Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions in Cincinnati OH

When most people think of a chiropractor or chiropractic, they think of “back pain”. In fact chiropractic is far more than back pain. Chiropractic is both an art and a science. It is a drug free safe and natural health care that utilizes safe and gentle techniques to help remove nerve interference that can be caused by misalignments- subluxations of the spine. The reduction in nerve interference allows for the body to function at its optimal potential and for naturally healing to occur.

Chiropractic can be effective in treating many conditions. Again, when people think of chiropractic they think of back pain. In my office,I do often see back pain and sciatica. Some of the most common conditions outside of back pain that people seek care in my office are for: text neck, neck pain, arm pain, migraines,carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, shoulder injuries, knee pain, sports injuries. Many parents also bring their children for torticollis, subluxations associated with child birth, growing pains, scoliosis and sports injuries. Honestly, if it has nerve supply, which the entire body does, it can be positively impacted with chiropractic care.

A chiropractic adjustment is a gentle, precise and individualized thrust into a “subluxated” or misaligned joint. No two adjustments are the same.  Each adjustment is performed at the subluxated joint and in a specific direction for realignment. There are many techniques to deliver a chiropractic adjustment. Each adjustment is specific to the patient and condition.

Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective. An adjustment is performed after a detailed history and examination. The adjustment is specific to the individual's condition and physical exam findings. An adjustment is performed using a gentle and precise motion into the misaligned- subluxated joint.

This is a very common question in practice. I develop a treatment plan for each patient following their first adjustment. The number of visits is directly related to each individual's health history, physical exam findings and goals of treatment.

At the second visit, the recommended treatment plan and x-rays are reviewed. I will take the time to discuss my recommendations and address any questions or concerns. I do often say that this is a “plan” and can be modified based on each person's response to care. Also, when reviewing the plan, if something doesn’t work time wise or financially, we can discuss that and make changes if needed.

Chiropractic benefits are numerous. Although most patients seek care for pain relief, many note improvement in ability to perform basic activities of daily living and recreation. Others note better mental focus and improved endurance. The goal of chiropractic is to restore the body to optimal function by allowing the nervous system to function at the optimal level. EVERY aspect of our bodies are impacted by a healthy nervous system, so the benefits are endless.

There are risks with all medical procedures, and chiropractic is no different. Although chiropractic is a safe, gentle and precise treatment, every person responds differently. Some of the most common complaints following an adjustment include stiff, sore, muscle tightness, mild headache and slight dizziness. Most patients find that the benefits of chiropractic far outweigh the risks.It is always important to discuss your health history and concerns with your doctor prior to beginning chiropractic care.

A chiropractic adjustment should not be painful. When you get adjusted, your body views the subluxations-misalignments- as normal even though you are experiencing pain, physical limitations or both. Following the adjustment you may be sore. I describe that soreness as exercise versus injury sore. In my office, I always welcome feedback regarding your adjustment so that we can tailor the adjustment to you.

Absolutely! The resounding yes is two fold. One, pain is the last symptom to come and the first to go away and two, a healthy and properly functioning nervous system allows for your body to function at an optimal potential.

When you think of a cavity, was the cavity there only when the pain showed up? No, often there are issues long before the pain of a cavity is present. The same thing with your nervous system and subluxations of the spine.

There are many chiropractors to choose from in the Cincinnati area. I have been a chiropractor for over 25 years with extensive experience with a variety of conditions. I also have an excellent working relationship with health professionals to allow for the best outcome for my patients.

I think though, what sets me apart from others is that I truly care for and value every person that walks through my office door. I treat my patients in the way that I would treat my family. I believe that everyone deserves high quality care in a caring and compassionate environment. I think that type of care has been lost in many aspects of healthcare today, but something I strive to provide.

The first two visits in the office tend to be about 45 min to an hour. The reason is that during the first two visits, I perform an extensive history, exam, imaging if needed, as well as, review those findings and answer additional questions. After the first two visits, the time at the office tends to be shorter, but is dependent upon the treatment scheduled for the day. A visit that is only an adjustment, you can expect to be in the office approx. 15 min.

Many women seek chiropractic care for conditions that they experience throughout their pregnancy. Every adjustment is tailored to the individual and their changing body before, during and after pregnancy. My office has a wonderful working relationship with OB’s, midwives and doulas. The goal is for every mother to have a positive pregnancy and birth experience.

The “crack” is always a big topic in my office and often we discuss it on the first visit. Many people believe that it is bones rubbing together. That is not the case. Every joint is pressurized, and when the pressure changes there can be a release of gas in the joint. That gas release is the noise you hear.

I do always tell patients that the “crack” or “pop” or lack of, is not the sign of a good or bad adjustment. Everyone and every joint is pressurized differently, and the noise is NEVER the goal of the adjustment.

You are unable to adjust yourself. You are able to “mobilize” joints and release restrictions you may be experiencing, but an adjustment is a specific and precise motion into a restricted or subluxated joint with the goal to restore mobility and allow for the nervous system to function properly. Often when we “mobilize” our own joints we are moving the joint above or below the subluxated joint which is actually hypermobile and compensating for the restriction.

My office currently accepts medicare, medicaid and general insurance. In the event someone is in an accident, we will also accept medical coverage provided by auto insurance. If individuals are without health insurance, we do also offer affordable cash pricing. I firmly believe in upfront financial transparency and will discuss insurance coverage and expected out of pocket expenses.

You can see a chiropractor after spinal surgery. In fact, many surgeons I work with recommend it. When a spinal surgery or fusion has occurred, the segments above or below the surgery have to work harder and the biomechanics of the spine have changed. It is important that the chiropractor takes an extensive history as well as reviewing post surgical imaging. The chiropractor will then perform gentle and precise adjustments to the spine that are not directly related to the surgical region. An adjustment should never be performed at the same level of a spinal surgery.