FAQs To Help Determine The Best Chiropractic Office Near You
Q: Why do some chiropractors take x-rays and some do not?
A: The best chiropractors use a conservative approach in taking x-rays and applying specific guidelines when ordering x-rays. X-rays are definitely required when a patient has suffered a significant trauma, or when the chiropractor is suspecting an infection is cancer or a tumor, or the patient is over 65 and is suspected to have osteoporosis. In addition, if pain is getting worse or patient is not improving then an x-ray is merited. Best chiropractor knows that there are cases that x-rays don’t make a difference on the treatment plan, for instance if a patient is suffering from a disc herniation. Because x-rays do not show soft tissue variables or derangements that patient would not benefit from an x-ray and would need an MRI if necessary.
Q: How many visits should a patient expect before they see results when treated by a chiropractor?
A: Typically patients should start seeing results within 6-8 visits. The best chiropractic practices typically recommend 2-3 visits a week for 2-4 weeks after which patients should be feeling about 90% better. If no progress is made, the treatment plan should be changed and/or patient should be referred out.
Related: What You Should Know About Pain
Q: What conditions/ailments do you treat most in your practice?
A: I personally specialize in musculoskeletal pain; this includes headaches and migraines, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and knee pain, among others.
Q: Other than the top of mind reason, pain, why would people go to a chiropractor?
A: Wellness care is a very good reason for going to a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits are very beneficial in the prevention of musculoskeletal pain. The best chiropractors will also educate you on healthy living approaches, and ways to decrease emotional and physical stress.
Related: 6 Simple Steps to Eliminate Stress, 8 Simple Steps for a Happier Healthier Lifestyle, Trying to Get Healthy, but Not Sure Where to Start?, Your Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle
Q: What is all the therapy? And do I need it?
A: The best chiropractors use different therapies on different patients. If a patient is in acute pain in that they cannot move, modalities such as TENS unit, ice and lasers all aid and assist in decreasing pain and inflammation in that situation. Then, patients move to an active treatment plan, where we use exercise to awaken and strengthen the inhibited muscles. Soft tissue modalities are used to address adhesion and tissue tension.
Related: Achilles Tendon Pain and Active Release Technique
Q: What is the new trend with taping?
A: Kinesio tape is used to provide support and stability to the patient’s joints and muscles without restricting movement or circulation in the patient. It also expedites healing by reducing pain and swelling.
Q: What are your thoughts on orthotics?
A: Orthotics are prescribed when they are needed. Orthotics is a good solution when there is a leg length discrepancy that is affecting the rest of the body. It is also useful when there is an anatomical variance, or a foot pronation. Ideally, we encourage active care to bring the body into balance.
Q: Do I need Electrical Stem Unit?
A: The best chiropractors recommend TENS in the acute phase of care. In most cases, it is not used for the long-term patient management. We like to see patients being more involved in active care, such as doing planks, proper breathing, being aware of posture etc., as opposed to solely depending on a TENS unit, otherwise, the TENS unit becomes more of a symptom covering tool, as opposed to addressing the cause of the pain.
About Integrated Health Solutions
Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.