Will X-rays be necessary? Not in all cases. Recent federal guidelines relating to the treatment of lower back pain include the recommendation that in most cases when the physical examination indicates a low probability of space occupying lesions or history of bone deterioration disease that 30 days of conservative treatment is appropriate prior to adding more expensive and sophisticated diagnostic tools such as x-ray, CT scan or MRI. X-rays may be beneficial to chiropractors in ways that differ from the medical or osteopathic physician. Your condition is unique and will be addressed as such. If the doctor feels that x-rays or some other “high tech” tests are indicated by your history and physical examination those recommendations will be discussed with you prior to continuing treatment and a mutual decision will be reached.

What does chiropractic do? To be thorough and complete would be very difficult and technical. Essentially, chiropractors use methods of adjusting the spine and the joints of the extremities to enhance or return joint movement to an optimum level. This allows the body to regain lost muscle, tendon and ligament activity and affects the way different body parts and joints interact allowing the body to reach a degree of homeostasis or optimum function. We also use passive therapies or physiotherapy modalities to assist and enhance the level and speed of your recovery. These include various types of muscle and nerve stimulators, mechanical massage, heat, ice, light therapies or ultrasound.

What other modes of treatment are used at SunBear Chiropractic Center? We have massage therapy. Linda Decker is our therapist. You can view her back round and education on the staff portion of the web site. New Physique Fitness is also present in our office. Merine McCoy handles all the nutritional counseling and exercise therapy for our patients and her clients. Her information is also available on that portion of our web site. We are firm believers in the role of exercise and diet in the total picture of optimum health and fitness. Exercise is used regularly in our methods of chiropractic treatment. We will place exercises on the web site periodically to encourage your efforts at self care and maintaining your health and fitness.

Can chiropractic cure everything? Nothing can cure everything. Our methods of chiropractic treatment enhance your body’s ability to regain fuller use of the joints and muscles and reduce nerve interference and pressure so that your body can take care of itself better. There are many conditions that chiropractic can assist patients with and while not affecting the course of the underlying condition can make your quality of life better or increase your functionality.

How long do I have to be in treatment? The length of your treatment varies as greatly as the condition and types of injuries that we treat. Other conditions can be present before or occur after an injury or with a chronic condition. These all affect the individual’s length of care and degree of recovery. Normally, acutely injured patients are placed under treatment for a 3-4 week period at anywhere from 5 to 2 treatments per week. This generally depends of the severity of the injury, but is also influenced by other factors such as work and activity demands. The patient’s response to care is evaluated every visit using the pain diagrams and pain assessment surveys so that the doctor can alter the frequency of treatment as the individual’s response to care dictates. Many traumatic injuries require 6-12 weeks of passive care and may even require 4-6 weeks of exercise therapy to reach a state of recovery and spinal stability allowing a full release. Some conditions are chronic or develop chronic components that necessitate home care activities and regular follow up visits just to sustain optimum functionality.

How much do treatments cost? The usual treatment costs are based on the time spent with the doctor or therapist, the type and number of procedures performed on a particular visit and whether braces, supports or supplements are dispensed. Many insurers are contracted with SunBear Chiropractic and we have a set fee schedule that applies. Many other insurers have co-payments or deductibles that will apply to chiropractic treatments. We always try to be aware of costs, whether they are being paid directly by the patient or from an insurance company. We can always review a balance of costs with you in the office if you have questions. Our staff generally will inform you of your insurance policy obligations if you are covered by a contracted insurer. We do have mechanisms in place to allow special reductions for hardship, sports and certain professions. (students, rodeo cowboys and artists.)

When do I pay for my treatments? Treatment not covered by one of the contracted insurers should be paid for at the time they are received, unless arrangements have been made with the office manager (Gloria Cothern). Please feel free to discuss the course and the cost of your treatment with the doctor and the office manager. We do not want finances to be a barrier to better health and wellness or to your ability to adhere to the recommended treatment plan. All efforts will be made to accommodate you to the best of our abilities.

What kinds of conditions do chiropractors treat? Chiropractic care has been found to be beneficial in many types of conditions. Some are well known like pinched nerves, muscle sprains and strains, headaches, myofascial pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Other types of problems that seem to have no relationship to the spine also respond to chiropractic care. These include TMJ disorder, gastric reflux, otitis media, colic, plantar fascitis and sinusitis. Remember, the nerves control all activities in the body. Please feel free to discuss conditions that you, your family members, or friends have been suffering from with the doctors so that they can address your concerns individually.

Thank you for considering SunBear Chiropractic for your treatment needs. We will try or best to make your trust in us a successful experience and pledge to work for a healthier you. We appreciate the referral of family and friends and think that referrals are the highest form of complement that you can pay us.