Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, disc problems, rotator cuff syndrome, and infantile colic.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, treatments don't hurt. I have spend thousands of hours mastering the art of chiropractic which allows me to feel when teh patient is relaxed enough to receive their treatment. Occasionally, minor soreness is experienced after a treatment as the body adjusts to its new environment.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training. My undergraduate work was in Economics, Business, and Science from Saint Vincent College.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Hundreds of studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain and a variety of other conditions. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic and migraine headaches.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing we will do is ask you about your health complaints which you are chiefly concerned. We will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with my clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to me in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

Our office offers a variety of alternative health treatments, including nutritional consulting, electric stimulation, lumbar traction, deep tissue massage therapy, myofascial release, DRX9000 Spinal Decompression, Spineforce Core Strengthening, Erchonia Cold Laser and cervical traction.

What sets apart your office from any other chiropractic offices in Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz?

Quality of care, specificity, love for what we do, and ultimately the unconditional passion to get sick people well and keep the well from getting sick. We treat an average of 30 new patients every month, 90% of which are by referral. We have an excellent reputation and continue to be the number one chiropractic office in Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley, a community that has supported our family for over 25 years.

What Can the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression System do for me?

DRX9000 is true spinal decompression. Spinal decompression has been shown effective for disc herniations, disc bulges, disc degeneration, sciatica, and facet syndrome. Decompression, unlike traction, creates a vacuum inside the disc allowing the disc material to suck back into the middle of the spine. For more information, visit www.SantaCruzDRX.com