PATIENT EDUCATION

CHIROPRACTIC FAQs

Are There Any Risks?
Chiropractic has far fewer risks than many other treatments for your problem. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon. Research shows that chiropractic is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment available. Your chiropractor will, of course be happy to discuss all your concerns regarding treatment.

Does Treatment Hurt?
Generally, a chiropractic manipulation does not hurt – although there may be some minor short-term discomfort, which quickly passes for most patients. You will normally find that follow up treatments are much more pleasant, as your symptoms improve and you feel at ease with your chiropractor.

How Soon Will I Feel Better?
Often patients report a feeling of increased mobility and a sense of increased well-being immediately after treatment. However, not all cases are the same and you may find there is a small exacerbation of your condition before you start to feel better. In cases where chiropractic can help it is usual to start feeling improvement within the first few weeks.

Will I Need X-Rays Or A Scan?
Any decision to take x-rays or referral for advanced imaging will be made in consultation with you. At all times, your chiropractor will weigh the risks against the benefits and advise you accordingly. Typical circumstances where an x-ray may be necessary are recent injuries, older patients whose bone structure may have altered over time, unusual examination findings or a history of serious diseases.

How Often Do I Need To Go?
This is very much dependant on each individual case. A simple strain for example would be quicker to treat than a more complicated condition that has been present for many years. Whatever your individual situation happens to be, your chiropractor will sit with you during your report of findings and discuss this with you.

Is Treatment Suitable During Pregnancy?
Of course back pain is a very common finding during pregnancy and this is one area where chiropractors can help. Modifications to treatment positions are easily made to accommodate the “bump” of the mother’s tummy. This allows chiropractors to treat pregnant mothers throughout the term of the pregnancy.

Is Treatment Suitable Even Though I Have Had Previous Surgery?
In most cases the answer is yes. Of course it depends on the case concerned. However, any questions you have will be answered by your chiropractor. Your chiropractor is trained to recognize when treatment is indicated and when it isn’t. Previous spinal surgery is not necessarily a contraindication to treatment.

Have I Got A Slipped Disc?
Spinal discs are fibrous rings, containing a soft gel-like ‘cushion’, between each of your spinal bones (vertebrae). Discs cannot slip, because they are attached to the vertebrae, but the term ‘slipped disc’ can mean disc damage such as a bulge (protrusion), a tear or rupture (prolapse/sequestration). The resulting pressure or irritation on the nerves that exit your spine can cause pain in your back, or ‘referred’ pain over an area through which the nerves pass. Sciatica, for example, is leg pain caused by nerve irritation or pressure in the lower spine. Your chiropractor will explain the cause of your pain – it may not be a ‘slipped disc’ as many other problems have similar pain patterns.

Should I Wear A Collar For My Neck Pain?
Although in the acute stage a soft collar may be worn for a short time, collars should not be relied upon. If you become reliant on a collar, the muscles of your neck will become weaker as the collar is doing their job. It is important, therefore, to have an active treatment plan that involves your chiropractor, ergonomic advice and possibly an exercise program to help support the muscles and joints of your neck.

I Have Arthritis – Can Anything Be Done?
Arthritis or degenerated joints are sometimes the result of the surrounding joints not doing their fair share of work, so that the load is not managed equally. Chiropractic aims to restore your normal joint function spreading the load and taking excessive strain away from degenerated joints. Your chiropractors can also give you advice on exercise for maintaining joint function.

What Insurance Does Dr. Staiano Take?
He takes Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna,  PHCS,  Ash Network & more. Each person has a different policy so call us and we will help you determine what chiropractic benefits you have.