Chiropractic care in South Africa is low cost, low risk and offers a non-invasive, natural approach to healing. Considering the high costs of medical care in the case of back-related problems, more often resulting in extensive diagnostic procedures, medication, surgery and hospitalisation, it makes financial sense to encourage patients to seek a more cost-effective route which could save medical schemes millions of Rands each year.

Yes, chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small.

No, a referral is usually not required to see a chiropractor. However, your medical aid may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department, or your medical aid directly, to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a chiropractor.

Most likely, yes. In South Africa, many of the medical schemes make provision for the reimbursement of chiropractic services. The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act provides for complete reimbursement of cases treated by registered chiropractors. However, it also does depend on each person’s payment plan as to the extent to which they are covered. The best option to find out if you are covered to receive chiropractic care is to contact your medical aid for further information.

A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thereby making a certain number of visits necessary and in the patient’s best interest. Your chiropractor should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.