First, you will complete some health history forms and meet Dr. Lewis. Your initial visit will include a review of your health history as well as an examination to assess orthopedic and neurological problems. If needed, x-rays or other diagnostic tests will be referred out to get them taken. We will then develop a personalized treatment plan designed to help you regain your health. If we don’t feel that your condition will respond to chiropractic care, we will refer you to the appropriate provider.
If you have any previous documentation of your medical condition (MRIs, X-rays, etc.), feel free to bring them in, as they will give the doctor a better understanding of your medical history and current situation.
After the doctor has had adequate time to review the consultation, examination, and if applicable, x-ray results, he will meet with the patient and explain the significant findings, recommended treatment, and alternatives that may be available.
Assuming that there is indication and agreement to proceed, the recommended treatment will be described and then started.
The adjustment or correction of a subluxation, which is a mechanical dysfunction of one or more segments of the spine, is the means of care provided by the chiropractor. Most adjustments of the spine are gentle and painless. Our doctors are trained in many different treatment techniques of spine and related conditions.
Padded tables of several types are used for adjusting, including a jointed version which accommodates a wide variety of postures.
Most patients find the treatment to be painless, but occasionally there can be mild discomfort or soreness for a few days after the initial treatment.
The first adjustment begins to restore the vertebra to its natural position and function. The soft tissues, the muscles and ligaments, are stretched when the vertebra is in an unnatural position, so these tissues must have time to “rehabilitate.” Normally, proper muscle tone, ligament position, and shape of the vertebrae will keep the vertebrae in place.
While this rehabilitation process is taking place, we stress the importance of general and specific exercise. Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. After all, while the patient may be in our office for a few minutes, they will be able to affect their bodies all day, whether for good or ill. Therefore, we offer information on how to avoid aggravation, and how to strengthen the involved areas through exercises, postures, and stretches. We find that the better the compliance with the doctor’s recommended exercise and home program, the faster recovery occurs.
Most patients will have treatment recommendations ranging from a month to occasionally several months in complicated or severe cases. Once treatment goals have been met, we encourage patients to continue their home care program, and to continue with chiropractic check-ups on a regular basis,or in the event of any new injury or flare-ups, so they will benefit from the kind of health preservation that chiropractic provides.
Research studies have documented the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care.
No. A chiropractor studies for years to understand when, where and how to deliver manipulative therapy to a patient. The likelihood of damage when attempting self-treatment is high and has been documented by researchers. Even a chiropractor cannot and will not perform the procedure upon himself.
We make every attempt to use procedures that are as gentle as possible. Most patients are relieved at how comfortable our treatments are. Any discomfort is usually temporary, lasting only seconds or minutes. We are proud of our reputation for gentle care. This is the reason why our patients continue to refer their friends and family members to our clinic.
When your spine is manipulated, tiny air bubbles in the fluid inside your joints pop. This is normal and is similar to the sound you can make when cracking your knuckles.
Research suggests that 50% to 70% of all patients will see the problem return. However, in our experience, we have found that whether or not a problem returns is often within the patient’s control. When patients faithfully perform their exercises and modify previously detrimental lifestyles and work activities, the likelihood of reoccurrence is reduced. Patients play an active part in healing their condition and preventing the likelihood of reoccurrence.
Musculosketal care is not dependent upon age. Research has shown that some children experience back and neck pain. Although their tissues are generally resilient, some children need chiropractic care to restore normal function or alleviate pain from injuries.
Chiropractic treatment is for people of all ages, including senior citizens. With growing concerns about over-medication and the side effects of combining various prescription drugs, chiropractic care is more important than ever for the aging population. Restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance, and appetite. Many patients report improvement in arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments associated with aging.
Many patients will begin to see improvements within the first or second week of treatment. After the pain has become more tolerable by the patient, the chiropractor will taper treatments until maximal improvement is noted. At this point, most patients will consider maintenance care which consist frequencies of one or two treatments a month to one or two treatments every six months. A discussion with the chiropractor will help you determine what is the best treatment for you.