FAQ

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat common musculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

Through their whole-person, patient-centered approach, doctors of chiropractic (DCs) elevate the health and wellness of their communities by helping people of all ages live more fully and actively.

Doctor’s Choice Rehab- McAllen Chiropractic

ACA. (2021). About Chiropracitc. About Chiropractic. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://handsdownbetter.org/about-chiropractic/.

Why Choose Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is the third-largest primary health care profession, surpassed in number only by doctors of medicine and dentistry. Doctors of chiropractic treat about 35 million Americans annually.

Download “Key Facts and Figures About Chiropractic” (PDF)

  • DCs are licensed to practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia–and in many nations around the world–and undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences at institutions accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. 
  • A growing list of research studies and reviews demonstrate that the services provided by chiropractic physicians are both safe and effective. The evidence strongly supports the natural, whole-body and cost-effective approach of chiropractic services for a variety of conditions.
  • Chiropractic services are included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. 
  • Chiropractic is used extensively by amateur and professional athletes, professional dancers and others to prevent and treat injuries as well as achieve optimal health and functioning.

Doctor’s Choice Rehab- McAllen Chiropractic

ACA. (2021). About Chiropracitc. About Chiropractic. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://handsdownbetter.org/about-chiropractic/.

What to Expect on Your First Visit?

Many new patients are not sure what to expect during their first appointment with a doctor of chiropractic (DC). Chiropractors start by asking patients questions to gather information about their present condition and health history and then performing a physical examination to develop a working diagnosis. Imaging or lab tests (such as MRI, CT scan or X-ray) may be used to confirm a diagnosis. 

The combination of the history, exam and diagnostic studies will enable your doctor of chiropractic to reach a diagnosis, which will in turn help him or her to determine whether chiropractic services are appropriate for your condition. If your doctor determines you would be more appropriately managed or co-managed by another health care professional, he or she will make the proper referral. 

Through a process of shared decision-making, you and your doctor will determine if chiropractic services are right for you. As part of this process, the doctor will explain your condition, recommend a treatment plan and review the risks and benefits of all procedures. 

Based on the extent, timing or severity of a patient’s condition, chiropractic interventions may require several visits. Patients may also receive advice on home care, lifestyle modifications, exercise instruction and nutrition.  

Doctor’s Choice Rehab- McAllen Chiropractic

ACA. (2021). About Chiropracitc. About Chiropractic. Retrieved October 11, 2021, from https://handsdownbetter.org/about-chiropractic/.

Neck Pain and Chiropractic

Our neck, also called the cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and contains seven small vertebrae. Incredibly, the cervical spine supports the full weight of your head, which is on average about 12 pounds. While the cervical spine can move your head in nearly every direction, this flexibility makes the neck very susceptible to pain and injury.

 

The neck’s susceptibility to injury is due in part to biomechanics. Activities and events that affect cervical biomechanics include extended sitting, repetitive movement, accidents, falls and blows to the body or head, normal aging, and everyday wear and tear. Neck pain can be very bothersome, and it can have a variety of causes.

Here are some of the most typical causes of neck pain:

  • Injury and Accidents: A sudden forced movement of the head or neck in any direction and the resulting “rebound” in the opposite direction is known as whiplash. The sudden “whipping” motion injures the surrounding and supporting tissues of the neck and head. Muscles react by tightening and contracting, creating muscle fatigue, which can result in pain and stiffness. Severe whiplash can also be associated with injury to the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, muscles, and nerve roots. Car accidents are the most common cause of whiplash.
  • Growing Older: Degenerative disorders such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease directly affect the spine.
  • Osteoarthritis, a common joint disorder, causes progressive deterioration of cartilage. The body reacts by forming bone spurs that affect joint motion.
  • Spinal stenosis causes the small nerve passageways in the vertebrae to narrow, compressing and trapping nerve roots. Stenosis may cause neck, shoulder, and arm pain, as well as numbness, when these nerves are unable to function normally.
  • Degenerative disc disease can cause reduction in the elasticity and height of intervertebral discs. Over time, a disc may bulge or herniate, causing tingling, numbness, and pain that runs into the arm.
  • Daily Life: Poor posture, obesity, and weak abdominal muscles often disrupt spinal balance, causing the neck to bend forward to compensate. Stress and emotional tension can cause muscles to tighten and contract, resulting in pain and stiffness. Postural stress can contribute to chronic neck pain with symptoms extending into the upper back and the arms.

