Lorenzen Chiropractic

F.A.Q.
(Frequently Asked Questions)

General Questions, Answers & Myths

1. Does Dr. Lorenzen take insurance for chiropractic and other work?
Yes. Please contact us to find out what policies are accepted.

2. What are you office hours?
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

3. Can you treat a pregnant woman?
Yes. Also, adjustments can allevaite some of the physical pain associated with pregnancy.

4. What services are provided at Lorenzen Chiropractic in additon to chiropractic services?

5. Are all patients treated with the same methods?
No. Treatments are varied based on a patient's injuries and conditions. Chiropractic treatments are no more identical for each patient than other medical doctor's treatments are the same for each patient.

6. How many adjustments will I need?
This varies with each patient and depends on their injuries, physical conditions, and health goals. Some patients will see progress quickly for minor injuries, while more serious injuries will take longer to heal.

7. Can patients with osteoporosis get treatment at your office?
Yes. The method best suited to each patient and their condition will be used.

8. Do you work on children?
Our office does not specialize in children, however, Dr. Lorenzen has worked on patients as young as 4 days old, and up to 102 years old. We would be happy to evaluate your needs on a case by case basis. If nessessary we can refer you to a chiropractic pediatric specialist.

9. How long until I feel better?
This will vary from one patient to another. Many patients may find immediate relief. Some may notice improvement in a couple of weeks. Other patients may find relieft but require additional treatments to continue improvement.

10. Will you prescribe painkillers?
No. A chiropractor does not dispense medication and uses natural methods to control painful symptoms. Please consult your primary care physician regarding painkillers.

11. How does chiropractic work?
Improper positioning of bones can cause improper movement that make the injury worse. Chiropractic treatments involve a variety of techniques that involve manipulating bones and muscles to return those bones to their correct position.

12. What is an adjustment?
An adjustment involves a variety of techniques that depend on what type of injury is being treated. Some may involve a quick movement to correct an injury, others may involve gentle movement and massage to ease the bones back into place. Sometimes this will involve hands-on work from the chiropractor, some will involve use of an instrument called an activator. There are many different methods available to a chiropractor to correct a variety of injuries.

13. Are adjustments safe?
When treated by a licensced chiropractic doctor, injuries caused during chiropractic sessions are rare. The ratio of malpractice lawsuits (and corresponding malpractice insurance rates) is higher among medical doctors than chiropractic doctors. Additionally, "a New Zealand study found adjustments "remarkably safe" " (Patient Media, 1999).
Data: The Chiropractic Profession and Its Research and Education Programs
Submitted to: Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida; Prepared in response to legislative proviso in Specific Appropriation 161 of the 2000 General Appropriations Act
Risk of Chiropractic Neck Treatments by AmericanChiropractic.net

14. Can I adjust myself?
The body wants to be in alignment. The muscles can pull bones into a better position when stretching as in yoga. When you find yourself having to stretch or pop frequently the same area you are not moving the part that is stuck. This can be more damaging to the joints and may worsen the problem.

15. What is that sound when an adjustment is made?
The sound is produced when gas and fluids surrounding the bones shift. This sound is not an indicator of the effectiveness of an adjustment.

16. Will I have to see a chiropractor for the rest of my life?
Effective chiropractic treatments, followed by physical therapy excercises performed by the patient, can heal an injury enough to no longer require chiropractic visits. Some conditions may require a quarterly or annual exam to ensure some injuries have continued to heal correctly.

17. What if chiropractic doesn't work for me?
If we are unable to find and correct your problem, referrals can be made to other specialists who may be able to assist you.

18. Can I have chiropractic treatment after back surgery?
Yes. Your chiropractor will avoid the surgically altered area and work to ensure that treatments work with the surgery and not against it.

19. Chiropractic doctors lack education compared to medical doctors.
False. Doctors of Chiropractic, Medical Doctors, and Doctors of Osteopathy serve as primary care poviders and gatekeepers to the health care system. The chiropractor is well trained to diagnose and consult with, or refer to, other health care providers. Chiropractic colleges are accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), The Commission on Colleges of the Southern association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the doctor of chiropractic degree. Among those organizations accepting chiropractic legitimacy are the U.S. Department of Labor which recognizes the title of Doctor and chiropractic work, and the American Medical Association which states that a physician may refer a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic services to a chiropractor. Many health insurance policies cover chiropractic treatment.

20. Chiropractors are not real doctors.
False. Chiropractic colleges are accredited by The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accreditation of programs and institutions offering the doctor of chiropractic degree. Therefore, the school meets federal and state guidelines for student financial aid. As a result, graduates are given the title Doctor of Chiropractic. Among those organizations accepting chiropractic legitimacy are the U.S. Department of Labor which recognizes the title of Doctor and chiropractic work, and the American Medical Association which states that a physician may refer a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic services to a chiropractor. Many health insurance policies cover chiropractic treatment.

21. Spinal adjustments and other adjustments hurt.
False. The majority of the time, you will feel no pain. There may be some adjustments that cause a momentary twinge. Adjustments can feel similar to massage in that at first there is some initial pain that is quickly worked out. Occasionally, patients report pain occurring after visiting a chiropractor due to scar tissue that builds up around malpositioned joints breaking free. Once the joints are properly positioned, there may be a little "workout soreness" as the muscles regain strength to hold the joint in the correct position. A few follow-up adjustments, and home exercises the chiropractor assigns the patient, can correct this.

22. Chiropractic medicine is unscientific.
False. Before received the title Doctor of Chiropractic, a student requires extensive medical training in traditional medical courses. Chiropractic research is ongoing, and more frequently, there is partnership between chiropractors and the greater scientific and clinical communities in training, research, and practice.

23. Chiropractic care is expensive.
Chiropractic care can be no more expensive than that of traditional medicine. Many insurance policies cover visits to a chiropractor to aid you with the expense. Contact us to find out what insurances are accepted.

24. Chiropractors expect you to continue chiropractic care for the rest of your life.
False. Effective chiropractic treatments, followed by physical therapy excercises performed by the patient, can heal an injury enough to no longer require chiropractic visits. Some conditions may require a quarterly or annual exam to ensure some injuries have continued to heal correctly.

25. Chiropractors only treat back pain.
Absolutely not. You are not just a back. A great many injuries can be treated with chiropractic methods. Shoulder, knee, and other joint injuries, hiatal hernias are among those conditions that can be treated and nutritional counseling is available. Schedule a consultation on me for more information regarding your condition.

26. Medical doctors do not accept chiropractic as a legitimate treatment.
This is somewhat true. In years past, medical doctors did not believe in the legitamacy of chiropractic treatment. Today, more medical practitioners are refering their patients for chiropractic care. Additionally, the American Medical Association states that a physician may refer a patient for diagnostic or therapeutic services to a chiropractor.