Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions in East Lansing MI

Chiropractic treatment involves the manual alignment of the spine, which supports proper nervous system function enabling the body’s systems to function optimally.

Chiropractic treatment is holistic. Treating the misalignment of the spine and extremities can fix many symptoms patients may experience. Regular chiropractic adjustments address obvious problems such as neck and back pain as well as headaches and shoulder issues. Patients who get adjusted regularly also notice other benefits such as better sleep, digestion, clarity and increased comfort in everyday activities such as typing and sitting at a desk.

A chiropractic adjustment is generally done by hand but can involve specialized instruments. The adjustment involves precise movement of joints which correct misalignments (or subluxations) that may be causing impingement of nerves.

Yes, when performed by a licensed chiropractor, adjustments are very safe.

Depending on your physical condition, injury, trauma and other factors, treatment plans differ from patient to patient. It is important to communicate regularly with your chiropractor to determine the best treatment plan for your situation.

Patients report many benefits such as:

• Decreased pain
• Fewer headaches
• Better posture
• Increased flexibility
• Increased mobility
• Better sleep
• Increased energy
• Better digestion (more regular)
• Enhanced athletic performance
• Less muscle tension and aches

Risk is low with chiropractic adjustments. Injuries are rare and are generally associated with pre-existing conditions.

Most patients love their adjustments. Some patients report discomfort during treatment. Typically, severe discomfort is present when the patient is already experiencing intense pain and is nervous about the treatment. There are many techniques chiropractors use to help patients relax prior to adjustments.  These techniques help patients relax the muscles involved which greatly reduces discomfort. 

In some cases, muscle soreness in the days following an adjustment can occur. Treatment with ice is recommended for this and usually dissipates within a few hours.

Chiropractic care is a preventative. Once your spine is aligned and your muscles are trained to keep it aligned, regular treatment (every 3-4 weeks) is recommended for maintenance to keep your body working optimally.

I have over 25 years of experience adjusting patients from newborn babies to people over 100 years old.  I care about your health and well-being.  Making people feel better fulfills me.  I believe our bodies were designed wonderfully – to work for us – and helping people optimize their health and performance is my passion.  

Your initial visit is a thorough examination including xrays, interview and a full review and understanding of what is going on with you. Subsequent maintenance adjustments generally take anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on circumstances with each patient. We work hard to balance the need for doctor/patient communication with the high demand of patient flow.

Chiropractors are required to obtain a relevant undergraduate degree prior to entering their chiropractic graduate education journey. After undergrad, chiropractors are required to complete an additional 4 years of education. This education includes 4200 hours of education focused on anatomy, pathology, radiology, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and chiropractic principles and techniques. In addition to the 4200 hours of classroom, chiropractors are required to do 1000 hours of clinical work and pass 4 national boards.

Not only can they, they SHOULD! Chiropractic care is very safe and highly recommended to help women experience more comfort, easier labors, and overall easier pregnancies.  Pregnancy can be hard on a woman’s body.  Chiropractic care helps ease the effects.

No.

Sometimes an audible sound occurs during an adjustment. This is gas releasing from the joint as it is moved.  Nothing is “cracking” in your body.

You should NOT attempt to adjust yourself or have anyone who is not trained and licensed attempt to treat you. Sometimes people obtain temporary relief from “adjusting” themselves, however, it is most likely they are not fully aligning their neck and spine.  The risk of injury is elevated significantly when people attempt this.

Insurance plans typically have some coverage. There are many insurance plans available, and it is important for patients to understand their coverage.  We have some access to assist with understanding coverage.  We do participate with most insurances, and we will bill them when we have the ability to.  For people who do not have insurance coverage, we offer a Time of Service program rate that allows patients to pay at the time of service.

Often back paid is caused by subluxations.  This pain can be cyclical:  Misalignment of the spine causes muscle spasms and soreness and/or tension.  These symptoms exacerbate subluxations and more muscle pain results.  Fixing misalignment starts the cycle of healing. Proper care of the spine and muscles in the back result in patients feeling better and experiencing less and less pain over time with regular treatment.

Most neck pain is caused by subluxations.  This pain can be cyclical:  Misalignment of the spine causes muscle spasms, soreness and/or muscle tension.  In the neck, this often presents as headaches which can be severe.  The first step is fixing the misalignment.  Once the spine is aligned, the muscles are less irritated, the alignment lasts longer and pain is drastically reduced.

With neck and back pain especially, it is important to make changes in your personal habits to increase success:  Regular exercise, good nutrition and hydration habits, stretching and good posture in ergonomically correct desks, chairs, etc. will drive better, long lasting results.

See above.

Chiropractic care is the combined treatment of both structural and muscle issues.  Physical therapy is limited to treating muscle issues only.

Chiropractic care is a holistic treatment system that addresses whole body function through regular, sustained treatment focused on spine and extremity alignment. Physical therapy can be used to address the same issues, but the approach is different. Physical therapists do not address subluxations, so chances of continued symptoms are higher.  Doctor Steve holds a national certification in physiotherapy, so he is able to provide even more muscle-related treatment as a result of this additional education.

Yes, we treat many athletes suffering from sports related injuries. We focus on decreasing pain and getting the athlete back to their sport. We specialize in extremity, shoulder , knee and hip adjustments that are commonly related to sports injuries.

Yes, one of the top habit improvements we encourage is better posture. Treatment focuses on aligning the spine which is followed up with giving the patient a regimen of strengthening exercises to help stabilize and correct posture. Good posture helps maintain alignment and avoid subluxations.

A chiropractic adjustment consists of the movement or adjustment of a joint that is misaligned or dysfunctional. The movement returns the joint to its proper function allowing the muscle around it to relax.  Any nerve that was impinged as a result of the joint dysfunction will be relieved, too.

Yes, we use low force techniques for children. It is safe and painless. Typically we avoid using xrays as part of the process with children unless trauma is reported. We encourage parents to get their children in the habit of recognizing the many benefits and advantages of good spine health.