Category: Health & Fitness

Around 80% of adult Americans suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lives. 20% of those who have acute lower back pain end up with chronic pain, which can significantly impact their quality of life.

Chances are, you’re one of these Americans, and you’re desperate for some relief. One way you can get it is by making an appointment with a chiropractor.

You may be thinking: how much is a chiropractor? If so, then keep reading! We’ll break down what chiropractors do, how much they typically charge, and more.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

A chiropractor is a professional who specializes in treating the musculoskeletal system. They usually have a focus on the spine, as that’s where the majority of issues come from. They can also treat issues with your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

You may have heard of some people getting adjustments for their backs; you’d see a chiropractor for this.

While chiropractors aren’t officially doctors, they do go through extensive training to become good at diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems. They hold undergraduate science degrees and have also been through 4-year chiropractic programs that give them hands-on experience, as well as a thorough education in physiology.

In the United States, all chiropractors are required to get a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from an accredited college that’s associated with the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE).

Just like with regular doctors, some chiropractors choose to have a specialization. If they do, then they have to do an additional 2 or 3 years of residency.

How Much Is a Chiropractor?

If you’ve been Googling “chiropractic services near me,” then you probably know that there isn’t one set price. Like with your general practitioner or other doctors, there are certain prices for particular services.

In general, a session can range from $30 to $200! Obviously, the price will depend on how severe your musculoskeletal issues are and what treatments are needed.

Below, we’ll explore what the price ranges are for different chiropractic services so you know what to expect.

Initial Consultation

When you go in for an initial consultation, it may cost anywhere from $60 to $160. This is because not only are you speaking to the chiropractor about your health issues, but they’ll usually do an overall health examination.

The good news is, some chiropractic offices give free initial consultations to new patients. If you aren’t too sure about chiropractics and/or the doctor you’re seeing, then you may want to go with one that offers this. That way, you can be 100% certain with proceeding, all without having to spend a dime.

Vertebrae Adjustment

As we’ve said above, vertebrae adjustments are something very commonly done by chiropractors. You may be seeking one out for this particular service.

In general, you can expect to pay around $65 for one.

Other Services

Since your chiropractor may need to get a better idea on your body’s health before proceeding with treatment, they may need to charge you for some additional services.

Below are some additional services and their approximate costs:

• X-rays: $44 to $159
• MRI scanning: $100 to $400
• Electromyography (EMG): $200
• Thermography: $200 to $500
• Radiography: $50 to $150
• Diathermy: $10 to $50
• Hydrotherapy: $50 to $500
• Ultrasound therapy: $20 to $25
• Laser treatment: $200
• Electrical muscular stimulation: $20 to $250

Other Factors You Need to Consider

Besides these average costs that we’ve listed, there are other factors you need to consider regarding the prices of chiropractic services.

The Chiropractor’s Experience

For chiropractors who are well-established and have many years of experience, they may charge a lot more than one who’s just starting out and doesn’t have many clients.

This is expected in practically all professions, as these people have worked hard throughout the years to hone their skills and establish a good reputation with the community.

Also, they may have gone through additional training and education, which means they have valuable services. They may have even trained others to join their practice.

As a result of their extensive knowledge and experience, these chiropractors probably also have better equipment in their offices. 

Your Insurance

In general, chiropractic services are considered as alternative medicine. However, many insurance plans will cover at least part of your costs. Your workers’ compensation may as well.

How much coverage you’ll get depends on the insurance company you’re with and the policy you’ve taken out. Make sure you check with your insurance company before visiting the chiropractor so you know what’s covered and what’s not.

Where You Live

In general, prices for chiropractic services will be most expensive in the South and cheapest in the Midwest. However, the averages are $70 and $60, which isn’t too much of a difference.

Some areas will cost a lot more or less due to taxes, rent, and cost of living. For example, a chiropractic office in Los Angeles will charge much more than one in Omaha.

How Often You Need Treatment

While the average price for treatment is around $65, how often you need it will affect how much you pay drastically.

For instance, if it’s a one-off visit, then $65 is all you pay. But if you need ongoing treatment for the foreseeable future, and you need to go in every week, then that can really put a dent in your wallet.

Get Relief From Your Pain

How much is a chiropractor? Well, it depends.

As you can see, factors that affect the price of a chiropractor include what services you seek out, how often you need it, the chiropractor’s experience, and where you live.

But don’t let this scare you off. Just make sure you do your research and go with a chiropractor who’s upfront with you about everything. If a doctor’s service doesn’t sit right with you, always go with your gut feeling and choose a better chiropractor.

For more interesting reads, please check out our other blog posts.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Truvada as a treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2004. In 2012, the FDA then approved it for use as a preventative medication, or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), for those with a high risk of contracting HIV. 

