Ask the Doctor

• What is chiropractic?
• What does chiropractic treatment involve?
• What is chiropractic neurology?
• What are the education and training requirements for a chiropractor?
• Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatment?
• Should children receive chiropractic treatment?
• Is chiropractic treatment painful?
• Is chiropractic treatment safe?
• Can chiropractic help pregnant women?

For additional references and sources of information, visit our Helpful Links page. To schedule a consultation, please call our office at 410-489-9841 or email us from our Contact Page

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems—particularly the spine—and the effects that these disorders can have on a person’s general health.

What does chiropractic treatment involve?

Chiropractic treatment typically involves manipulating the spine, joints, and soft tissue to help alleviate pain and improve joint function, but modern treatment often includes exercise and wellness counseling as well. Chiropractic adjustment, or spinal manipulation, is among the most common hands-on chiropractic treatments. Typically, a chiropractor uses his or her hands to manipulate the spine or affected area, and the treatment rarely causes discomfort.

What is chiropractic neurology?

The American Chiropractic Neurology Board defines chiropractic neurology as “the field of functional neurology that engages the internal and external environment of the individual in a structured and targeted approach to affect positive changes in the neuraxis and consequent physiology and behavior.” Another way of thinking about chiropractic neurology is as a specialty within the chiropractic profession that involves a combination of the more traditional orthopedic care with modern evaluation and treatment of the central nervous system.

What are the education and training requirements for a chiropractor?

All chiropractors, or Doctors of Chiropractic, must be licensed. All 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, regulate the practice of chiropractic and grant licenses to chiropractors who meet the educational and examination requirements established by the State. Requirements include 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education, the completion of a 4-year chiropractic college course, and passing scores on national and State examinations.

Visit the Meet the Doctor section of this site to read about Dr. Lankerani’s education and training

Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatment?

Most group health insurance plans include benefits for chiropractic care. PPO-type plans typically provide some coverage, HMOs might require you to see your Primary Care Physician first, and Workers Compensation provides coverage for conditions that resulted from your employment. In addition, medical benefits under an automobile insurance policy can be used for chiropractic if you sustain injuries from an automobile accident. Policies vary, of course, so read your policy and/or call your provider for verification.

Should children receive chiropractic treatment?

Like adults, children can receive positive results from chiropractic care. Since most children are physically active, they are prone to bumps, sprains, and other injuries. Chiropractic treatment can help safely address these problems.

At the Woodbine Clinic, one of our primary focuses is on the treatment of children. Dr. Lankerani is the only Maryland-based chiropractor who has completed pediatric neurology training aimed at treating neurobehavioral disorders associated with brain imbalance.

Is chiropractic treatment painful?

Chiropractic treatment rarely causes pain. Remember, one of the basic purposes of chiropractic care is to relieve pain. In some cases, however, patients can experience minor soreness or aching for a day or two—much like what you would experience after exercising. Chiropractors like Dr. Lankerani who specialize in children use very specific, gentle techniques to ensure that children patients do not experience discomfort.

Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Since chiropractic care uses a natural, drug-free approach, it is one of the safest forms of treatment for neuromusculoskeletal disorders available. Chiropractic boasts an excellent safety record. It should be noted, however, that no treatment is risk free. But because of its conservative approach, the risks associated with chiropractic care are very low.

Can chiropractic help pregnant women?

The American Pregnancy Association says “There are no known contraindications to chiropractic care throughout pregnancy. All chiropractors are trained to work with women who are pregnant. Investing in the fertility and pregnancy wellness of women who are pregnant or trying to conceive is a routine treatment for most chiropractors.”

The Woodbine Clinic agrees. We strongly believe that chiropractic care can be beneficial throughout pregnancy and at every stage of childhood development. Birth trauma causes subluxations—vertebral misalignments in the spine that can irritate nerves, interfere with signals traveling over those nerves, and cause pain. Every pregnant mother needs chiropractic care, and every child needs to be evaluated.