Chiropractic
Q: What conditions do chiropractors treat?
A: Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. DCs are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches...particularly with their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. DCs also counsel patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment safe?
A: Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension. Neck manipulation, when performed by a skilled and well-educated professional such as a doctor of chiropractic, is a remarkably safe procedure.
Some reports have associated high-velocity upper neck manipulation with a certain rare kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection. However, evidence suggests that this type of arterial injury often takes place spontaneously in patients who have pre-existing arterial disease. These dissections have been associated with everyday activities such as turning the head while driving, swimming, or having a shampoo in a hair salon. Patients with this condition may experience neck pain and headache that leads them to seek professional care—often at the office of a doctor of chiropractic or family physician—but that care is not the cause of the injury. The best evidence indicates that the incidence of artery injuries associated with high-velocity upper neck manipulation is extremely rare—about one to three cases in 100,000 patients who get treated with a course of care. This is similar to the incidence of this type of stroke among the general population.
If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.
When discussing the risks of any health care procedure, it is important to look at that risk in comparison to other treatments available for the same condition. In this regard, the risks of serious complications from spinal manipulation for conditions such as neck pain and headache compare very favorably with even the most conservative care options. For example, the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain—over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and prescription painkillers—are significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation.
According to the American Journal of Gastroenterology, people taking NSAIDS are three times more likely than those who do not to develop serious adverse gastrointestinal problems such as hemorrhage (bleeding) and perforation. That risk rises to more than five times among people age 60 and older.
Moreover, the number of prescriptions for powerful drugs such as oxycodone and hydrocodone have tripled in the past 12 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that abuse of these commonly prescribed painkillers are among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. Overdoses of opioid painkillers are responsible for some 15,000 deaths per year; that’s more than the number of deaths from cocaine and heroin combined.
Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education has prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.
Q: Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
A: A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC); however, your health plan may have specific referral requirements. You may want to contact your employer’s human resources department—or the insurance plan directly—to find out if there are any referral requirements. Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment appropriate for children?
A: Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.
Q: Are chiropractors allowed to practice in hospitals or use medical outpatient facilities?
A: Chiropractors are being recognized to admit and treat patients in hospitals and to use outpatient clinical facilities (such as labs, x-rays, etc.) for their non-hospitalized patients. Hospital privileges were first granted in 1983.
Q: Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
A: Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, workers’ compensation, Medicare, some Medicaid plans, and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans for federal employees, among others. Chiropractic care is also available to active-duty members of the armed forces at more than 60 military bases and is available to veterans at more than 60 major veterans medical facilities.
Q: What type of education and training do chiropractors have?
A: Doctors of chiropracticare educated as primary-contact health care providers, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system (the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine and extremities) and the nerves that supply them. Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. The typical applicant for chiropractic college has already acquired nearly four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard. Doctors of chiropractic are educated in orthopedics, neurology, physiology, human anatomy, clinical diagnosis including laboratory procedures, diagnostic imaging, exercise, nutrition rehabilitation and more. Because chiropractic care includes highly skilled manipulation/adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical technique training to master these important manipulative procedures. In total, the chiropractic college curriculum includes a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The course of study is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accrediting agency that is fully recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Q: How is a chiropractic adjustment performed?
A: Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractic physician typically uses his or her hands--or an instrument--to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient's pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Q: Is chiropractic treatment ongoing?
A: The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. In contrast, a course of treatment from medical doctors often involves a pre-established plan that is conducted at home (i.e. taking a course of antibiotics once a day for a couple of weeks). A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Your doctor of chiropractic should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last.
Q: Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
A: Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.
Thermal Breast Imaging
Q: Can thermal Imaging be a replacement or substitute for mammography?
A: NO. The two tests examine completely different aspects of breast health. A mammogram, like an ultrasound and MRI, is a test that looks at the actual tissue, it is an anatomical test that focuses on finding structural problems like tumors, masses, cysts, calcifications, etc.
Thermal Imaging is very different. It is a test of function or physiology that sees HOT SPOTS.
These HOT SPOTS are the heat signatures of metabolic and vascular activity. An abnormal thermogram requires close monitoring & further evaluation with a test of anatomy—ultrasound for example—to specifically locate any findings, and proceed with any necessary treatment.
One test is not better than the other. They are looking at completely different aspects of the breast tissue. One is structure and the other is function. THEREFORE ONE CANNOT REPLACE OR SUBSTITUTE ONE FOR THE OTHER.
However, if nothing is found through follow‐up evaluation, you have an early RISK ASSESSMENT OR WARNING SYSTEM and the opportunity to do something about it.
No other test available has the ability to see this activity.
The good news…thermal imaging actually helps increase the accuracy of mammograms and other tests.
