Blog Questions

Where did chiropractic begin?

Chiropractic care was established by Daniel David Palmer in 1895, who was an advocate of alternative medicine and magnetic healing prior to founding the field. In its early days, chiropractic was rooted in anecdotal evidence and theoretical concepts that lacked the rigorous support of contemporary research. However, the field has evolved significantly since then. Today, numerous chiropractic schools and journals are at the forefront of research, making new discoveries and advancing the profession. Major medical insurance providers now recognize chiropractic care as a valuable and effective complement to conventional allopathic medicine. Modern scientific evidence supports chiropractic care as a legitimate and beneficial medical treatment.

What chiropractic services are covered by medicare?

Medicare will cover the cost of an adjustment at the chiropractor as long as it is deemed medically necessary. This means that Medicare will not cover maintenance, wellness, or preventative chiropractic care. There must be a significant issue that needs to be addressed such as pain, asymmetry, spinal degeneration, or some other spine related musculoskeletal or neurological condition.

When chiropractic care doesn’t work?

There are instances where chiropractic care may not be effective or suitable for certain individuals. While such cases are relatively rare, they can occur depending on the specific condition and the individual’s needs. When chiropractic care does not yield the desired results, exploring alternative treatments or approaches may provide the necessary relief or improvement. However, many are surprised by the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment to facilitate healing in not only the spine and musculoskeletal system but many other functions of the body including but not limited to sleep, digestion, energy, cognitive function, blood pressure, immune defense and hormone levels.

Which chiropractic technique is best?

Determining the "best" chiropractic technique depends on individual needs, conditions, and personal preferences. Chiropractic care encompasses a variety of techniques, each designed to address different issues and patient preferences. Some commonly used techniques include:

1. Diversified Technique: A widely used approach involving manual adjustments to improve joint function and alignment. It's known for its precision and effectiveness in treating musculoskeletal issues.

2. Activator Method: Utilizes a small, handheld instrument to deliver gentle, targeted adjustments. This technique is beneficial for those who prefer a less forceful approach or for those who have issues with bone density.

3. Thompson Technique: Employs a specialized table with drop sections to facilitate adjustments with minimal force. It’s useful for a variety of conditions and offers a comfortable adjustment experience.

4. Webster Technique: Is a specialized technique for pregnancy where drop sections are also utilized to facilitate adjustments with minimal force. This technique also utilizes tests to focus on proper hip alignment and rotation as well as hypertonicity in the round ligaments and ligaments of the hip and pelvis to reduce back pain and promote healthier and easier delivery.

The effectiveness of each technique can vary based on individual conditions, preferences, and the chiropractor's expertise. At Bigby Family Chiropractic, we use a variety of each of these techniques tailored to the specific needs of the individual. We use a combination of these techniques while also utilizing the modalities of decompression, massage, traction, electrical stimulation, hot/cold therapy, active release therapy, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy, and manual or Graston therapy to produce the best possible results for the individual.

Why does chiropractic help sciatica?

Chiropractic care can help manage sciatica by addressing the underlying issues contributing to the condition. Sciatica is often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically due to spinal misalignments, herniated discs, or other issues in the lower back. Chiropractors use various techniques to address these issues, including:

1. Spinal Adjustments: Chiropractors perform adjustments to correct misalignments in the spine. By improving spinal alignment, these adjustments can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce inflammation.

2. Decompression Techniques: Some chiropractors use techniques to decompress the spine, such as spinal traction or specific adjustments. These methods can help alleviate pressure on the nerve roots and reduce sciatic pain.

3. Improved Function and Mobility: Chiropractic care aims to restore proper function and mobility to the spine and surrounding tissues. By enhancing movement and reducing stiffness, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the strain on the sciatic nerve.

4. Customized Treatment Plans: Chiropractors may develop individualized treatment plans that include exercises, stretches, and lifestyle recommendations to address the root cause of sciatica and prevent recurrence.

Overall, chiropractic care focuses on optimizing spinal health and nerve function, which can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of sciatica and promoting long-term relief.