Q: What is Chiropractic?
A: Chiropractic is a philosophy, science and art which uses the innate healing tendencies of the body and considers how the relationship between the spinal cord and the body influence the restoration and maintenance of health. It’s an approach to health care that does not use drugs or surgery but does place an emphasis on maintaining the structural integrity of the body.
Q: What is Subluxation?
A: Since the nervous system is responsible for regulating all body functions and maintaining a healthy balance within each cell of the body, any nerve interference may be detrimental and eventually lead to pain and/or dysfunction of particular body parts. If your spine has been altered by stress or trauma, there may be interference within the body’s communication network which alters messages being transmitted along those nerves. This is known as subluxation.
Q: What type of insurance do you accept?
A: Due to the increasing bureaucracy dictating healthcare, this office has chosen to remain a cash-based environment. The fees will remain quite reasonable and pricing-policies are made available to keep chiropractic care affordable. Payment must be made at the time of service. Accepted forms of payment include cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover Card. We will provide receipts of services rendered and supporting documentation needed for you to file directly with your own insurance company for reimbursement. We will happily refer patients such as those with Workers Compensation or Auto Accident benefits to a chiropractic office that does accept insurance.
Q: What about Medicare?
A: Due to Medicare regulations, a chiropractor that has opted to have a cash practice cannot treat Medicare-eligible patients. If you are 65 or older, we will refer you to a chiropractor’s office that treats Medicare patients.
Q: I don’t want to be adjusted. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?
A: Every patient is unique. Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions, but are not absolutely necessary. The signature treatment is the education you will receive about the spectrum of treatment options that are recommended for you.
Q: Can you help with spinal stenosis?
A: Spinal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly where a narrow spinal canal pinches on a spinal nerve root. Non-surgical care such as exercise and physical therapy is the treatment of choice. We have helped many patients with this condition. If you are a candidate for surgery we would recommend a consultation for you.
Q: How long is the typical visit?
A: Usually 30 to 60 minutes.
Q: Do you recommend massage therapy?
A: Soft tissue massage can be supportive of most treatment programs by improving circulation, promoting relaxation and providing a level of pain relief.
Q: Do you recommend acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture can be a very effective tool in management of pain symptoms and many other health issues.
Q: Can you help with a pinched nerve?
A: Yes. Pinched nerves in the neck or low back cause arm or leg symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness. We will perform the necessary examination to diagnose this condition. The first line of treatment includes ergonomic or lifting advice, physical therapy, and exercise. Often anti-inflammatory medicine prescribed by your medical physician is important too. About 20% of the time pinched nerve symptoms worsen in the first month or fail to resolve over a 1 to 3 month period. Such cases require additional testing such as with an M.R.I. and more invasive treatments such as epidural injections or surgery. We will make appropriate referrals in these instances.
Q: Can I see you for headache pain?
A: Absolutely. Chiropractic along with postural/ergonomic advice is a proven approach for many headaches. Occasionally, multidisciplinary management with other specialists is required and a team approach is utilized.
Q: What type of treatment is used for knee problems?
A: Initially, the knee disorder is assessed and diagnosed. As an example, knee tendinitis will require a thorough evaluation of the foot and hip as well as the knee. Proper foot wear and balance exercises along with a specialized patello-femoral tracking exercise program is utilized.
Q: If I can’t raise my arm overhead should I see an orthopedist?
A: Typically, we will evaluate you and begin a physical therapy/pain management program. However, an orthopedic consultation and M.R.I. evaluation will be necessary if no progress is seen within a few weeks. Soft tissue mobilization, gentle exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, and heat or ice treatments are usually quite effective.
Q: What about repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or “tennis” elbow?
A: Bracing, icing, specific exercise, manipulation of the affected joint, ergonomic advice and soft tissue treatment usually resolve these stubborn conditions.
Q: How long does it usually take to get better from a back pain episode?
A: About 80% of people with lower back pain are 80% better within 2-4 weeks.
Q: If I have sciatica do I need surgery?
A: If your sciatica (moderate to severe leg pain extending below the knee to the ankle or foot) is persisting for 2-3 months then you are likely a surgical candidate. If it is causing progressive muscle weakness you would be a surgical candidate even sooner. If you have any bowel or bladder incontinence or both legs are “giving way” then a more urgent surgical consultation is required. However, 90% of people with sciatica will improve with conservative care. An interesting scientific study showed that in the “long term” at 2 years or 10 years there was no difference in outcome in those having surgery vs. those that did not. An eminent neurosurgeon Edward Caragee, M.D. from Stanford University wrote that the decision to operate is not a medical one, but is a social one. If you are not improving within 12 weeks then you may get better quicker with surgery. But, eventually even without surgery if you can manage the pain you will have the same result either way.
Q: If my M.R.I. shows a herniated disc can you help me?
A: Herniated discs are very common. It has been found that they are present in people who have no symptoms – even 20 year olds! Experts now say that spinal changes such as herniated discs and arthritis are related to age (like graying hair or wrinkling skin) not symptoms. It appears that the difference between a person with a herniated disc who has no symptoms and one who has symptoms has to do with how their body is coping or stabilizing their back. At Bowen Chiropractic we specialize in enhancing your functional ability to stabilize your back so that the disc bulge is not as relevant.
Q: If I have had back or neck surgery can I see you post-operatively?
A: Yes. We have seen many patients after their surgery. We work closely with each surgeon to forge a team approach to the timing and intensity of your rehabilitation program.
Q: What is the most important thing I can do for myself for back pain?
A: Stay active!
Q: Why do I need Wellness or “Maintenance Care?
A: Facts: 1) Joints can have disturbed function without pain or other symptoms until condition is advanced. 2) Properly functioning joints in good alignment are healthier and more resistant to injury, illness or degeneration. 3) Proper joint function and alignment is essential to our overall good health.
Maintaining joint function and alignment can: 1) Restore and maintain joint function. 2) Optimize athletic performance and coordination. 3) Maintain joint stability. 4) Improve delivery of nutrition to discs and joints. 5) Reduce risk of injury and degeneration.
Research: A four year study by Richard Sarnat, MD and James Winterstein, DC* demonstrated:
decreased hospital admissions by 43%, decreased admission stay by 58.4%, decreased outpatient surgeries and procedures by 43.2%, decreased pharmaceutical costs by 51.8%, substantially improved clinical outcomes
Conclusion: Maintenance or Wellness care will improve your health and reduce your
overall health care utilization and costs.
* Sarnat SL, Winterstein J: Clinical and Cost Outcomes of an Integrative Medicine IPA. JMPT 57 (5) 336-347, 2004