your back is in a spasm;
- You have lost partial or total movement in your neck, back, or shoulder;
- You want to reduce stress and increase energy; and
- You have a poor posture or spinal misalignment.
Medication Free Treatment
It’s common for people to try to get immediate relief from back pain, sciatica, headaches, or other conditions by using some anti-inflammatory or painkiller medication. While these drugs can be effective in the short term, they do not address underlying problems and can cause side effects, including organ damage and addiction. A chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD trusts aims to identify the core cause of your pain and decrease or eliminate it through safe, non-invasive adjustments.
Throughout ongoing chiropractic sessions, you may notice:
- Reduction in back, neck, or shoulder pain;
- Decrease in headaches or tension;
- Renewed vitality and sense of well-being;
- Increased ability to focus;
- Improved immune function;
- Better sleep quality; and
- Greater range of motion in the body.
What to Expect
When you go in for your first appointment with a chiropractic doctor in Gaithersburg, MD, you will consult with one of the doctors about your goals for treatment. Many people are looking to increase mobility, relieve joint pain, and alleviate headaches. Being clear about what you want to accomplish with your chiropractor will help them formulate a specialized treatment plan to get you the results you’ve been looking for.
A chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD, relies on will likely want to review all previous medical history and conduct an examination of your injuries and discuss any accidents you may have had that may be contributing to your pain. Including specific details of previous accidents or injuries can help your chiropractor best evaluate your injury based on how it occurred.
If you find yourself with questions or concerns about chiropractic treatment, do not hesitate to ask your chiropractor to explain. Understanding the process can often bring peace of mind and reassurance that you can reach your mobility and rehabilitation goals.
Treatment Plans
After your initial session with your Gaithersburg Chiropractic, you will receive a treatment plan suited to meet your specific needs. Typically, a treatment plan will involve adjustments or manipulations of certain joints to release tension and improve mobility. Your chiropractor may also recommend specific nutritional guidelines or exercises to supplement the manual adjustments they provide. A chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, will be able to provide guidance and assistance while helping you through your rehabilitation.
What You Should Know About Treating Thoracic Spine Pain
In the orthopedic treatment of back pain, you typically hear a lot more about serious problems relating to the lumbar spine rather than the thoracic spine. For the most part, injuries to your lower spine are more likely to have neurological effects than thoracic injuries. Lumbar disc compression and also cervical disc compression in your neck are likely to cause nerve pain that extends well beyond the spinal column, and they may require surgical intervention if less invasive treatment fails. In contrast, damage to discs in your thoracic spine do not create nerve pain that is as far reaching as your upper back or lower back. Thoracic spinal problems that do not involve fractures rarely require surgery. Nevertheless, pain in this area can be extremely painful and result in acute pain in your spine and the surrounding deep back muscles. Here are some important considerations about treating problems in the middle of your back.
Osteoarthritic Problems in the Middle of the Back May Be the Product of Age-Related Wear
Almost everyone is likely to experience osteoarthritic degeneration of thoracic vertebrae at some point in life. Staying active and making an effort to maintain your muscle tone may not spare you from this type of orthopedic problem. When the cushioning between vertebrae moves and spondylosis alters the position of your discs, chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center may alleviate some of the worst symptoms such as soreness, stiffness, and muscle spasms which cause a locking sensation.
Strengthening Your Core May Help
Poor posture and a heavy midsection may cause a serious strain on the middle of your back. Strengthening your midsection may make your spine more resilient to being pulled forward and having discs slip out of place. With some exercises using your own bodyweight, you can strengthen your core and your back simultaneously. Increasing core strength coupled with healthy changes in your diet could help to fortify your thoracic spine.
You May Have Rotated Vertebrae
Believe it or not, it is possible for individual vertebrae to twist and turn out from their natural position. When this happens, they are likely to feel very tender to the touch. Some chiropractic patients describe the sensation of pressing on the ridges of rotated vertebrae to feel like pressing on a bruise. At the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center, you can get chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD to address this type of spinal problem. A chiropractor can move your thoracic spine back into alignment with osteopathic manipulative therapy.
6 Myths About Chiropractic
When it comes to chiropractic care, there are dozens of myths running around. Here are six of the most common.
