What's Wrong?
You need to know what is causing your problem before any treatment is provided. We will first obtain a thorough history then perform a complete orthopedic/neurological examination. If needed, you may be referred for diagnostic imaging (i.e. x-rays, MRI, CT) to properly diagnose your condition. If we determine that you can be helped by chiropractic care then we will recommend the appropriate treatment.
Can We Help?
Our office policy/mission statement is a simple one: If we can help you, we will tell you. If we cannot help you, we will tell you that as well and make the appropriate referral. After we determine the diagnosis, we will fully explain your condition in a "Report of Findings" (ROF). The ROF is typically done on the second visit which gives us time to thoroughly analyze your examination and other health data. At that time, we will recommend a treatment plan. If it is not a condition we normally treat or if a second opinion or further testing is necessary, we will make a referral to the appropriate health care specialist.
How Long Will It Take?
Your schedule of care will be determined based on what you need to recover from your condition, so it will vary from person to person. Many factors affect the treatment schedule. The most common factors are: compliance with treatment schedule, severity of condition or injury, how long the condition has been present, job duties, lifestyle, age and pre-existing arthritic conditions, delay of treatment, previous episodes/injuries and disc involvement. Simple cases may take just a few visits to treat. Complicated cases may take weeks or even months. You will be given only the treatment you need.
How Much Will It Cost?
We understand that the cost of health care is on the rise. It is our goal to make chiropractic care affordable. If you have been injured at work or as result of a motor vehicle accident, those costs are normally covered 100%. We are preferred providers for most large insurance carriers. If you do not have insurance, we offer cash payment options at a discounted rate. Our mission is to take the headache out of insurance/work comp/personal injury and make it as easy as possible on you financially. Our staff is on your side!
Does the Chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. Any discomfort felt during the adjustment lasts only seconds. The most common side effect from an adjustment is soreness, similar to starting an exercise program. Any soreness usually dissipates within a couple days.
Why does it take more than one adjustment if the bone is simply "out of place"?
The “bone out of place” theory is very old and does not accurately describe what is happening when you feel “out.” The tissues inside the body primarily sense tension and stretch. What you are feeling is typically abnormal tension or stretch within the muscles or across the joint which irritates the nerves and may be associated with swelling and inflammation.
A well-placed adjustment loosens those stiff painful joints, relaxes the muscles and decreases pain. Similarly to taking your car in for an alignment, proper spinal mobility or alignment are essential for optimal function and performance.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and effective movements of the muscles and joints. This can be achieved through manual manipulation (by hand) or by an adjusting instrument. It is a clinical science rooted in assessing the body and person as a whole.
Chiropractic comes from the Greek words “chiero” and “praxis” which means to practice/treat by hand.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?
A large percentage of the patients who consult our office present with low back pain, herniated or bulging discs, neck pain or headaches. However, we commonly treat other conditions such as arm and leg pain, rib pain, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle pain, foot pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, work injuries and automobile injuries (whiplash). In general, chiropractors treat disorders of the muscle, nerve and skeletal systems.
Is there any research demonstrating the effectiveness of chiropractic?
Extensive research exists pertaining to issues surrounding chiropractic healthcare. The bottom line: chiropractic has been proven to be cost effective and reduce time loss for injured workers in addition to being an extremely safe form of treatment. Patient satisfaction studies are extremely favorable for chiropractic.
Do Chiropractor's believe in other forms of healthcare?
We believe in a TEAM approach to healthcare, no physician can cure everything. As such we maintain an extensive referral list of other physicians, including: orthopedic and neurosurgeons, neurologists, pain management specialists, physical therapists, dentists, OB/GYNs, family practice physicians, podiatrists, psychologists and many others. If we cannot help you, we will make every effort to find someone who can.
My [friend, spouse, physician, etc...] does not "believe" in chiropractic. What can I tell them?
The best response to anyone expressing an archaic view of the chiropractic profession is to ask questions. Remember, chiropractic is NOT a religion, or a belief, therefore there is nothing to "believe". Chiropractic is based on sound scientific principles. Ask the following:
"Forget about the word "chiropractic" and let's talk about what a chiropractic physician actually does when you visit the office:
Do you believe in performing a consultation?
Do you believe in performing an examination?
Do you believe in X-rays, MRI, CT Scans, etc.?
Do you believe in an accurate diagnosis?
Do you believe in treatment such as ice, heat, ultrasound, electric stim, rehabilitation?
Do you believe in exercise?
Do you believe in proper nutrition?
Well then, if you believe in all that, what is there not to believe about Chiropractic? I just described the practice of chiropractic!
The only item not mentioned above is "manipulation". And there is more research on manipulation than any other treatment available for back pain treatment.
I heard that once you begin care, you have to keep going for the rest of your life.
If that were true every chiropractor would be so busy they could never accept any new patients. The majority of patients come in, get treated, get well and it's over. Once you improve it remains your sole decision to either re-visit the office for future acute episodes of pain, or place yourself on a wellness program with four proactive goals in mind: (1) minimize your pain, (2) maximize spinal function, (3) decrease reliance on drugs/medication, (4) and keep you gainfully employed….a favorite goal of most employers!
What is the benefit of "maintenance" care?
Maintenance care is no different than periodic visits to your dentist. Once you start eating right, do you always have to eat right? Once you start exercising, do you always have to exercise? Answer: It depends upon your personal goals. The care of your spine is no different. We will help you meet whatever goals you set for yourself. We will serve you at whatever level you choose.
How safe is Chiropractic care?
Unequivocally, chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of health care available for the treatment of spinal conditions. Compared to the risks of taking medication and the complications of surgery, risks associated with chiropractic care are minimal. Chiropractic is safer and more effective than most forms of healthcare for neuromusculoskeletal conditions.
I heard that an adjustment to the neck can cause a stroke or paralysis?
Again, chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of health care available for the treatment of spinal conditions, including the neck. According to the most recent studies, you have less than a 1 per 5 million (one study even says 1 per 8 million) chance of experiencing a stroke associated with a visit to a chiropractor. A large study from Canada found that the incidence of stroke was the same for patients with headaches and neck pain whether they saw a chiropractor or medical doctor. Serious risks of spinal adjustments are so rare that researchers have a difficult time even predicting the odds. Despite the low risk, we perform tests to even further minimize the risks to you before we ever perform that first adjustment.
Do chiropractor's believe in drugs?
Of course we do. There is a time and place for drugs and surgery. Our philosophy is chiropractic first, drugs second, surgery last. In complicated or difficult cases, we often recommend that the patient consult their physician for any medication they deem appropriate to assist in the recovery. We maintain an extensive referral list of medical specialists who work cooperatively with our office.
How educated is your doctor of chiropractic?
You may be surprised to know it generally takes 8 years of college after high school to receive a degree in chiropractic (4 years undergraduate and 5 years graduate). A chiropractic degree from an accredited chiropractic college, followed by passage of the state and national boards, ensures the public that the chiropractor is well rounded in knowledge and scope. Since chiropractic doctors neither prescribe drugs nor perform surgery, chiropractic education places a heavy emphasis on neuromusculoskeletal diagnosis and treatment. Therefore while we are responsible to diagnosis and/or recognize general medical conditions, our background provides a clear advantage in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal problems. Bottom line: No one healthcare provider or profession can adequately treat everything. Medical doctors, chiropractic physicians and other health professionals all have a place in the healthcare delivery system.
