Dr. Ken Best Chiropractor Los Angeles

One size does not fit all. The adjustment itself should not hurt, nor should you be in worse pain after treatment.  That being said anytime your receive bodywork of any kind whether its chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, massage or exercise – joint inflammation may still progress causing pain as part of the normal healing cycle of the body for the next day or two.  Typically after an initial injury, inflammation can become increasing worse up to the first 3 days, so if you are receiving treatment the day after a car accident, you may have pain increase for the next couple of days until inflammation has reached its peak.  Most patients find a reduction in pain from the first visit, however, some people for the first couple of treatments may experience something more like a “workout” type soreness as the body begins to rebalance.  This should NOT be an acute/sharp pain.

Finding the appropriate chiropractic technique for your body is important.  An elderly patient should not be adjusted the same way a football player may need to be adjusted.  There is a multitude of various techniques within chiropractic. From non-force type adjustments to large joint manipulations. What’s appropriate for your may very depending on the type of injury, whether it is acute or chronic and your comfort level. Choose a chiropractic who has wide array of techniques to treat you.

A chiropractor is a doctor specializing in structure, the muscular system and the nervous system. All three of these areas are essential in achieving and maintaining good posture.

First, a chiropractor will check the alignment of your spine and pelvis. A properly aligned body makes it easier to achieve a healthy posture.

Muscles move bones and support your upright and seated postures. A chiropractor can reset muscles to maintain balance by adjustments and direct release of myofascial adhesions in the muscles.

Finally it’s important to remember the nervous system is integral to recognizing and holding an optimal body posture. Adjustments to the spine activate the nervous system and then your chiropractor may also give you exercises to strengthen your posture. Lumbar support devices for sitting may also be important to have the best ergonomics especially if working on a computer for several hours at a time.

A chiropractor can help with a much wider variety of issues than you may be aware. Research has shown that chiropractic is an effective treatment for low-back pain and other related muscle injuries. Chiropractors can treat much more than just low back pain. You may consider seeing a chiropractor for pain in the neck, shoulder, wrist, hip, knee or ankle.

Chiropractors treat the muscular skeletal system and have the same training in neurology as a general MD, but also chiropractors have training in rehabilitation and physiotherapy devices that are typically used in a physical therapy office.

A chiropractor is a doctor who can diagnose your muscular skeletal disorders a physical therapist cannot. A physical therapist is typically seen after an MD, who prescribes them a certain amount of physical therapy, diagnoses a person with a disorder.

Typically insurances have some coverage for chiropractic, but may only pay a portion of the charges. You must first find out if your chiropractor accepts insurance or will give you a walkout bill to send to insurance. In most PPO plans there are what is called “IN NETWORK and OUT OF NETWORK” benefits and deductibles that apply to both. Generally the deductible is higher if you see someone out of network. A doctor IN NETWORK has an agreement with the insurance company to accept certain dollar amounts for services. Covered California removed chiropractic benefits from Blue Shield personal plans, while keeping coverage for physical therapy and acupuncture.

Most doctor offices do not accept walk ins, which includes chiropractors. A massage therapy establishment may frequently have walk ins. You may want to consider that chiropractic office that accepts walk ins may not be the best choice if you need a complete exam and tailored treatment for your needs. These corporate ‘chain-type’ offices usually offer a low cash price, basic adjustments and do not provide for insurance billing.

A chiropractic initial office visit depending on the depth of the exam and treatment in Los Angeles ranges from $125 (45 mins.) to $185 (60 mins.). Follow up visits also range on in price depending on the procedures given by the chiropractor and/or their assistant. Typically based on each 15 minute procedure provided by the doctor is $45 (only an adjustment), so a 30 minute treatment (adjustment and EMS) may be $90, while a 45 minute appointment with 3 treatment procedures (adjustment, cold laser and EMS) may be up to $135.

At Dr. Ken Best Chiropractor Los Angeles the prompt pay discount for an initial hour visit with exam and treatment is $165; follow-up visits up to 30 minutes is $85; and 45 minute follow-up is $125.

They both have similar philosophies and training, while an osteopath leans more towards allopathic medicine, a chiropractor is generally more holistic and alternative healing based. Chiropractors have more studies in adjustment techniques, typically using safer short-lever moves. Studies that link cervical manipulation to a rare instance of stroke and referred to as a ‘chiropractic manipulation’ in articles is more often performed by other providers, i.e. osteopaths or medical doctors who are not well trained in performing cervical adjustments.
If you are looking for a doctor who can prescribe medicine you should see an osteopath. If you are looking for structural balance and recovery from injuries it may be better to see a chiropractor.