What can I expect on my first visit?
The first visit will take approximately 45 minutes. I take a complete health history and perform thorough examinations (neurological and orthopedic; range of motion study; posture evaluation). I determine where the cause of your physical problem originates.
Most patients are treated (adjusted) on their first visit. I use Diversified and Gonstead techniques and the Activator instrument to adjust my patients.
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.
How much will chiropractic care cost and do you accept insurance?
My office accepts insurance and 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. Co-pay and deductible amounts vary. 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 us about our fees (707-775-2501). You may also call to have us check on your insurance coverage before you schedule an appointment.
We accept cash, check, and Visa/MasterCard credit cards.
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.
Chiropractors undergo a rigorous education in the healing sciences, similar to that of medical doctors. Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic and the intricate adjusting techniques involved, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training with hands-on experience.
For example, my chiropractic education included courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, embryology, microbiology, biochemistry, neuroscience, orthopedics, clinical neurology, radiology, diagnosis, spinal biomechanics, public health, and general practice. I also complete yearly continuing education for license renewal, to stay current on the latest research and adjustment techniques.
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 orthopedic specialists and neurologists when needed. I will also refer a patient to see their own Primary Care Physician if needed.
I refer patients for x-ray or 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.
If I begin chiropractic care, do I have to continue for the rest of my life?
I do not pressure my patients into long term treatment. When you come to me for care I will treat your current problem. If I think your specific condition is such that you could benefit from having your spine checked in the future to prevent a flare up, I’ll let you know. But the choice is yours. My patients know I am here for them when needed, but I don't nag them about coming in. Some of my patients choose to come in more frequently than others. They find that chiropractic not only helps them stay out of pain but feel better overall. The choice is theirs.
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.
Again, I don't pressure my patients into care and the choice is always theirs.
Why is there sometimes a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble (nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide) between the joints which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you "crack" your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint which results in gas bubbles being released.
What chiropractic techniques do you use?
I use Diversified and Gonstead techniques and the Activator instrument to adjust my patients.
Why should I try chiropractic?
Chiropractors offer patients relief from pain without medications. They offer stabilization of many muscle, ligament and joint conditions without surgery.
Chiropractic offers a natural, whole person approach to pain. Chiropractic is a great conservative first choice, before choosing drugs or surgery.
Chiropractors are best known for safely and effectively treating acute back and neck pain, as well as headaches.
Chiropractors offer safe and effective physical treatment for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Chiropractic doctors offer hope for relief from conditions which other doctors have said were untreatable.
Often it is the chiropractor who takes time to give solid advice and planning on needed changes in nutrition, exercise, and ergonomics.
Chiropractic operates on the principle that spinal nerves may become irritated and function with less energy than is optimal. When this happens, joints, muscles and other body tissues become tight and restricted, reduced in their ability to function normally. A chiropractic examination will detect these nerve problems and the adjustment will reduce or eliminate them.
Through chiropractic, pain decreases, energy increases, and health improves.