Family chiropractic

When you think of family activities, you might think of going to the movies, an amusement park, a zoo, or even the park.  Most likely no one thinks of putting everyone in the car and driving to the doctor’s office to experience family chiropractic services.  Mom and/or Dad are probably the most likely family member to be seeking a spinal adjustment because they work all week, have to pick up and/or carry children, or lead a completely active and busy lifestyle.  They are not as young as they used to be, and most of the time their bodies can take a true beating.  Visiting the chiropractor will help them put their spine back into alignment so they can feel healthy again.

However, what many fail to realize is that family chiropractic services go beyond just back pain.  They can truly benefit every member of the family, even if they never experience joint or muscle aches and pains.  Your spine is connected to just about every part of your body.  Realigning the spine can affect the entire nervous system.  Colicky infants, teens with allergies, or adults with back pain can reap the benefits of getting a spinal adjustment or manipulation at least once a week.

Allergies and asthma are the result of the body’s lowered immunity system.  Sneezing, watery eyes, and other symptoms are the body’s way of going into overdrive to protect itself.  An allergy attack also releases the antibody immunoglobulin E, which works its way through the body to neutralize the pollen or other allergy triggers.  If the thought of allergy testing, shots, and taking medications does not sound appealing to help yourself or members of your family through allergy season, you should consider family chiropractic services.  Once the spine is realigned through an adjustment or manipulation, the body’s immune response is strengthened.  An allergy attack may not be as severe or bothersome with a strengthened immune system.

Your first family chiropractic appointment could take a while, depending on how many members of the family are being evaluated.   Each new patient examination can take from 30 to 45 minutes.  The chiropractor will listen to any chief complaints you may have about aches and pains or even chronic pain.  A thorough symptom history is also taken.  It is also very important to point out any major illnesses, accidents, or surgeries you may have experienced throughout the years.  For young children, the chief complaint portion of the evaluation is based on what the child has to say, as interpreted by the parent or caregiver.  Further testing, including palpation, ranges of motion, orthopedic exams, and muscle reflex and/or sensory response, may be required to figure out the course of treatment for illnesses, conditions, or chronic pain.

Coming in at least once a week for a spinal adjustment or manipulation is not the only requirement for receiving family chiropractic services.  Your doctor may give you therapeutic exercises to complete.  These will increase bodily movement to restore normal function in injured tissues or to maintain a state of well-being.  The exercises are considered corrective and are important to be completed daily, as a follow up to the spinal adjustment or manipulation you have received each week.  This could also be considered a good exercise in family togetherness and staying healthy.

Before you agree to seeking chiropractic treatment for two or more members of the family, you will want to check your health insurance policy to be sure all the treatments would be covered or even partially covered for each member.  The last thing you would want to do is agree to treatments for a few members of the family before you realize that it will add to your out-of-pocket costs.  You could also check with your employer to see if a flexible spending account is available.  If it is, is chiropractic services something you could use the account for?  If so, you will receive a debit card with a pre-determined amount of money on it.  You decide how much you want to contribute from your salary.  The money is taken from your salary and added to the account before taxes are figured in.  In the long run, this will reduce the amount of taxable income you have available.  It could mean you will receive a larger refund, depending on your salary and taxable situation.  Not everyone who elects to use a flexible spending account for health care costs receives a larger income tax refund.