Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic treatment and how does it work?

Chiropractic treatment uses what is commonly called an "adjustment" to restore and maintain full and painfree range of motion in the spinal column. In fact, many chiropractors will adjust the entire skeletal structure, included hips, knees, shoulders, wrists, etc. Chiropractic adjustments allow the muscles that hold the bones together to release tension, thus relieving pain and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments also have the effect of calming the nervous system and training the body to not hold onto mental, emotional and physical stress. This translates into better, more resilient health and even a stronger immune system!

What happens during a treatment?

At a typical treatment session you will describe your progress and symptoms since the last treatment. I will briefly evaluate using neurological and muscle testing procedures to determine the course of therapy for this session. Appropriate adjustments are performed and any recommended exercises, supplements, or orthopedic supports are suggested.

Do adjustments hurt and are they safe?

Adjustments are rarely painful and are extremely safe when applied by a skilled and experienced practitioner. If your accumulated stress is slight it doesn't hurt a lot. If there is serious injury or longstanding accumulated stress then it can be uncomfortable at first, just as massage can be uncomfortable when there is pain already present. Bodywork works by touching where it hurts in order to make it better.

How long do chiropractic appointments last?

A normal treatment session takes up to15 minutes and involves re-evaluation of the areas being treated and adjustments as indicated. Specific exercises and home care are also included in all of my treatments. Chiropractic care can be effective in a short time frame because it goes beneath the muscles to relieve stress at the joints where the muscles attach. This is an advantage for busy people who can’t take an hour out of their day to stop and relax. With chiropractic care you are made pain free and exhilarated without losing your “edge”.

What is the amount of time before I begin to notice an improvement?

Most often pain begins to diminish at the first treatment. Full recovery time varies depending on your degree of degeneration and how long your condition has been allowed to progress. Recovery time also depends on an your own rate of healing, which will be the result of your ability to carry out optimal treatment schedules and procedures for your particular condition.

In addition to chiropractic care what can I do myself to help heal this condition?

Chiropractic care gets the ball rolling. Much of the healing process has to do with what you do to preserve, maintain, and build upon the benefits of their chiropractic treatments. This happens through changes to improve how you sit, stand, walk and work. Specific exercises strengthen and balance muscles. Nutritional supplements and dietary changes supply the body's cells with all the elements they need for the repair process.

How often do I need to see a chiropractor?

How often you see your chiropractor depends on the severity of your problem and your goals for healing. There are three recognized phases of care: the initial phase helps heal injuries that are either very new or are longstanding. The restorative phase preserves healed areas and prevents re-injury. The maintenance phase keeps the stresses and strains of everyday life from accumulating and causing problems. For a recent injury or longstanding problem more frequent treatments are required. As symptoms diminish treatments can be spread out over time.

What if I can’t have the recommended frequency of treatment?

Less frequent treatments than your chiropractor suggests for the degree of your injury or condition will alleviate symptoms for a short while. This approach does not get past the symptom relief stage and into the stage where
retraining of your muscles occurs. It is very important in the beginning stages of care to have adjustments somewhat closely spaced.

How much does it cost?

Most routine chiropractic visits cost in the range of $35 to $45. Initial visits cost $125 because they are lengthier and involve history taking, interview, and physical examination to evaluate and determine the best course of treatment. If x-rays are required that will add to the initial cost of treatment.

What types of conditions can be treated with chiropractic care?

Chiropractors treat many types of conditions. Headaches, and neck and back pain are what chiropractic is famous and most widely used for. Some chiropractors, such as myself, are also neurological specialists and can evaluate and treat patients using a variety of gentle corrections that stimulate weak areas and calm overactive areas.  Nutritional support using the natural chemicals of food, vitamin supplementation and medicinal herbs is also a common chiropractic approach. Nutrition supports chiropractic adjustments by promoting the healing process at the cellular level during the body’s repair phase. 

Do Chiropractors prescribe drugs?

No. Chiropractic adjustments, along with nutritional and lifestyle changes frequently reduce or eliminate pain to the degree that pain medication is not needed.  

Why does someone who doesn't have pain need a chiropractor?

We say that pain is the last sign to appear and the first to disappear. Many conditions can be very easily prevented with regular chiropractic care as part of an overall health approach. Chiropractic care is not a matter of life or death. Noone “needs” a chiropractor but all can benefit from chiropractic care. On the other hand, those who do not choose to take health promoting steps such as chiropractic care throughout their lives may eventually “need” surgery or strong drugs to manage their pain.

What approach do you use in your practice?

In my practice I use standard chiropractic adjustments, involving manual manipulation of the spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles and feet. I also use specialized neurological evaluation and treatment methods. In addition, I incorporate muscle strength testing techniques known as Applied Kinesiology, and nutritional supplementation. My patients receive a comprehensive approach to accommodate their needs and requirements.

Do you accept insurance? If not, do you give the proper paperwork and  forms that I can file?

I do not participate with insurance companies. I do provide a receipt with codes that you can submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement.

What are your hours of business?

My office hours are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment.

When can I call? 

You may call at any time. Phone messages are promptly returned.

How do regular chiropractic visits prevent health problems? 

By keeping tension in the spine and other joints of the body from accumulating many illnesses are prevented. This includes arthritis, high blood pressure, and accidents and injuries that result from not being able to move or respond quickly. 

How much does chiropractic cost compared to conventional medicine?

Chiropractic care, when used regularly keeps you healthy happy and painfree for less than conventional medicine. You don't wait for a toothache to start brushing your teeth. You wouldn't take pain pills to prevent pain from happening. And you certainly wouldn’t have expensive surgery as a first step. Chiropractic care, like regular dental care is a low cost means of promoting long term health.

How do I know if I need a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is best utilized when you don't know you need it or before things get so bad that you require drugs or surgery. When you "need" a dentist it is an emergency that usually includes a lot of pain and expense that could have been prevented by simple steps. Chiropractic care has an advantage over medicine in that it is highly effective as a means of prevention. Everyone can benefit from chiropractic care. It is an excellent way to feel better quickly.

Will I become addicted?

Chiropractic is not a chemical to which your body becomes physically dependent. You cannot become physically addicted to chiropractic care. You can become "addicted" to living without nagging pain in your life.
You can become "addicted" to doing good things to avoid pain instead of harmful things to ignore pain until it overwhelms you.

Why are you a chiropractor?

As a chiropractor I take people from pain to pleasure. I like that. My patients sleep better at night and move more easily during the day. And they don't miss their pain. They "let it go" instead of "letting it be". When you make the people around you feel better they are happier and make the people around them feel better and be happier. Its a good way to have a good day.