In order for this question to be answered, one must first be thoroughly examined.  Once the examination is complete, we are able to diagnose the problem and determine if chiropractic treatment will help the problem.  Dr. Meyers will keep you involved during the examination, explaining everything he is doing.  Once he arrives at a diagnosis, he will recommend a treatment plan and other treatment options.  If the problem cannot be corrected with chiropractic care, Dr. Meyers will refer you to an appropriate medical specialist.

2) What types of conditions do you treat?

Chiropractic physicians specialize in musculoskeletal and nerve problems.  Musculoskeletal refers to all the muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, discs and joints in the body. Therefore, chiropractic is extremely helpful for neck and back pain, shoulder and arm pain, leg pain, arthritis pain, headaches, carpal tunnel, whiplash injuries, sport injuries, numbness and tingling, herniated discs, and many other conditions.

3) How many treatments will I need?

The amount of treatments depends on the nature and severity of the injury. Some injuries resolve in just one or two treatments.  However, some conditions require more attention.  It is the goal of this office to resolve the pain in as little time as possible.

4) Will I have to keep coming back forever?

Absolutely not! Dr. Meyers incorporates home exercises and nutritional advice with his chiropractic and rehabilitative treatments in order to minimize the patients’ recovery time. He believes that educating the patient allows them to be proactive in their health, which in turn decreases the frequency of treatment visits as well as decreasing the risk of re-injury. Again, it is our goal to resolve the pain as soon as possible.

5) Are chiropractors really doctors? How much schooling do they have?

Chiropractors are licensed doctors in all 50 states of America , as well as many dozens of countries worldwide. Chiropractic College requires four years of education in order to graduate.  The education is very similar to that of medical colleges.

6) What type of treatments does Dr. Meyers use?

Because everyone’s condition is different, treatment plans vary from patient to patient.  However, the following are general forms of treatment that we administer:

• Chiropractic adjustments: in order to restore mobility to “stuck” or restricted joints in the body.
• Myofascial treatments: this is a term for treatments used to loosen tight and painful muscles. They include stretching techniques, massage, and trigger point therapy.
• Physical therapy modalities: such as electric muscle stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, or traction.
• Therapeutic exercise: these are exercises that strengthen and stabilize the body, allowing it to be more resilient and more resistant to future injury.
• Ergonomic and body mechanic education: all patients are given clear instructions for proper ergonomics and self-care in order to prevent future injury.
• Nutritional education: all patients interested in nutrition will receive such information to promote overall health.

7) Do I have to have x-rays taken?

Because every condition is different, x-rays may or may not be required.  However, in most cases of musculoskeletal pain, x-rays are not required.

8) Why do other chiropractors say some very different things?

Some chiropractors follow certain unique theories and practices.  Dr. Meyers practices evidence-based chiropractic. This means that Dr. Meyers formulates his treatment plans around the most recent research and clinically sound procedures for the benefit of the patient.

9) What is a chiropractic adjustment?

This is a treatment for joints and muscles in the body that are not moving as well as they should. The most common type of chiropractic adjustments are performed to the joints of the spine, found in the neck to the low back.  However, chiropractic adjustments can be performed to any joint in the body that is restricted or “stuck”.

10) How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?

Dr. Meyers will position the patient is such a way so that his hands are in contact with the restricted joint. Once this is accomplished, Dr. Meyers would give a quick thrust to the restricted joint. This causes the joint to move so that full motion is restored.  A popping sound may accompany the thrust.  This is the sound of gas bubbles released within the joint which allows increased joint movement. It is the same sound when one “cracks their knuckles”.

11) What does an adjustment do?

Many times joint pain, whether it is in the neck, back, shoulder, etc., is a result of joints not moving properly.  When the joints do not move well, the muscles must work harder to get the joints to move. This in turn causes the muscles to overwork, become injured and spasm.  Therefore it is very common that the muscles and joints cause pain if the joints are “stuck”.  So by restoring proper joint motion with an adjustment, joint pain and muscle pain will decrease as well as perform better.

12) Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?

A carefully-administered adjustment usually never hurts. Most people feel a great deal of relief immediately afterwards. However, it is possible to have slight and temporary muscle discomfort after an adjustment, similar to muscle soreness after a workout.  This is due to the very tight muscles that are in spasm being stretched with the adjustment “thrust”.  Application of ice to the muscles immediately after an adjustment would significantly reduce the risk of post-adjustment muscle soreness.

13) Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are very safe.  There is a large amount of scientific evidence on the safety and effectiveness of spinal manipulation.  However, just like with all medical procedures, there is an inherent risk of side effects. The most common is the post-adjustment muscle soreness mentioned in the previous question.  It is worthy to note that not all patients are candidates for chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractic physicians, like Dr. Meyers, are able to recognize patients that should or should not receive chiropractic adjustments.