Chiropractor Treatment: FSA Eligibility

Revenue Ruling 63-91

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care, also known as spinal manipulation, is the medical practice of hands-on manipulation of the spine and other body parts as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones and connective tissues, including cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The prevailing philosophy behind chiropractic treatment is that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, which is corrected by chiropractic adjustments, can allow the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Individuals who seek out chiropractic care are hoping to correct alignment issues that are the main source of their discomfort, and this can arise from myriad sources, including traumatic events, emergencies and repetitive stress that leads to chronic pain over time (Healthline).

What are the most common chiropractic treatments?

Individuals who seek out the services of a chiropractor to treat lower back pain, neck pain, sports injuries and chronic headaches will usually begin with a consultation, followed by X-rays and other diagnostic techniques to better understand the underlying condition. While in some cases rehabilitative techniques such as ultrasound, functional electronic stimulation and other physical therapy techniques may be considered as a form of treatment, most chiropractic visits will culminate in a chiropractic adjustment to restore the spine to its proper alignment to treat a wide range of potential pain issues (WebMD).

A standard chiropractic adjustment in a particular area of the back or neck may be performed once or repeated several times over the course of a single session to ensure proper alignment to improve the body's overall physical function. This is done using pressure provided by the hands or with an instrument to apply controlled, sudden force to a vertebrae or other part of the body to force it into its proper alignment. In many patients, these adjustments can be effective in correcting biomechanical or structural damage to the spine, which can affect nervous system function, as well as restoring the structural integrity of the spine and reducing pressure on neurological tissue that contributes to specific health problems.