Truvada is a branded medication that combines emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), antiviral medicines that prevent HIV from multiplying in your body. Truvada was chosen as a PrEP because it has few long-term side effects. But, there are concerns about TDF side effects and, in turn, the Truvada side effects that this component may cause.

Here we take a look at the side effects of Truvada so you know what to expect if your doctor prescribes this medication. 

The Side Effects of Truvada

As with any medication, Truvada PrEP side effects vary in severity and likelihood. Usually, more common side effects are less severe while less common side effects can vary in severity. 

Common, Less Severe Side Effects

If experienced, these more common side effects are often less severe. While this is not an exhaustive list, the most common non-severe side effects include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rash
• Dizziness
• Strange dreams 
• Insomnia
• Low energy
• Abnormal fat distribution

Of these common side effects, nausea, diarrhea, and headache, and a mild Truvada rash are those experienced most by patients and participants in clinical trials. 

Infrequent, Less Severe Side Effects

The following Truvada PrEP side effects are less common but tend not to be very severe if they do occur:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Hives
• Throat irritation
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Anxiety
• Skin inflammations with blisters
• Inflammation of the sinus tissue
• Maculopapular rash

The final Truvada side effect on this list is another kind of Truvada rash. A maculopapular rash features both bumpy and flat skin lesions. 

Maculopapular rashes often occur alongside infections and body immune responses so in the case of this Truvada rash you will likely experience other side effects at the same time such as fever, headache, and muscle pain.

Infrequent, Severe Side Effects

While these PrEP side effects are less frequent, it is important to be aware of them due to their severity. If you experience any of the following Truvada PrEP side effects or their respective signs and symptoms you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing
• Fanconi Syndrome – this kidney condition causes excessive thirst, urination, and vomiting.
• Kidney disease – Truvada can cause a reduction in kidney function so doctors prescribing it often monitor kidney function throughout the treatment plan. Some symptoms of kidney disease you should be aware of include fatigue, fluid retention, increased urination, loss of appetite, and nausea. 
• Acute inflammation of the pancreas – this sudden and acute form of pancreatitis can cause bleeding, infections, and cysts. Symptoms include abdominal tenderness, fever, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. 
• Low blood phosphate level – otherwise known as hypophosphatemia, symptoms of this condition include muscle weakness, bone fractures, bone pain, and numbness. But, these symptoms tend not to appear until your phosphate levels are very low. 

The kidney and bone complications listed above, as well as other rarer side effects, have been the subject of several Truvada lawsuits in recent years, with users seeking legal compensation from Gilead, the manufacturer of Truvada.

While these problems have only been noted in small numbers of HIV-positive people, those most at risk are older people who have been taking Truvada as a treatment for HIV for several years.

In comparison, PrEP users tend to be younger and so these contentious side effects may have less of an impact on them. But, regardless of your age or how you’re taking Truvada, it’s vital to be aware of the potential impact of this drug on your long-term health. 

Rare, Less Severe Side Effects

These side effects of Truvada are less severe and also very rare. But, there is still a small chance that you may experience some of the following side effects when taking Truvada:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• General, non-specific pain
• Muscle weakness
• Cough
• Fever
• Inflammation of the nose
• Indigestion
• Excessive sweating 
• Skin discoloration

Some of these rare PrEP side effects may be signs of other illnesses associated with HIV or with general illnesses such as influenza. But, experiencing these rare side effects for an extended period of time may signify that Truvada is the cause. 

Rare, Severe Side Effects

These Truvada PrEP side effects may be very rare but they can have very serious consequences for Truvada users should they occur:

• Acute tubular necrosis (ATN), a serious kidney injury which can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms include drowsiness, dehydration, fluid retention, nausea, confusion, and low urination. 
• Kidney failure
• Abnormal liver function, liver damage, and inflammation
• Enlarged, fatty liver
• Peripheral neuropathy, a painful condition affecting the nerves in the arms and legs. This can cause symptoms such as numbness, sensitivity to touch, and lack of coordination. 
• Rhabdomyolysis, a condition leading to the breakdown of muscle tissue, with symptoms including the classic triad of muscle weakness, muscle pain, and dark urine. 
• Angioedema, a type of allergic reaction that may occur alongside hives
• Decreased calcification or bone density
• Osteomalacia, a softening of the bones
• Increased blood acidity as a result of high levels of lactic acid
• Pneumonia

Again, several of these rare but severe side effects relate to kidney and bone complications, we well as liver damage and muscle and nerve damage. 

The Truvada Side Effects You Need to Know

Many of these Truvada side effects are rare or at least infrequent, while the most common side effects tend to be less serious. 

