What problems do you usually treat through chiropractic care?

In addition to treating common back and neck pain, I care for most muscular and joint conditions.
I have also had success in treating patients with the following conditions:

Headaches
Shoulder problems
Knee pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
TMJ & facial pain
Bell’s Palsy
Sciatica (pain down the back of the leg)
Arm pain and radiculopathies (pain originating in spine and referring into arm)
Foot and ankle pain
Fibromyalgia
Tennis elbow
Spinal disc bulges (herniations)
Arthritis

In addition, I have helped those whose conditions resulted from auto accidents, sports injuries and work injuries.

I routinely provide supportive chiropractic care for women during their pregnancies (muscle, joint and nervous system support), and I treat infants and children for a variety of common problems, including ear aches and colic.

At times, patients have been pleased to find that through chiropractic care other conditions improve which they didn’t realize were related to problems in their spine.

Chiropractic deals with the nervous system. Chiropractic’s success is rooted in the fact that when one’s nervous system is not functioning to its full potential, pain and other dysfunctions may develop. Chiropractic adjustments remove obstructions to proper function of the nervous system, eliminating pain and improving overall health.


What can I expect on my first visit?

The first visit will take 45-60 minutes. I take a complete health history and perform thorough examinations (neurological and orthopedic; range of motion study; posture evaluation).
Occasionally x-rays are needed (NOT everyone needs x-rays).

Most patients are treated (adjusted) on their first visit.

The next visit will include a discussion with you about my examination findings. This typically takes 15-20 minutes. I will explain your condition and my proposed treatment plan. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, to understand what is wrong, and to see how chiropractic care may help. You will go home with a written copy of your treatment plan for future reference.


How long will it take to see results and improvements?

While no doctor can make an exact proclamation about your recovery, I can give you estimates of time based on clinical research data and my own observations with hundreds of patients.

Your relief from pain and return to health will depend on several factors:

Your age; recent injury vs. chronic problems; accumulated joint degenerative damage; past injuries; your level of fitness; your commitment level to the recommendations I will suggest.

Because each person’s body is a unique, changing organism, the amount of time it takes to heal and restore proper joint, muscle and nerve function varies. Most patients tend to see reductions in their pain level within a short time. Structural and functional problems take longer. Each body is unique and conditions vary greatly.

Rest assured, we will discuss these factors and your personal situation before you start care.


What will chiropractic care cost and do you accept insurance?

My office accepts insurance. I am a preferred provider with most PPO and HMO insurance plans.

Insurance benefits vary widely. Some plans allow 12 visits and others up to 24 per calendar year. Coverage of services also varies greatly from plan to plan. Please bring your insurance card on your first visit. Whatever we find out about your plan coverage will be explained to you before care begins.

If you are not insured for chiropractic care, I strive to make care affordable.
Please feel free to call my office manager, Dana, to find out about our fees: 707-775-2501
We accept cash, check, and credit card.


Some say chiropractic care is painful and that it can be dangerous. Is that true?

When a new patient seeks care in my office they are usually in pain. Sometimes the pain is so severe that standing up straight or walking is extremely difficult. I take time with a new patient to ensure that the care I provide is safe and as free from pain as possible. Patients often find the adjustment to be a great pain reliever, and many feel much better even immediately after being adjusted.

Is chiropractic dangerous to one’s health? The answer to this question is found by comparing malpractice insurance premiums. Premiums are based on data collected and the facts about doctor-induced injuries. The insurance industry minimizes risks. Cost of insurance reflects the level of risk an insurer places on the insured.

The average cost of malpractice insurance for a medical general practitioner is $10,000 yearly.
The cost for malpractice insurance for a medical specialist or surgeon can be as high as $145,000 yearly, depending on the state in which the doctor practices.

Most chiropractic malpractice premiums are less than $3,000 yearly. Clearly, the insurance industry ranks chiropractic care as low risk based on the facts. Chiropractic is safe and effective.


What does a chiropractic education involve? Are you really a doctor?

Yes. I am a doctor. I have a doctorate degree. No, I am not a medical doctor. A chiropractic education begins with an undergraduate degree at a 4-year university where specific prerequisites are met. Chiropractic school is at a graduate level and lasts 4 years. Students are required to take courses in the core human sciences and specific courses in orthopedics, neurology, radiology and general practice.

Hour for hour and class for class, the chiropractic education is very similar to the medical 4-year education.

The primary difference between the two educations is the emphasis on drug management and surgical specialization for the medical student.


If I begin chiropractic care, do I have to continue for the rest of my life?

No one has to do anything they don’t want to do. You are the master of your own choices. Everyone is different and we all place a value on different things.

Everything depends on your personal condition. When you come to me for care I will treat your current problem. If I think your condition is such that you could benefit from having your spine checked regularly in the future, I’ll let you know. But the choice is yours.

If you are the kind of person who thinks about prevention and maintenance and who desires to have a healthy and active lifestyle as you age, then it is important to keep up good health and exercise habits. Chiropractic is one of those health habits that will reduce stress, increase strength and energy, and keep your nervous system functioning at its optimum level.

It is always your choice how long you wish to benefit from chiropractic care.


Are chiropractors anti-medicine?

As a profession, chiropractors have traditionally been alternative-minded doctors. We are filling a needed niche in health care. More people are seeking new ways to improve their health and are doing their best to avoid the need to take drugs on a regular basis.

Chiropractic has stepped up to answer the public’s desire for doctors who have alternative therapies and advice.

I am not anti-medicine. If a patient needs to consult with a medical specialist, I will not hesitate to refer.
I refer to two orthopedic surgeons, one neurosurgeon, and one neurologist who all practice in Sonoma or Marin counties. I will also refer a patient to see their own Primary Care Physician if needed.

I refer patients for MRI imaging when needed.

Yes, I will refer to the medical community, but my objective is to help you achieve better health without the need for medical intervention whenever possible.