Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about chiropractic care at NJBack Chiropractic Center in Riverdale, NJ — from your first exam to insurance coverage.
Straight answers about chiropractic care at NJBack Chiropractic Center in Riverdale, NJ — from your first exam to insurance coverage.
X-rays and other types of images can be helpful. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm our other findings and make your care more precise. We can tell if we need them after completing our other examinations.
It depends upon your complaint and how long it may take to study your examination findings. This is a clinical decision and varies from patient to patient, but usually you can receive your first adjustment on the first visit.
To determine if chiropractic care is right for a new patient, we perform a physical exam as well as x-rays (if they are necessary) to pin-point problem areas. Birth trauma, growth deficiencies, sports, accidents, falls, and even daily stress on the body can cause misalignment which manifests itself in many different ways. Chiropractic care can treat not only your little aches and pains but also: major injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff syndrome, disc problems, sciatica, fibromyalgia, headaches, neck pain, scoliosis, whiplash, sprains/strains/tendinitis, and many other conditions.
After an initial exam and review of possible x-rays, the doctor will determine what treatment plan will be most effective for your condition. Generally, we begin with a corrective period of care which is the most intensive period during which the goal is to correct misalignments and free the patient from pain. The next period of visits is less intensive and is intended to retrain the body and restore proper function to the spine and nervous system. The third period of care helps the body to maintain its new and proper alignment. Although at this point the treatment plan may be at its end, monthly visits may be suggested in order to help maintain proper alignment and lessen the risk of injury for a lifetime of continued health. Some patients choose to only visit a chiropractor when they are injured or in pain.
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover that the healing process can take months, sometimes years. Every patient recovers at their own pace. Factors which can affect the healing process include your age, your overall health condition, muscle tone, diet and even your attitude.
No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Since our treatments rely on conservative and natural methods, you might ask for directions on how to use things such as ice at home in conjunction with your clinic treatments to control painful symptoms.
Many years ago some chiropractic techniques were somewhat uncomfortable. The combination of modern advancements in treatment approach and therapy has made the experience comfortable for the majority of patients. Occasionally patients will experience discomfort not unlike post-workout soreness as we try to recondition the body system.
Chiropractic has an excellent record for safety and has been deemed one of the least invasive and most conservative of the health care professions. Complications from spinal adjustments are very uncommon.
Yes. We treat work-related injuries regularly, but how they are paid for depends on the state. New York Workers' Compensation covers chiropractic care and we accept it. New Jersey Workers' Compensation does not cover chiropractic care, so New Jersey work injuries are treated through your health insurance or self-pay instead. Either way we verify your coverage and tell you the cost before your visit.
Yes, and most of the time your auto injuries do not require any upfront costs.
One of our specialties is with working with sports-related injuries.
Dr. Atzmon works with people of all professions. An injury doesn't care if you're a stay-at-home mom or a highly trained athlete, we work with you to get your body back to 'top form.'
We also do great work on extremity conditions (i.e. carpal tunnel, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, plantar fasciitis and many other conditions.) We also work with foot conditions and provide orthotics. Orthotics are helpful for young (and old) athletes and people who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Yes. We do advanced work on TMJ syndrome and headaches.
We are in-network with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Oxford Health Plans, AmeriHealth, Meritain Health, and Medicare Part B. Cigna is the one commercial plan we are currently out-of-network with.
We are also in-network with every Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in the country, not just Horizon. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of independent local plans that all participate in a program called BlueCard, so if you hold an Anthem, Regence, Highmark, Premera, Wellmark, CareFirst, Florida Blue or any other Blue card, our Horizon contract covers you here. That includes the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program.
If you don't see your plan, call us and we will check it. We verify your specific benefits before your first visit and tell you what you will owe, rather than sending you a surprise afterward. For out-of-network plans we go over what to expect first and let you decide. Self-pay rates are transparent and payment plans are available.
Generally no. New Jersey plans typically allow direct access to a chiropractor, so you can book without going through your primary care physician first. Some HMO products still route differently. If your plan is an HMO we will confirm the requirement when we verify your benefits, before your visit.
In most cases nothing changes for you. Because we hold contracts with most of the major New Jersey carriers, a switch on your employer's side usually does not interrupt your care here. Bring the new card and we will check it.
To make a difference, to save lives, restore health, release human potential, break through limitations, offer hope, experience miracles, to help change the world — one spine at a time.
This is our purpose, this is our mission, this is our vision.
Book an appointment and Dr. Atzmon will answer it in person — and build a plan for your recovery.