Frequently Asked Questions

What is an adjustment?
To correct misaligned vertebrae, the chiropractor puts corrective yet gentle pressure on precise locations along the spine or other misaligned joint. This manipulation, or adjustment, typically realigns the joint and promotes healing

Why should I come in for regular checkups if I’m feeling fine?
You probably don’t see your primary care physician unless you aren’t feeling well or have been injured. However, you likely visit your dentist regularly and, if you are a woman, visit your gynecologist regularly. Why? Because health problems in these areas often have no associated symptoms or discomfort until they are in an advanced stage, which can be more difficult to treat than if they were caught early on. The same goes for seeing your chiropractor. Subluxations frequently exhibit no symptoms. It is often only after the subluxation has caused additional stress on the body or nervous system that you begin to feel discomfort. At this stage the condition frequently requires a more lengthy treatment than if it had been caught early on.

How are chiropractors trained and qualified?
Today, at least six years of highly specialized college training, including about 600 hours of externship, are required to graduate from an accredited college of chiropractic and earn licensure as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Chiropractors must also pass a rigid chiropractic board examination for the state in which they practice. The basic educational requirements for those studying chiropractic is extremely similar to the requirements for those studying medicine.

Medical Class Hours (minimum)	Subject	Chiropractic Class Hours (minimum)
508	Anatomy	520
326	Physiology	420
335	Pathology	271
325	Chemistry	300
130	Bacteriology	114
374	Diagnosis	370
112	Neurology	320
148	X-ray	217
144	Psychiatry	65
198	Obstetrics and Gynecology	65
156	Orthopedics	65
2,756	Total Hours	2,887
Other required subjects include: pharmacology, immunology, general surgery, and other similar basic subjects related to their specialty.		Other required subjects include: adjusting, manipulation, kinesiology, and other similar basic subjects related to their specialty.
4,248	Grand Total Class Hours including other basic subjects	4,485

 

Parker Chiropractic Research Foundation, 1976. The above class hours were compiled following a review of the curriculum catalogues of 22 medical schools and 11 chiropractic colleges, and updated from the National Health Federation bulletin and other publications’ statistics.

Is chiropractic only for adults? Can children be adjusted?

Many problems seen in adulthood began in childhood. Bumps and falls that happen during a child’s growing years often set the stage for scoliosis, “growing pains” and weakened immune systems. Keep in mind that chiropractic results are achieved much quicker on children than adults. This is similar to the scenario in which quick results occur when children wear dental braces as opposed to adults. Your chiropractor will be sure to use modified adjusting techniques tailored to a child’s size, weight and unique spinal problems

Won’t it be too expensive?

Chiropractic has been proven through research to be three times more cost-effective than medical treatment. Unfortunately, Alberta Health Care only covers part of your chiropractic care. Our health care system seems to be based on crisis care, rather than wellness care. It is becoming more and more our responsibility to maintain our health. Regular chiropractic care has been proven to decrease lost days of work, increase energy, and increase quality of life. In the long run, wellness care is very inexpensive. It becomes a lifestyle choice, like spending money on bottled water, vitamins, or a gym membership

How long before I start to feel better?
Many feel better after one treatment. Some have conditions that have been progressing for many many years and require additional treatment time.

How much will this cost me?
Many times the cost to the patient is minimal or no out of pocket, according to the plan or type of insurance. Stroud Chiropractic offers many payment options to make care affordable. Stroud Chiropractic is on most HMO and PPO plans. Just to name a few: All BCBS, Medcost, United Healthcare, State Health Plans, Cigna, Medicare and Medicaid.  We accept assignment with all insurance companies.

Can you prescribe any pain medication?
NO!! Pain medication does help, but usually it just covers up the pain instead of finding and fixing the problem. Chiropractic is the largest natural healing profession in the world!
 
Will this hurt?
We use light force adjustment techniques. Sometimes there will be local tenderness but most cases are pain free.
 
What kind of education do chiropractors have?
Total chiropractic education consists of 6 to 8 years. Two years pre-med and 4+ years of Chiropractic College. Chiropractic College consists of numerous hours of anatomy, physiology, neurology, pathology and the same courses required by the medical professions.