FAQs
What will happen at my first visit?
To insure your first visit with us is a pleasant one, here are the procedures you can expect during the 40 - 60 minutes you are with us.
Consultation: You'll meet the doctor who will review your health history and determine if yours is a chiropractic case. You will be advised of the cost of any office procedures and given a copy of our written financial procedures.
Examination: Standard physical, orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic tests will be performed to determine the cause(s) of your problem.
X-ray Exam: Necessary views may be taken to visualize the location of any spinal problems, reveal any pathology, and make your chiropractic care more precise. We now have on site X-rays and the ability to send out for MRI, EMG and any other testing needed.
Correlations of the x-rays and the exam need to be concluded before an adjustment is given. You will receive some kind of treatment and or instructions to help reduce your pain at the initial visit.
Correlation: Before proper care can be rendered the doctor will study your examination findings. Later, you'll see your x-rays, review the doctor's findings, and get specific care recommendations.
Adjunctive Procedures: The doctor may suggest the application of ice, heat, or the use of some other procedure to help reduce inflammation and make you more comfortable.
Next Visit: Your first visit is complete. Plan to spend about 30 minutes on your next visit to receive the doctor's report of findings and chiropractic care.
Why should I consider chiropractic care over more traditional types of treatment?
In 1997, 1008 chiropractic patients were surveyed about what specifically they liked about chiropractic care. These were the results.
- 100% were satisfied, to very satisfied, with treatment in general.
- 99% stated the ability to see the doctor in a reasonable amount of time was good, to very good.
- 98% felt their physical condition had improved.
- 71% reported taking less medication.
- 87% felt their overall health had improved.
- 99% stated they had less pain.
What does an adjustment involve?
An adjustment is manipulation of a joint to accomplish several goals:
1. Separates the joint briefly, which stretches it and brings in joint fluid to promote normal motion.
2. Stimulates receptors in the spine, which help block pain and normalize nerve signals.
3. Increases blood flow to the area, which promotes healing.
4. Muscles around the joint are stretched, which relieves muscle spasm and restores joint motion.
You may be sore after your first adjustment; this is normal but can be easily alleviated with other modalities that we employ in the office and with continued ice pack application at home. You should notice the dissapation of soreness within 1-2 days.
How often will I need treatment while I am under chiropractic care?
The frequency of chiropractic care depends on the nature of your injury/problem, severity of your pain and how your improvement progresses under care. Treatment usually involves multiple visits to move you from pain relief, to rehabilitation, to optimal health. This natural approach helps you avoid drugs (multiple doses) or surgery (weeks or months of rehab).
Stage 1: Pain, inflammation, and spasm are reduced in the office and home care advice is given.
Stage 2: A variety of techniques (exercise, diet, and ergonomics) are employed to restore proper function so that you are not limited in any activities of daily living.
Stage 3: Check-ups are used several times a year in order to prevent re-injury and maintain optimal health. This is similar to dental check-ups, only for spine and joints.
What other treatments are available?
Sometimes an adjustment is simply not enough, we utilize many other natural techniques to alleviate your pain.
We employ:
- Modalities such as diathermy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or acupoint stimulation.
- Muscle techniques using stretching, myofascial release, neuromuscular re-education.
- Rehabilitation to improve coordination and strength.
- Diagnostic testing to determine blood chemistry, overall general health, X-rays, and MRIs.
- Nutritional counseling regarding diet or supplementation. Education in lifestyle changes and ergonomics.
- Referrals to appropriate specialists.