FAQs

If you’re wondering what chiropractic can do for your injury, the answer lies in the fact that we aren’t just chiropractors. Traditionally people think of chiropractors as manipulating the spine. While we certainly do believe (and excel) in chiropractic manipulation, we are also trained in the best forms of soft-tissue techniques and rehabilitation. This allows us to treat a wider variety of musculoskeletal injuries than are normally associated with chiropractic care.

In addition to the advanced training and techniques that we employ, the other biggest thing that differentiates our practice is our results-oriented approach. One complaint we sometimes hear from folks is that at the previous office they tried, “They did exactly the same thing each time, whether it was working or not.”

The doctors at Body Back Chiropractic & Physiotherapy all have the same ‘fix-it’ mentality. Our goal in all cases is to try, if possible, to truly resolve injuries. Your treatments at our office follow a progression as we seek to find and correct the underlying imbalances while at the same time working to address the injured tissues. This means no two treatments will be the same. If one approach isn’t working, we’ll pivot and try another.

As anyone who has battled rotator cuff issues, ITBand Syndrome, or plantar fasciitis can tell you, fixing these types of injuries is often easier said than done. It takes not only advanced soft tissue and rehab techniques but also an understanding of where in your body the problem is originating, something we start looking for from day one. Putting together these biomechanical puzzles take time, which is why we allot longer than average appointments.

This is a common stereotype associated with chiropractors, mostly due to the fact that, once people realize they don’t have to live with the aches and pains that they associate with “getting older,” or as just being inherent in their sport, they are happy to return.

A healthy body, and life in general, is all about balance. But who amongst us is completely balanced? Many people find that they can use the occasional “tune-up” visit. For some, for example athletes in contact sports or pregnant women, it makes sense to schedule maintenance visits ahead of time knowing that we will always find something to work on. Others will return to us over the years for a variety of issues. If we succeed in fixing their headaches, they’ll keep coming for their shoulder. Fix the shoulder, and they’ll return for their knee.

We treat every individual differently. Our focus is on alleviating your pain, educating you on what caused the injury, and helping you to be proactive in preventing its return. Once we have accomplished this, we will usually discharge you from active care and then you can decide if and when it makes sense for you to return.

Absolutely! The cracking, known as a cavitation, heard is simply the creation a gas pocket within the joint. The cavitation itself is not what heals a patient’s pain. As a result of inducing joint motion, many techniques will create a cavitation in the process. For most this is an awkward sensation at first, but they soon grown accustomed to it and overlook the matter altogether, often finding relaxation and relief afterwards. For others, they would prefer to implement a technique where no cavitation or popping is heard. At Body Back Chiropractic our focus is on creating an environment in which every patient is comfortable. This is your health care, and we are honored that you are allowing us to participate in the journey of improving your health. Please make us aware of your concerns and we will be sure to use an adjusting technique that will not create any cracking.

We only order X-rays if we feel they are medically warranted to rule out fractures or pathology. We order X-rays on only around 10-15% of incoming patients.

Most insurance companies in Maine cover chiropractic care. We will be happy to bill your insurance for you. Normally, even with HMO’s, you can self-refer without prior approval from your primary care physician. As a courtesy we will verify your insurance by your second visit and let you know what to expect for cost associated with proposed treatment. It is not a bad idea to call your insurance company to verify your coverage before coming in for your first visit. We are a contracted provider with most major insurance company that we know of, however we do not accept Medicaid (MaineCare).

Also, important to note, for Medicare insured patients, Medicare has restrictions on coverage in a chiropractic office. For the non-covered services performed in our office most Medicare patients have an out-of-pocket expense of $25-$45 per routine visit. Initial New patient visit typically being $80-$150. Depending on severity of condition and services rendered.

There are a number of factors that relate to the cost of care. Mainly the severity of your condition, treatment rendered, and length of treatment plan. While we can’t tell you the exact cost before seeing you, we can say that we are preferred providers for most major insurance companies. We encourage patients to obtain there chiropractic benefits from their insurance company if they would like to know ahead of time.

For our uninsured/underinsured/ or patient who simply chose to be self-pay and bypass their health insurance. We have a fantastic medical discount program to offer. After enrollment New Patient exams range from $130-200. Routine office visits, $65-$80/visit. After your exam, on your second visit, the doctor will let you know what to expect for treatment and then our financial officer will address cost associated with care and options for payment.

Yes!! Our youngest patient is minutes old, being adjusted immediately after delivery and our oldest patient to date is 98. Children in particular respond very well when started care from a young age. They are typically very active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of life as well as from participating in sports. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. In the case of children and babies, it is very gentle.

Even today’s “natural” childbirth methods can cause spinal trauma. Studies suggest that infantile colic, poor appetite, ear infections, or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle, safe, and offer a drugless alternative that many parents prefer. Pediatricians commonly refer to chiropractors for a natural approach for infant health problems.

Many patients are cautious about new treatments, and understandably so. However, chiropractic care has been around for more than a century. Daniel David Palmer launched the profession in 1895 after allegedly restoring the hearing of a deaf janitor. Palmer performed a spinal manipulation on the janitor, helping him eliminate his hearing loss.

Standards for chiropractors were somewhat lax in the 1960s, which inspired some criticism regarding the profession. Requirements are much more stringent now, and chiropractors are licensed doctors with extensive training.

We’ll let you know! Chiropractors, including the team at Body Back Chiropractic, perform a thorough evaluation before recommending treatment. This evaluation may include a physical examination, X-rays, CT scan, or MRI. With your consent, we may also contact your other medical providers for information about your health. This helps us work together to provide complementary treatment, increasing your chances of recovery or pain management. If after your initial exam we believe there to be a better fit for you than the team at Body Back Chiropractic we will make those recommendations too and help you get to the places where you need to be for your care.

People are often surprised to discover that the education received at a chiropractic college is quite similar to the education received in medical school. Candidates for chiropractic college must complete a minimum of three years of college-level courses prior to entering school, and completion of a doctor of chiropractic degree requires four to five years of professional coursework. Also, the education of a chiropractor is similar in total classroom hours to that of a medical doctor.

At Body Back Chiropractic and Physiotherapy we work very close with primary care physicians and medical specialists. Chiropractic care is not the answer to every ailment, and we are thankful to have medical doctors as colleagues that can help us work together towards restoring and promoting the health of our patients. It is our philosophy that no one provider attempt to be everything to everyone, but instead seeks to use a collaborative effort to work together for the benefit of the individual.

Yes. It’s an unfortunate fact that up to half of those who had spinal surgery discover a return of their original symptoms months or years later. They then face the prospect of additional surgery. This too common occurrence is known as “Failed Back Surgery Syndrome.” Chiropractic may help prevent repeated back surgeries. In fact, if chiropractic care is initially, utilized back surgery can often be avoided in the first place.

Call to schedule a complimentary screening. You’ll come in and chat with one of our doctors, discuss your healthcare concerns and they will educate you on how chiropractic can help.

At this time, we do not accept MaineCare (Medicaid). However, please call us to discuss other payment options.