Chiropractic Care of Neck Pain

During your visit, your doctor of chiropractic will perform exams to locate the source of your pain and will ask you questions about your current symptoms and remedies you may have already tried. For example:

  • When did the pain start?
  • What have you done for your neck pain?
  • Does the pain radiate or travel to other parts of your body?
  • Does anything reduce the pain or make it worse?

Your doctor of chiropractic will also do physical and neurological exams. In the physical exam, your doctor will observe your posture, range of motion, and physical condition, noting movement that causes pain. Your doctor will feel your spine, note its curvature and alignment, and feel for muscle spasm. A check of your shoulder area is also in order. During the neurological exam, your doctor will test your reflexes, muscle strength, other nerve changes, and pain spread.

In some instances, your chiropractor might order tests to help diagnose your condition. An x-ray can show narrowed disc space, fractures, bone spurs, or arthritis. A computerized axial tomography scan (a CT or CAT scan) or a magnetic resonance imaging test (an MRI) can show bulging discs and herniations. If nerve damage is suspected, your doctor may order a special test called electromyography (an EMG) to measure how quickly your nerves respond.

Doctors of chiropractic are conservative care doctors; their scope of practice does not include the use of drugs or surgery. If your chiropractor diagnoses a condition outside of this conservative scope, such as a neck fracture or an indication of an organic disease, he or she will refer you to the appropriate medical physician or specialist. He or she may also ask for permission to inform your family physician of the care you are receiving to ensure that your chiropractic care and medical care are properly coordinated.

 

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Marcela Coronado
Marcela Coronado
September 7, 2021.
I came to Doctor’s Choice with a super bad lower back pain after going to another chiropractor. I couldn’t even walk. On my first week I was feeling better and was able to walk normal. My pain went from a 9 to a 2 after the first few therapy sessions. Dr. Echavarría and staff are super friendly and professional. I totally recommend this place!!
Andrea Villarreal
Andrea Villarreal
August 4, 2021.
Came in for rehab leaving with no pain and feeling better than ever. Amazing staff!❤️
Antonio Flores
Antonio Flores
July 20, 2021.
I was hurting from an auto accident and came to this place and they helped me get better. The staff was very friendly. I recommend them highly.
Alberta Silva
Alberta Silva
June 2, 2021.
yo vine aquí a la clínica del doctors choice y estoy bien contenta por el trato que me han dado. yo siento mucho mejor mi tratamiento de terapia lo recomiendo para las personas que lo necesiten. tienen buen trato y son muy amables conmigo los recomiendo muchas gracias.
Maria Sandoval
Maria Sandoval
May 6, 2021.
Muy buen trato nosotros tuvimos un choque mi hermano mi hija y yo y el personal y los doctores muy atentos y profesionales nos atendieron de maravilla desde q entramos hasta que salimos sin ningún dolor les damos las gracias mil
Fernando Estrada
Fernando Estrada
March 27, 2021.
Pretty friendly staff , really professional. First time coming here... and would definitely refer people here
Nellie Polanco
Nellie Polanco
January 19, 2021.
Came in for therapy due to a car accident and right away the staff made me feel at home! Super kind and friendly! Highly recommend this place and the amazing staff! After 2 months I went from a 10 in pain to a 1-2. Loved the experience! ❤️
Aaron Acosta
Aaron Acosta
December 14, 2020.
Came in for an mild to serious back injury. Over the course of the last 3 months I have begun to gain all my range of motion back. Great place with great people.