Myth: Chiropractors Aren’t Doctors
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, and federal law, chiropractors are doctors. The American Chiropractic Association says that the training to become a chiropractor is among the most stringent of any medical speciality.
Chiropractors must complete an undergraduate degree in pre-med. They then attend one of the 19 chiropractic colleges in the United States for four to five years of schooling. They study anatomy, physiology, orthopedics, neurology, exercise and more. They must complete 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience before they are allowed to graduate.
Myth: Chiropractic Isn’t Safe
Fact: All medical treatments come with some degree of risk, but chiropractic is safer than most. When you consider other remedies for back pain, such as medications, surgery and steroids, chiropractic is the safest option by far. The National University of Health Science found in 2017 that chiropractors pay around $3,750 annually for their malpractice insurance, while medical doctors pay almost $18,000. The reason why: chiropractic is historically low risk. Your Pain & Arthritis Relief Center chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, is a safe treatment.
Myth: Chiropractic Is Expensive
Fact: Most health insurance policies cover chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, and across the country. Check with your insurance carrier to see if your policy does. If it doesn’t, many chiropractors offer payment plans so you can still benefit from their treatment.
Myth: Only Adults Can See Chiropractors
Fact: Kids see chiropractors, too. The Pain & Arthritis Relief Center could tell you that all the bumps and bruises that come from being a kid can result in spinal issues later in life. Chiropractic can help prevent those issues.
Myth: Chiropractic Only Treats Back Pain
Fact: Chiropractic can treat muscle pain, headaches, anxiety, sciatica, digestive issues, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and pregnancy-related pain and discomfort. Misalignment of your spine can wreak havoc in your body; a chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, can realign your spinal column to undo the damage.
Myth: Once You Start Seeing a Chiropractor, You Can’t Stop
Fact: The course of treatment varies from person to person and from ailment to ailment. The treatment for low back pain is different than treatment for headaches. The treatment for acute injuries is different from the treatment for chronic issues. Your chiropractor should be able to give you an estimate of what your course of treatment will look like. Ultimately, it’s up to you how often you see your chiropractor.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
As a chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD can attest, chiropractic care is widely regarded as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapy methods. Many patients will feel immediate relief following their session; however, it is not uncommon to experience mild soreness or stiffness. If you feel that your pain has increased in any way, you will want to consult with your chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, right away to reach a solution.
The key to a safe chiropractic session is finding the right specialist for you. Ensuring the doctor you are working with is knowledgeable and well regarded is very important. The Pain Arthritis Relief Center chiropractors work hard to provide a high level of care and make you feel comfortable with your treatment.
What About Children?
Yes, children can benefit from the many advantages of chiropractic care. Most children are highly active, often participating in sports and after-school activities. It is not uncommon for them to stumble into accidents that could lead to pain, stiffness, soreness, or general discomfort. A chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD puts their trust in to help can consult with your child to see if chiropractic care may be beneficial. When treating children, the approach is very gentle, focusing on making them comfortable and helping them to feel better quickly.
Scheduling an Appointment with a Chiropractic Gaithersburg MD
Chiropractors at The Pain Arthritis Relief Center may be able to help alleviate pain and increase mobility and flexibility throughout your body. With years of experience, our chiropractors are dedicated to helping you reach your wellness goals at a chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD, believes in for their treatment. If you would like to know more about our chiropractic Gaithersburg MD services, please call today.
5 Myths Debunked: The Truth About Chiropractic Care
Alternative medicine is an area that continues to divide people. Some patients praise practices such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, homeopathy for changing their lives for the better. Those that favor traditional medicine often share misconceptions about alternative methods. Debunking common myths about chiropractic care can help you determine if it’s the right choice for you and your family.
1. Chiropractors Don’t Accept Insurance
Using health insurance for chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD is very similar to visiting any other caregiver. You should confirm what services your plan covers and which facilities are in your network. It’s also important to verify how many visits you are eligible for. Many insurance companies only cover 12 appointments per year. Any sessions over your allowance will be paid out of pocket. If you have any questions, you can reach out to your insurance company or a local chiropractor like the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center.
