Is Spinal Decompression Therapy with my Chiropractic Covered by Insurance in Ontario?
Back pain affects a staggering number of Canadians each year. For many suffering from disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and other back problems, spinal decompression therapy can provide lasting relief. However, many wonder – is spinal decompression therapy with my chiropractic covered by insurance in Ontario?
The answer is yes, spinal decompression performed by a chiropractor is often covered by extended health insurance plans in Ontario. While coverage varies between providers, decompression therapy is frequently included under chiropractic benefits.
Below we’ll explain spinal decompression therapy, its benefits, and how to find out if your Ontario insurance plan covers it. With the right provider, you can access this treatment without paying full cost out-of-pocket.
What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?
Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, drug-free treatment method provided by chiropractors, physiotherapists, and other clinicians. It helps relieve back pain and sciatica caused by herniated or degenerative discs, spinal stenosis, and other compression-related conditions.
During spinal decompression, a specialized table gently stretches the spine to take pressure off compressed nerves and create a vacuum effect within the discs. This allows bulging or herniated disc material to be drawn back into place, taking pressure off pinched nerves.
Treatments last 15-35 minutes. Patients remain fully clothed during sessions. Gentle oscillations or stretches are slowly applied to the spine until the desired tension reduction is achieved.
Spinal decompression helps restore disc height, reduces disc protrusions, creates a healing stimulus, and improves overall disc health. It brings nutrients into discs that lack proper blood flow. Pain relief can be quite significant.
Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression offers significant advantages over open back surgery or addictive pain medication:
– Non-invasive and drug-free
– Little to no recovery time
– Reduces or eliminates back pain
– Treats sciatica and radiating leg pain
– Improves mobility and strength
– Relieves pressure on spinal nerves
– Rehydrates and repairs damaged discs
– Avoids hospitalization and anesthesia
– Covered by many extended health insurance plans
Spinal decompression works by addressing the underlying anatomical cause of pain – damaged, compressed discs and nerves. Back surgeries like discectomies or fusions do not improve disc health. Medication only temporarily masks pain signals.
For long-lasting relief of back pain and sciatica without drugs or surgery, spinal decompression therapy is an excellent option worth exploring.
Does My Ontario Insurance Cover It?
In Canada, extended health insurance plans cover chiropractic and physiotherapy up to the annual maximum. Most insurers consider spinal decompression a form of chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy. So visits are often reimbursed like regular chiropractic or physiotherapy sessions when billed properly.
However, coverage depends on your specific insurance provider and plan details. To confirm, you need to check with your insurance company directly. Here’s how:
1. Call the number on the back of your benefits card. Ask to speak with a representative about chiropractic coverage.
2. Ask if spinal decompression therapy is covered when performed by a chiropractor or physiotherapist. If unsure, they can check with their claims department.
3. Some plans cover a set number of chiropractic visits annually, while others reimburse a percentage (e.g 80%) up to a maximum amount. Have them clarify visit limits.
4. Ask about any referral or pre-authorization requirements for decompression therapy.
5. Request they email or mail you confirmation of your spinal decompression coverage details. Keep this for your records.
6. Share coverage information with your chosen chiropractor so they can bill properly.
Following these steps will ensure you know exactly what spinal decompression therapy your Ontario insurance covers.
Finding a Spinal Decompression Chiropractor
Once you confirm your insurance covers it, the next step is finding a chiropractor experienced in spinal decompression. Ask about their decompression training and success rates.
Many chiropractors offer consultations to assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment options based on your needs and goals. They can also pre-check your coverage and handle all insurance paperwork.
With customized spinal decompression treatment plans and insurance claim processing assistance, experienced chiropractors make accessing this therapy for back pain straightforward and affordable.
Don’t assume decompression therapy is out of reach financially without checking with insurance carriers directly. Many extended plans in Ontario will cover the majority of costs, providing access to safe, lasting relief.
Don’t live with back pain – MDPhysio’s chiropractors offer spinal decompression therapy in York ON covered by many Ontario insurance plans. Their non-invasive therapy relieves pain without drugs or surgery. Call today to check your coverage and schedule an assessment.
