Seeking Discount Chiropractic Care in DFW

Oh my aching back!

It is estimated that more than 80% of the population will experience significant back and neck pain at some time during their lives according to Dr. Jim Verners at Chiropractic Performance, and back pain is the third most frequent reason that people consult a health practitioner. Back and neck pain can be caused by stress, accidents, even exercise and it rarely goes away by itself. An alternative treatment to prescription medications for back and neck pain is chiropractic treatment. Although some health plans cover chiropractic care, not all of them do, especially with the rising cost of health insurance. American Health Benefits offers a discount health plan that can help you pay for chiropractic care when you need it.

What is chiropractic treatment?

The National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a division of the Nation Institute of Health, defines chiropractic care as an “approach that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure–mainly the spine–and it’s functioning.” Although chiropractors use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments to correct the spine’s alignment. Chiropractic treatment is based on the premise that the spine is literally the backbone of human health and that poor alignment of the vertebrae results in pressure on the spinal nerve roots, which may lead to diminished function and pain. By correcting the spine’s alignment, the body can then repair itself.

What training does a chiropractor have?

“Chiropractic programs require a minimum of 4,200 hours of combined classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience. During the first 2 years, most chiropractic programs emphasize classroom and laboratory work in sciences such as anatomy, physiology, public health, microbiology, pathology, and biochemistry. The last 2 years focus on courses in manipulation and spinal adjustment and provide clinical experience in physical and laboratory diagnosis, neurology, orthopedics, geriatrics, physiotherapy, and nutrition. Chiropractic programs and institutions grant the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic.” Most  chiropractic training institutions require a bachelor’s degree prior to admission according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s summary of chiropractic education.

What should I expect to happen at the chiropractor’s office, and how much does it cost?

On your first visit to a chiropractor, the doctor will complete a health history evaluation and talk with you about the pain you are having. He or she will exam you and may decide to collect x-ray information about your spine. Then they will talk with you about a treatment plan. Chiropractic care is a process, so you should anticipate several visits to the doctor. Initially your visits may be two or three times per week, decreasing to once a month or as needed when your condition improves.

Fees per chiropractic sessions average $65 for a general vertebrae adjustment, according to a recent survey in Chiropractic Economics magazine. Sessions can range from $34 to $106 per session depending on where you live and how many regions of the spine are being treated. Patients may pay slightly more on their first visit, from $61 to $161, because an overall health consultation is usually required. Chiropractors charge additional fees for X-rays, which can range from $44 to $159. (Cost Helper)

Do not put off getting chiropractic care because of cost. Most people seek assistance with the cost of their chiropractic care through their health insurance. If your current insurance carrier does not provide chiropractic coverage, then you should investigate the low cost or discount health plan offered by American Health Benefits.