But if your doctor prescribes Truvada, either as a PrEP drug or a treatment for HIV, it’s important to be aware of the severe reactions this drug can have, including several forms of bone, kidney, and liver damage. 

For more informative articles and new stories, be sure to check out our other blog posts!

Do you buy generic or store-brand products for your family?

Some off-brand crackers, cookies, and sodas taste exactly the same as their name-brand counterparts, while others are decidedly inferior knockoffs. Chances are that you’ve learned through trial and error exactly which is which! 

Of course, there are also plenty of people who turn up their noses at generics and insist on paying a premium for grocery items. That’s especially true when it comes to prescription medications. Today we’re exploring the differences of brand name vs generic drugs. 

What Are Generic Drugs?

Pharmaceutical companies spend an enormous amount of money developing, testing and marketing a new medication. When it’s time to release the drug to the public, they take out a patent on it. That is to prevent other manufacturers from producing the same drug. 

When the patent runs out, any company has the right to manufacture that medication and sell it as a generic. And because they didn’t invest in bringing it to market, they don’t need to charge patients nearly as much as the original manufacturer did. 

Are They Different From the Original Drug?

No, not at all. It turns out that generic meds have exactly the same dosage, strength, effectiveness, stability and quality as the brand-name versions. That means the side effects and risks are also identical to those of the original drug.

A lot of people think that generic drugs aren’t as potent as brand-name ones, or that they are otherwise inferior. But that simply isn’t the case. They may have a different appearance — shape, size, or color — but their substance is the same.

Who Makes Generic Drugs?

Would it surprise you to learn that generics are often manufactured at the same facility as the brand name drugs are? In many cases, the original manufacturer, who originally held the patent, will go on to produce both the name-brand drug and its generic equivalent. 

Interested in finding out if your medication has a generic equivalent? Ask your pharmacist or visit this website.

The Cost of Brand Name Vs Generic Drugs

According to the FDA, generics cost an average of 85% less than the original branded drug. That’s some serious savings! As explained above, this is because generic-drug manufacturers don’t have the high overhead associated with bringing a new medication to market.

Once the patent has expired, any company can apply for FDA approval to manufacture the drug — and many do. This translates to an atmosphere of free-market competition, thereby substantially lowering medication costs to patients.

In 2017, generic versions of prescription medications saved U.S. consumers a whopping $265 billion!

In the Final Analysis

As you can see, when it comes to the debate between brand name vs generic drugs, generics are the clear winner. They can save you big bucks on your family’s medication without compromising safety or effectiveness.

Do you love learning about how to make your household budget stretch further? Bookmark our Frugal Living category page and check back frequently for updated content!

Are you interested in scheduling your baby’s first dental visit?

Scheduling a dentist appointment for your baby can seem daunting, but it’s necessary. Your child’s first dental visit will be important to their health because it will outline any problems if they might have.

When you schedule an appointment for your baby, you’ll need to know of several things to help prepare both you and your child. The dentist will be able to provide you with general advice, but there are a few things you can do to ensure the appointment goes smoothly.

Read on to learn more about everything you can do to prepare for the dental visit.

Prepare Your Baby

When preparing for your baby’s first dentist appointment, you’ll want to do several things to ensure that the process goes smoothly. Preparing your baby for the appointment is best done by scheduling an early appointment.

When the appointment is early, your baby will be wide awake and alert. This will prevent them from dozing off as they’re being examined. If your baby already has several teeth, be sure to clean them before going in.

Prepare the Dentist

When you visit an infant dentist, you’ll want to inform them of your baby’s health history. While your baby most likely hasn’t had many medical visits, any information will be helpful to the dentist.

If there’s a problem with your baby, knowing their medical history would help a dentist conclude what’s wrong. They’ll then be able to give you the appropriate advice.

What to Expect

Your child’s first dental visit will be longer than the future ones because your baby’s entire mouth will be looked at. The dentist will typically look at the jaw, gums, and any teeth to ensure that they’re growing properly.

X-rays aren’t common in a baby’s first dentist appointment because baby teeth regularly fall out. However, an x-ray might be done if your child has a facial deformity to see if there’s a problem with the bone structure.

Your Baby’s Dental Health

Pediatric dentistry is important for your baby’s health because it ensures that their teeth are properly developing. With improper hygiene, things like cavities and mouth diseases can arise.

Visiting a dentist for toddler dental health will put your child on the right path to having excellent dental hygiene. The dentist will recommend you several ways to brush your baby’s teeth, what kind of foods to avoid, and how to teach them to brush their teeth when they’re older.