Think of how a weatherman uses a satellite image and a radar image to examine a storm; each gives different types of information, and together form a more complete picture. Similarly, Thermal Imaging and other tests work together to form a highly accurate picture of what’s happening in the breast.
Q: When should you use thermal imaging?
A: As soon as possible. Recent studies show an increasing number of breast cancer cases in women under age 40 (when your first mammogram is recommended). You should begin using Thermal Imaging when you are 20 years old to establish a baseline—between ages 20 and 30, every 3 years, and annually after that.
These recommendations are based on normal findings. Higher risk findings require more frequent monitoring. Thermal Imaging gives you the ability to safely and accurately monitor changes in your breast tissue’s activity. You can see the earliest signs of trouble, and take proper action. Thermal Imaging empowers you to take control of your breast health. Ultimately, you can make life‐saving decisions to protect yourself before it’s too late.
Q: Is thermal imaging covered by insurance?
A: You should check with your health insurance provider. There are some insurance companies who will reimburse you for the procedure. It really depends on where you are and the type of policy you have. We will provide you with all necessary codes to submit a claim.
Q: Can I have a thermal breast imaging if I’ve had breast surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, breast implants/reduction, etc.)?
A: Yes. Regardless of previous surgery to the breast tissue, your Thermal Imaging can be performed safely and accurately. In fact, mammography’s effectiveness is limited after such surgeries. There are guidelines as to when the thermal imaging should be performed in relation to surgery. If you’ve had breast surgery, and would like to know when you can have your evaluation, please call our office to schedule a FREE phone consultation.
Q: Can Thermal Imaging diagnose breast cancer?
A: No. In fact, all other methods (mammography, ultrasound, physical/self exam) can only suggest the presence or absence of disease. The only way to diagnose breast cancer is through a biopsy, and pathological study.
Q: Does my menstrual cycle affect the thermal imaging results?
A: No. Whether you are ovulating or just finishing your cycle it will not impact the results of your test.
Q: What if I have dense breast tissue or Fibrocystic Breasts?
A: There is NO CONTACT at all to you by anyone or anything. So the test will be 100% comfortable. Also, dense tissue, cysts, fibrocysts, etc. usually have very little metabolic activity (i.e., very low heat out‐put). These areas are frequently mistaken for higher concern issues that result in many more UNNECESSARY mammograms and painful biopsies. Just so you know…80% of all biopsies recommended based on a mammogram come back normal, that’s a lot of stress we could have avoided and expense.
Q: What If I Have Breast Implants?
A: There is NO CONTACT at all to you by anyone or anything. Thermal Imaging can help detect leaks in implants as well.
So the test will be 100% comfortable.
Q: How Does Thermal Imaging Work…What are we actually looking for?
A: Before a tumor can grow large enough to be seen by today’s imaging technology like mammography, ultrasound and MRI, the area that it will grow in needs to be primed.
A foundation has to be built. This foundation shows up as increased heat or INFRARED ENERGY due to increased inflammation and increased blood supply and/or circulation to that area. These areas show up as HOT SPOTS or show other thermal signs of increase RISK of a problem in the area. No other test available has the ability to see this activity.
The good news…thermal imaging actually helps increase the accuracy of mammograms and other tests.
Q: How often should I have thermal imaging of my breasts?
A: Annual evaluations are recommended. These recommendations are based on normal findings. Higher risk findings require more frequent monitoring. Thermal Imaging gives you the ability to safely and accurately monitor changes in your breast tissue’s activity.
Q: What is The Breasts4LIFE EXPERIENCE?
A: The Breasts4LIFE EXPERIENCE is built around you. Our clinic and affiliates have been performing thermal imaging for over 25 years.
Our technology is the most advanced medical thermal imaging in all of Michigan. Your image resolution and accuracy is FOUR TIMES that of the typical camera in use right now. We are the only thermal imaging service in Michigan that uses this FDA cleared camera and software technology. And in the world of medical devices nothing is more important. Our Training. All our thermal technicians have been trained by the International Academy of Clinical Thermology.
Our reports are written by the top professional within the thermal interpretation world. All are licensed health professionals (DC, DO, MD).
Q: How long does It take to get the report?
A: You will have your report within 7‐10 business days.
Q: What if I have a question about my report?
A: We are the only thermal imaging facility that offers direct one-on-one follow up phone support. We will make sure you understand everything!
Nutrition response Testing
Q: What is Nutrition Response Testing?
A: Nutritional Response Testing is a non-invasive system for analyzing the body to determine the underlying causes of ill health.
Q: What does Nutritional Response Testing involve? Will it hurt?
