Why don't you belong to my HMO?

Great question...we did for the first 5 years in practice and found that we weren't happy, the patient wasn't happy...but the HMO was happy because they were in control of your health and rationed care.  It became extremely frustrating so we decided not to re-up our contracts.  Now...it's 12+ years later and our patients our so happy 80% of our new patients come from referral...now we're happy!  We still see many patients with Kaiser, etc due to our commitment to health and our great wellness plans.

What is the "popping" sound I hear when I get adjusted?

 Air...a combination of gases, gets trapped in the joint and when it is adjusted the air is released and you hear a "pop." Also after the air is released -- joint fluid is then allowed to enter the space and "lube" it up, bringing much-needed nutrients and increased range of motion.

If I start going to a chiropractor... won't I always have to go?

How long you choose to benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you. Chiropractic always addresses the physical cause of any problem. You wouldn't expect to be fit and healthy with just a few visits to the gym or ready for the U.S. Open after a couple of golf lessons. Just like choosing a lifetime of exercise and a healthy diet.. versus daily medication -- chiropractic is a way of life. Be patient -- physical changes take time and maintenance. Good health is always your choice.

Is my problem related to muscle or bone?

Muscles and bones work together. It's hard to injure one without affecting the other. Chiropractic care treats both the muscle and skeletal systems.

When would you prescribe custom orthotics for a patient?

Almost everyone could benefit from our custom-fit orthotics. Orthotics correct most problems by adding custom support to the body. But when a patient suffers from chronic pain -- especially the feet, ankles, knees, hips and back... they definitely benefit. Recent studies show that orthotics can also help scoliosis as well as your golf game!

When do I need x-rays?

A patient might need x-rays in the cases or trauma, chronic pain, unusual pain and at different stages of their lives. The use of x-rays can be very beneficial and help us with the correct diagnosis. They are not always required, but the decision should always be left up to the doctor.

Do you adjust kids and young adults?

Young people do great with chiropractic care -- their bodies are still growing so they accept and hold their adjustments much better than adults. It's much easier to treat a child with scoliosis or back problems than to wait until adulthood. A study in 1989 compared the patients of 200 pediatricians with 200 children who had been under the care of chiropractic doctors. The overall health of the chiropractic children was superior with fewer ear infections, fewer allergies, less tonsillitis, and less need for antibiotics.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is the precise procedure in which a chiropractor exerts specific corrective pressure at specific places on your spine or other joints. When we find that certain joints are not functioning properly -- adjustments are applied to correct joint function and to relieve any associated spasm, swelling, nerve tension, improve muscle balance and assist healing.


What do you mean when you advise me to be proactive with my health?

Believe it or not -- most health care professionals agree on this subject. It is much easier to cure problems before they become serious and need extensive care. Be smart -- be proactive -- take charge of your health as well as your family's. Don't buy into that old "If it ain't broke... don't fix it" adage. If that were true we'd all wait until our car was out of oil to change it or watch our tires wear unevenly before rotating them. By the time some things are "broke" -- it's very hard to "fix it." I advise my patients, as well as my family, to be proactive with their overall health. It's smart to receive adjustments throughout the year -- not just when you are in pain. Don't wait until you're in severe spasms and you can't move -- its' not worth it.