2. Chiropractors Only Work on Adults
Chiropractic care is commonly associated with aging bodies. However, children can benefit, too. The rough and tumble life many kids lead often results in sprains, strains, and other injuries. If your little one is suffering stiffness and discomfort, gentle adjustments may help get them back in motion sooner. Even infants may qualify for chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD. Recovery from a traumatic birth, colic, and ear infections are just a few potential benefits. You can ask your chiropractors if they have had any extra training to work on children and if they believe it is the right choice.
3. Chiropractors Are Dangerous
The cracking noise that occurs with manipulations can sound intimidating. It’s common for people to associate that popping with danger and discomfort. In reality, serious adverse events occur in less than one person per million treated with spinal manipulation. Some stiffness and soreness may happen but usually resolves within a day or two. If you are nervous, you can search for reputable chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD, review your full medical history with them, and confirm the office performs x-rays prior to adjustments.
4. Chiropractors Only Help Back Pain
Back pain is likely the most obvious reason to visit a chiropractor, but it certainly isn’t the only one. Everything from accidents to poor posture and degenerative disc disease to sleeping funny can cause aching. You may not realize that soreness can be associated with pressure on your neck and spine. Relieving that pressure with chiropractic adjustments has been shown to reduce headaches, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, improve digestion, diminish stress, and comfort pregnant women.
5. Chiropractors Aren’t Doctors
Many people worry that chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD does not involve real doctors. It is an unwarranted fear because the Department of Health and Human Services and federal laws recognize chiropractors as doctors. Chiropractors attend graduate school and take many of the same courses as other doctors. They must also pass a board exam to earn a license.
If you might benefit from chiropractor care, don’t let myths get in your way. Pain & Arthritis Relief Center may be able to help you.
Chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD for a Slip and Fall Accident
When you are the victim of a slip and fall accident, you may not be sure what the best solution is for getting the help you need after your accident. Should you see a medical professional immediately? Who do you tell after the accident injures you? Unfortunately, slip and fall accidents can happen almost any time or anywhere, whether you are at the peak of health or are a physically active person. When you do fall prey to a slip and fall accident, you might not even be aware of how severe your injury is until a day or two later. Unfortunately, if you do not get medical attention following the accident, it can look like your injuries are not very serious when you are filing a claim. However, a chiropractor can help assess your injuries and determine the best Gaithersburg, MD chiropractic treatment after you sustain injuries. For more information, reach out to the Pain Arthritis Relief Center today.
A Chiropractor Gives Tips on What to do After an Accident
At the Pain Arthritis Relief Center, we have helped many people looking for Gaithersburg, MD, chiropractic treatment after a slip and fall accident and understand that you may be looking to receive some compensation for your injuries. Because we are familiar with these kinds of injuries, we can help you prepare for what you need to know.
- Write Down What You Feel. Immediately following the accident, take note of precisely what kind of pain you feel. It’s true that you may not feel all your injuries instantly, especially as the adrenaline is rushing through your body, but this will help when you come in for your first consultation, and it will also be helpful when you file your insurance claim. Documenting your symptoms helps us give you the best chiropractic treatment possible after your slip and fall accident.
- Call Us Before Taking Medication. After an accident, many people turn to medication immediately to relieve their symptoms, especially if they injured their back. However, medication can often mask the symptoms of even more extensive injuries, making assessing your real injuries harder for your chiropractor. Consider calling our office immediately after your accident to set up an appointment so we can adequately assess the damage that was done.
- Take Pictures of Your Injuries. By the time you file your claim, the physical evidence of your injuries may already be minimal, so it is important to take pictures of your injuries from the beginning to see how they progress.
- Tell Your Chiropractor That You Sustained Injuries From a Slip and Fall. When you visit our office for your appointment for chiropractic in Gaithersburg, MD, please make us aware that you sustained these injuries from a slip and fall accident. We can ensure that we document your injuries in detail and provide the necessary medical evidence you need to file a claim to receive compensation.
If you were recently injured in a slip and fall accident and need help with your injuries, turn to the Pain Arthritis Relief Center for chiropractic Gaithersburg, MD patients recommend.
Insurance and Your Chiropractor
Before you schedule an appointment with a chiropractor, there are some things you’ll want to learn about your insurance coverage. The following are a few things to keep in mind and speak with your provider about.
Coverage
Chiropractic care has become more and more accepted and even recommended by many health professionals throughout recent years. For this reason, you’ll find chiropractic coverage on most insurance plans, though not all. If you don’t have coverage under your plan, you may want to consider changing plans or purchasing additional coverage.