Schedule Your Baby’s First Dental Visit Today

When do babies go to the dentist? It’s recommended that babies have their first dental visit the moment one of their teeth appear. If your baby already has a tooth, you need to take them to a dentist soon to make sure that they’re healthy.

After scheduling the appointment, start preparing your baby by cleaning whatever teeth they have. You’ll also want to gather any documents relating to their health history. 

Browse our blog if you’d like to read a variety of health articles that will help you and your baby.

Did you know that almost 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives?

While this statistic isn’t widely known, it’s staggering. This is especially the case considering that those with back issues often feel as though they are battling a problem alone- a problem that severely affects their day-to-day lives.

If you’re suffering from chronic back pain or spinal strain due to a pulled muscle, you’re likely looking to begin treatment. While pain relief medication can help, it comes with all kinds of side effects and complications that are best avoided if possible.

Read on to learn how to get rid of back pain naturally and improve your quality of life!

Identify the Problem

The saying goes that the first step to solving a problem is admitting that there is a problem. This is usually stated in the context of fighting addiction, but it’s a mantra that can be applied to pretty much any health-related issue.

While it’s easy to think that your back pain is no big deal and that everyone experiences aches and pains sometimes, this isn’t the case. This is especially true if your back pain has gone on for a while. While being a bit sore after a workout is normal, experiencing day-to-day pain that affects your activities is worrisome.

If you don’t get treatment early, your back issues will be harder to treat. This means that a visit to a specialist is likely in order. If you have a simple pulled muscle, easy at-home remedies like exercises will likely do the trick.

However, some people’s back pain stems from larger issues. Sciatica and scoliosis are common back issues that require more natural remedies to treat. Do your research and talk to a professional- only then can you begin effective treatment.

Sleep Smarter

No matter what the cause of back pain is, sleeping on the right mattress can go a long way in alleviating pain and discomfort. While the idea that sleeping on a firm mattress helps strengthen the spine has been around forever, this isn’t always the case. While firm mattresses are ideal for some, there are other options out there if you aren’t comfortable sleeping on them.

Choose a mattress that keeps your spine aligned. You need a mattress that supports your spine, neck, and lower back. What this means will vary from person to person since no two bodies are shaped the same way. Softer mattresses may be better for those with wide hips, but people with narrower hips may prefer to sleep firm.

Make sure that you also use medium-firm pillows to support your neck appropriately. Some people also choose to sleep with a pillow under their lower back, which is great if it works for you! Test various sleep positions and mattresses out.

Perform At-Home Exercises

Whether your back issue is an easy solve or a more chronic issue, there are remedies that you can do at home to improve the way your spine feels. These remedies often come in the form of exercises that you can do after rolling a mat out on your floor. 

You want to perform exercises that aren’t too demanding. While it can be tempting to do an intense back workout, this will just exacerbate your pain by putting a strain on your spine. Lighter workouts will strengthen your backbone while not tearing muscles.

Partial crunches are a great way to remedy back pain, but pass on sit-ups since they’re a little demanding. Hamstring stretches and wall sits are awesome for your back because they strengthen your legs and your core, giving you greater physical support. Press-up back extensions and knee-to-chest exercises give your back a mild workout and help build muscle around the spine.

Taking 15 to 30 minutes before bed to do these exercises isn’t demanding and doesn’t take too much time out of your day. Incorporate them into your nightly routine- you won’t regret it!

Chiropractic Therapy

Sometimes, while helpful, at-home exercises won’t be enough to alleviate back pain to the fullest. In these situations, it’s a good idea to see a professional who can help you overcome whatever spinal issues you may be having. After helping you identify the problem, a chiropractor will be able to guide you through the best course of treatment.

Chiropractic treatment uses spinal manipulation techniques and hands-on treatment to align the musculoskeletal structure of the body. This will apply to the spine in your situation. The idea behind this practice is that the body can heal itself when manipulated into the right positions without introducing unnatural medications to the body.

Head over to a chiropractic office for back pain and schedule an appointment. Make sure that you go into the chiropractor’s office with a solid understanding of what the issue is, when your back aches most, and how you’ve been attempting to alleviate it. Be honest, but don’t exaggerate. You want the best treatment, after all!

More on How to Get Rid of Back Pain

While living with chronic back pain is terrible, there are plenty of natural remedies that you can use to soothe this issue. Whether it’s as simple as sitting up straighter during meals or a problem that will need a trip to the chiropractor to be resolved, there’s a treatment option for you.

Now that you have some basic information on how to get rid of back pain in an effective and natural way, check out the ‘body care’ tab on our home page. Here, you’ll get more tips on how to promote wellness within your own body and give yourself the highest possible quality of life.

Stay healthy!