Millions of Americans visit chiropractors for treatment for a wide range of conditions.
Chiropractors most often see spinal trauma from car accidents and similar events, and attempt to treat these conditions by manipulating the spine.
Although there is no scientific consensus, there is evidence that chiropractic care is useful for conditions affecting the spine.
If you have a serious disability that chiropractic can help, you may be able to get help from Social Security to pay for your treatment.
For certain conditions, but not every condition chiropractors claim to treat, disability will cover chiropractic treatment.
The conditions that can qualify for chiropractic coverage are limited to conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, especially involving the back.
Although chiropractors claim their techniques are effective for a wide range of conditions, the government tries to minimize its costs by limiting coverage to treatments that chiropractic has been shown to help.
For example, many conditions affecting the spine can benefit from chiropractic manipulation.
Many conditions or symptoms that limit the spine's range of motion or result in serious aches and pains can be alleviated with chiropractic care.
Chiropractors may claim to work on arthritis, muscular dystrophy, and other conditions, but for the purposes of Social Security those cannot be listed as a reason for treatment.
In order to demonstrate that you will benefit from treatment, Social Security requires your chiropractor to send x-ray evidence of a subluxation.
"Subluxation" is a term used in chiropractic to refer to misalignments, off-centering, or abnormal spacing of the spine's vertebrae.
By using a number of techniques, chiropractors hope to re-align the vertebrae to ensure the spine and nerves are able to function at their best.
There are restrictions on what techniques a chiropractor can use in treating subluxations.
Chiropractors are all trained in a basic set of spinal manipulation techniques using the hands only.
Many chiropractors also use machine-aided techniques or devices to treat the same conditions, but these have not been approved by Medicare.
Social Security will only allow treatment using hands-on techniques.
If you have become unable to work because of a serious injury or chronic condition, and you and your doctor believe chiropractic could be useful in restoring your health and function, you may be able to get help from Social Security for your medical expenses.
Even if Social Security will not pay for your chiropractic care, an experienced Social Security lawyer can help you find coverage for other treatments or disability payments.