A: Nothing about Nutritional Response Testing is painful. It veers from traditional medical diagnostics, yet it has been around for thousands of years. It simply combines nutrition with muscle testing – part of the science of applied kinesiology. It is a precise method based on principles of anatomy, physiology, and other sciences as well as philosophies from Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and massage.
Q: What makes Nutritional Response Testing unique?
A: In traditional medical practice, there are two key elements: 1) the diagnosis (identifying and/or naming the “disease” or syndrome) and, 2) the treatment (drugs, surgery, etc.).
In Nutritional Response Testing we do not diagnose or treat disease – but also have two parts: 1) the analysis (assessment of the body’s current health status) and, 2) a personalized health improvement program (using designed clinical nutrition).
Q: What is “Designed Clinical Nutrition”?
A: Designed Clinical Nutrition is just that: designed (especially prepared based on a specific plan); clinical (pertaining to the results gotten in clinical use or actual practice on large numbers of patients over many years); and, nutrition (real food, designed by nature to enable the body to repair itself and grow healthfully).
Q: How does this testing work on my body?
A: The Nutritional Response Testing practitioner contacts a specific organ, tissue or areas with his/her hand. With the other hand, he/she will test the muscle of your extended arm. If the organ/area being tested is “active” the nervous system will respond by reducing energy to the extended arm. The arm will weaken. This weakness signifies underlying stress or dysfunction which can be affecting your health.
Q: How will you treat my health problems?
A: In traditional medicine, the doctor makes a diagnosis and then uses drugs, therapy or surgery to attack or suppress the symptom or, remove the “offending” organ or malfunctioning part.
In Nutritional Response Testing we use Designed Clinical Nutrition in the form of quality supplements to correct the cause of the problem, so the body can regain the ability to correct and heal itself.
Q: How are the supplements dispensed?
A: In most cases, it is a concentrated whole food, in a tablet, capsule or powder. Supplements are prepared using a unique manufacturing process that preserves all the active enzymes and vital components that make it work as nature intended. These real food supplements have been designed to match the needs of the body, as determined by the positive response shown when tested against the active Nutritional Response Testing organs/areas. The affected organs, tissue or areas are not getting the right nutrients or not assimilating into your body from the current diet or over the counter supplements.
Q: What makes these supplements different than what I can buy at the grocery or drug store?
A: “Over-the-counter” vitamins are pharmaceutically engineered chemical fractions of vitamin structures reproduced in a laboratory. Because they are not made from whole foods, over-the-counter vitamins are not genuine replacement parts as they lack many of the essential elements normally present in WHOLE foods.
Vitamins sold over-the-counter generally only need to have a small percentage of their actual content derived from natural sources to be labeled “natural”. If they are not derived from whole foods, they often make you more deficient and nutritionally out-of-balance. They can create other health problems because they do not contain all the co-factors found in nature that make the vitamins work.
Q: What is a “Whole Food”?
A: Carrots are an example of a whole food. Carrots are high in Vitamin A Complex. A complex is something made up of many parts that work together. Synthetic Vitamin A does not contain the whole “Vitamin A Complex” found in nature. So, if you’re looking for a food high in complex Vitamin A, carrots are a good choice.
If you happen to be deficient in any of the components of Vitamin A Complex, it would be wise to seek out a supplement made from whole foods that are rich in this complex – not from chemicals re-engineered in a laboratory.
Q: Is it possible to restore my health?
A: Many people we see have eaten themselves, to one degree or another, into their current state of ill-health. These deficiencies or imbalances lead to a breakdown in resistance, or immunity, and loss of the ability to cope with environmental stresses (i.e. food, immune, chemical, or otherwise).
Nutritional Response Testing tells you when and what to use to bring about the desired health result while Designed Clinical Nutrition provides the materials to help your body heal itself from the inside. So yes, it is possible to reverse the process! Keep in mind, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Q: How can I expect my body to respond to this reversal and restoration?
A: Each cell, tissue, and organ in your body is in the process of replacing itself every day, month and year. The health of each organ is dependent on making the correct nutrients available to upgrade or to maintain the health of the body at a cellular level.
In the end, you are responsible for your own condition. With our guidance, your chances of greatly improving your health can be as high as 90% or better. It’s up to you to follow your practitioner’s guidelines on supplements and nutrition to get a better handle on your health.
Q: Why can’t I just healthy and forego the supplements and treatment?
A: Although eating clean, organic, whole foods will go a long way to optimal health, unfortunately, our food has only a fraction of the nutrients that it had 100 years ago. Our soil is depleted and toxic and it reflects in the food quality. Many of us are sick because of this, combined with eating processed foods. We simply need more than what’s in food to give the body what it needs to heal and work at its best. Nutrition Response Testing and specifically designed supplements will guide your body to optimal health for many years to come.