FAQ

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body).

“Chiropractic” comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment.

It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

Although chiropractic is thought of  most frequently for relief of low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a wide variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, infantile colic, extremity problems and much more. 

Under normal circumstances, adjustments are quite comfortable.  The sensation felt by the patient is similar to light pressure.  The patient may rarely experience a brief minor amount of discomfort during the adjustment which lasts only seconds.  Chiropractic treatment is extremely safe.

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training. 

The Council on Chiropractic Education requires that students have a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate courses (pre-medical curriculum) with science as the focus prior to admission to a chiropractic college.  An additional four to five academic years at a nationally accredited chiropractic college is required to receive the degree D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic).  The complete chiropractic curriculum includes a minimum of 4,600 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience.  Approximately 555 of those hours are devoted to the study of manipulative and adjustive techniques and methods as well as chiropractic spinal analysis.

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC’s clinical judgment, which may include x-rays, and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

It is helpful, although not absolutely necessary, if first time patients bring copies of medical records and any recent x-rays and MRIs. Patients will be asked to fill out our clinic initial paperwork to determine the nature and extent of your problem. We will need to know what types of medication you currently take, your insurance information, and the details of any injuries you may have suffered as the result of previous accidents.

We take advantage of the latest technology to accurately evaluate and diagnose your individual  problem. We perform imaging tests, such as x-rays and can also order CTs and MRIs, when indicated to help in the diagnosis of your problem and in developing our plan for your treatment. We also perform the customary physical examinations and tests such as neurological, orthopedic, spinal range of motion, muscle strength, flexibility testing and many more.

Chiropractic care is covered by most insurance plans, though some plans are more limited than some others. Dr. Cohen is a provider for most all managed care plans (HMOs and PPOs). This includes Aetna, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of South Carolina, Blue Choice, Community Care HMO, Preferred Community Choice, South Carolina State Employee and Education Group Insurance, and many others.

Recently many people have noticed that their insurance is not as comprehensive as it was previously.  We are seeing patients with very high deductibles and some with extremely high co-pays.  We have developed special plans for patients with very limited insurance coverage or no insurance. 

The cost of your chiropractic care is determined based on your individual case. Some cases are relatively simple and do not require comprehensive care. Others may be more complicated and require more concentrated care and sometimes various forms of physical therapy.

We accept assignment for personal injury, automobile accidents, and other types of liability cases. If there is a valid third party coverage and the patient was not at fault, we will accept assignment and wait for your case to settle before collecting our fee. This allows the patient to receive the care that is necessary, without waiting for the case to settle.

For regular medical insurance and the various managed care plans, our office will accept your co-pay and wait for the insurance company to pay the balance.

We also have convenient payment plans and can work with most any budget.