Chiropractic care optimizes spinal alignment and restores nervous system function. Many patients begin chiropractic care for a specific concern such as neck pain, back pain, headaches or a traumatic injury such as a motor vehicle collision or work injury. In many cases, it is found that not only does the pain get better or disappear, but also quality of life improves dramatically with increased energy and function.
Step 1 | Consultation
A thorough case history is taken on new patients to determine if their problem is chiropractic related. Dr. Kara or Dr. Greg McGillivray will consult with you in depth about your entire case history. It is at this point that the doctor will determine and discuss with you what testing is required for your specific case. There is no charge for your initial consultation at our office.
Step 2 | Examinations
If the doctor feels that you have a chiropractic related problem, or a condition that needs further evaluation, a thorough examination is performed. This examination often includes vital signs, computerized range of motion, orthopedic tests, neurologic tests, chiropractic testing, postural analysis and a computerized spinal scan.
Step 3 | X-Rays
X-rays may also be performed if indicated by history and examination. Minimum necessary views are taken and only when absolutely necessary. Modern film and screen combinations are used to minimize exposure.
Step 4 | Report of Findings
After carefully correlating your findings, we will review our findings with you. Recommendations and options will be made for your specific case.
Therapy
As an adjunct to the adjustment, we utilize the most current therapies available including ultrasound and interferential, a type of muscle stimulation. Therapies help the function of the adjustment by reducing muscle spasm or tightness, by reducing pain/inflammation and by promoting the healing process.
Subluxation
When a subluxation occurs it causes nerve interference in some portion of the body affected by those nerves. The subluxation causes changes to the structure as well as the nerves. These changes get progressively worse as time is allowed to work on the subluxated area of the spine. These changes take the form of ongoing degeneration known as "subluxation degeneration". By understanding the type and amount of changes, it is possible to reasonably estimate the time subluxations have been present in a spine. Having this information is useful in understanding the time and effort needed for correction.
Near Normal
This is a side x-ray view of the neck. As with all the pictures you will see on this page, the patient is looking to the right of the screen, so you are viewing the right side of their neck. We will call this picture a "near normal" spine. Compare this spine with the ones you will see below on this page. Notice the normal forward curve of the neck. This curve helps absorb shock. Notice how each of the disc spaces between C2 (second bone in neck) and C7 are thick and even, this again is normal. Also notice how the front portions (right on the x-ray) of each of the vertebrae (called the 'body' of the vertebrae) are fairly square with clear and well defined borders. This type of arrangement is normal in the neck. Normal vertebrae in other parts of the spine also have similar characteristics to what we see here. When subluxations occur and are left uncorrected, ongoing relentless changes occur that result in damage to the structure and function of the spine along with nerve damage and the resulting problems caused from improper nerve supply.
Phase One | Subluxation Degenartion
Phase One Subluxation Degeneration is seen in subluxations that have been present for up to twenty years. This phase is characterized with a loss or change in the normal curve in the spine. On this example you can see that the normal forward (lordotic) curve is lost. This spine even has developed a reverse curve in the neck. The disc spaces have also begun to exhibit a slight change in shape. One good point is that the bodies of each of the vertebrae (the square part in front) still exhibits clean clear borders. Segmental motion may be abnormal but overall motion is probably not affected. More than 80% of people with Phase One Subluxation Degeneration have no pain. Therefore, if left uncorrected, phase one continues to progress with time until it eventually reaches the next phase.
Phase Two | Subluxation Degenartion
Phase two subluxation degeneration is normally seen in subluxations that have been present between 20 and 40 years. This phase has some of the same characteristics of the previous phase including a loss of normal curvature and position as well as an alteration in segmental motion. In addition, spines with Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration many times show a reduction in the patient's range of motion in that area. X-rays of a phase two begin to show calcium changes or buildup at certain levels of the spine. These changes are sometimes called by many names including spurs and arthritis. Disc spaces between the affected vertebrae are noticeably narrower and may appear to be flattening out. Although most people with Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration may not exhibit any symptoms, some may start to feel stiff or achy. Again, if Phase Two Subluxation Degeneration is left uncorrected it slowly advances to the next phase.
Phase Three | Subluxation Degenartion
Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration is caused by subluxations that have been continuing on for between 40 and 65 years. This phase has all of the attributes of the previous phases, only worse. The curvatures are abnormal, the disc spaces are vastly decreased and changed. Calcium changes on the spine are abundant in this phase. Normally, people in phase three have a restricted range of motion and probably exhibit symptoms of some kind. In phase three the vertebrae show obvious changes and mutations in shape. Projections made of calcium, sometimes referred to as "spurs or lipping", can be readily seen on x-ray. In many instances the body adapts to the presence of the calcium and positive changes can only be measured from a functional standpoint. As before, if Phase Three Subluxation Degeneration is left unchecked it slowly advances onward into the next phase.
Phase Four | Subluxation Degenartion
Phase four subluxation degeneration is seen with subluxations that have been uncorrected or altered for over sixty five years. Phase four is a grave condition that will negatively affect the patients quality of life. The massive amount of neurological damage caused by years of subluxation that have lead to phase four are probably taking a serious toll on this person's health status. X-rays in phase four show serious severe structural changes. Vertebrae exhibit massive calcium changes, disc spaces appear blurred, and the bones themselves appear fused. In this scenario the patient will have a severe restriction of range of motion in addition to probably a number of other health issues. Care can be directed to some reduction in subluxation with the goal of improvement in the quality of life remaining. Patients in Phase Four Subluxation Degeneration have a serious situation both structurally and neurologically, but they are certainly not beyond hope. Many patients in phase four report significant improvements in symptoms, conditions, mobility and quality of life.
Insurance Providers & Payments
We accept most insurances and submit claims on your behalf at no charge to you.
Payment Options
We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover. Flexible payment plans are available.
We also offer individual and family wellness plans.