Referrals
A patient would not need a referral from a medical doctor to visit a chiropractor in many situations, though every health plan differs. Some providers require you have a referral for certain conditions, but not for others. Another provider might allow you to schedule a visit without a referral. You must discuss this with the insurance company or the human resource department at your place of employment, so your chiropractic care gets covered.
Amount of Visits
It’s possible your insurance plan won’t cover the number of visits you are looking to have within a year. Some plans outline a schedule where you can only visit the chiropractor once per month, while others allow you to go as much as the chiropractor recommends. Understanding the number of visits your insurance plan allows is essential to receiving proper coverage for every adjustment you need.
What to Do When You Don’t Have the Coverage You Need
If you don’t have coverage, require a referral but can’t get one, or are not allowed the number of visits you need, you may have to pay out of pocket for your adjustments. Some chiropractors are willing to work with patients in these situations, so be sure you have a conversation with the chiropractor or a representative from his or her office. Ask about discounts for visits that you pay for in full and in cash. See if you can get on a payment plan to make it a little easier to afford your care. There are options available, so don’t hesitate to open up and ask.
Contacting Your Chiropractor
If you wonder whether a chiropractor is covered under your plan, you can contact the chiropractor, your insurance provider, or someone in HR at your place of employment. Chiropractic care is beneficial for everyone, so don’t wait to make your appointment. Contact a chiropractor today to learn more or to get your first visit scheduled.
FAQ: Answering Your Questions About Chiropractic Care
As a prospective patient considering whether to seek chiropractic care from a Gaithersburg, MD chiropractor, it’s only natural that you will have many questions. Millions of people seek care from alternative medicines like chiropractics each year. Traditional medicine can be costly and invasive; however, chiropractic care offers alternative techniques that are less costly and non-invasive. These alternative forms of treatment offered at the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center can help patients suffering from disease and even chronic pain. With our support, we can diagnose your condition and treat the root of the problem- not just the symptoms you may be experiencing.
What are common recommendations that a chiropractor might make?
Before making any recommendations, a chiropractor will first perform an extensive exam and gather your medical history. Once they have an understanding of your condition and have made a diagnosis. Your chiropractor will then make a series of treatment recommendations aimed at not only treating symptoms but getting to the root of the problem. Common recommendations might include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Targeted Exercises
- Mechanical Adjustments
- Soft Tissue Therapy
- Kinesio Taping
- +More
What is an adjustment, and are they painful?
First of all, adjustments should only be performed by a trained and licensed professional. An adjustment is also called spinal manipulation and can be applied using either a mechanical instrument or with a chiropractor’s hands. Adjustments are not painful and are never administered until your practitioner has a clear understanding of your condition. Typically there will be some pressure, and you may even hear some cracking sounds. However, the adjustment is often followed by relief. Keep in mind that there may be some soreness to the affected area after, but this is entirely normal.
How do chiropractors treat the root of the problem?
In traditional medicine, many doctors treat symptoms rather than the disease. Gaithersburg, MD chiropractics aims to do both and will do so by realigning the body so that the body’s nervous system can better function, thus promoting healing.
Will I need to see a chiropractor for the long term once I choose treatments?
People are often concerned with the length of time they will require treatment. Know that timeframes for treatment can vary depending upon a person’s specific needs. Some people may need treatments multiple times a week and slowly taper off over time, while others require only a few sessions.
What credentials do chiropractors have?
Don’t be mistaken; chiropractors are licensed and must have extensive training before laying hands on their patients. Chiropractors must be a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) and obtain a license with the state they practice in. Typically this takes many years in an educational program, including an undergraduate degree.
Seeing a chiropractor from Pain & Arthritis Relief Center offers several benefits, including pain reduction, elimination of dependence on over-the-counter pain medication, improved range of motion, and better overall health. We can help and are committed to understanding your needs and developing a treatment plan specified to your needs. For chiropractic care in Gaithersburg, Maryland- call today.
Client Review
“Doctor Tony did an amazing job and within my first week, I felt immensely better than the first day. The treatment took about 5-6 weeks and I am more than grateful to Doctor Tony and the Pain Arthritis Relief center staff.”
Adrian K.