FAQs

Q: What is Chiropractic?

A: Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your body is a self-regulating, self-healing organism controlled by the brain, spinal cord and nerves. The 24 bones of the spine, or vertebrae, surround and protect the spinal cord and nerves. When misaligned, or subluxated, the vertebrae can interfere with the nervous system, causing pain and dysfunction.

As chiropractors, our objective is to analyze the spine, locate and correct these vertebral subluxations. The chiropractic method of correction is by specific adjustments of the spine, which are intended to correct vertebral subluxations over time, thereby allowing the innate (inborn) healing abilities of the body to work at maximum efficiency.

Q: What is an Adjustment?

A: A chiropractic adjustment is a carefully directed and controlled pressure applied to a spinal joint that is subluxated, or not moving properly. The chiropractic adjustment removes subluxations and restores motion to the joints, helping the bones of the spine gradually return to a more normal position and motion. With improved position and motion, there is decreased interference with the nervous system, increased communication within the body, and improved overall balance.

Q: What conditions can chiropractors treat?

A: Chiropractors do not treat conditions, nor do they cure disease! Chiropractors adjust vertebral subluxations to remove interference from the nervous system. With a properly functioning nervous system, your body is able to heal itself. Chiropractors do not chase symptoms; they look for the cause of the problem so the symptoms do not return. From sports injuries to prenatal care, our goal is always the same – to adjust spinal subluxations allowing the body to heal itself and function more efficiently.

Q: Do you have to be a certain age to see a Chiropractor?

A: Chiropractic is safe and effective for people of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. Each person is unique, so we will design a care program specific for your age, condition, and lifestyle.

Q: How much education do Doctors of Chiropractic need?

A: After completing their undergraduate education, chiropractors receive an additional four years of post-graduate education and a one-year internship to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. Their education curriculum is similar to medical school and there is special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, X-ray, and spinal adjusting techniques. To become a licensed chiropractor, he or she must pass a demanding four-part National Board Examination and then a State Board examination for the state in which they wish to practice. A chiropractor’s education never stops, as yearly continuing education is required for license renewal.

Q: Can I adjust myself?

A: It is virtually impossible to adjust yourself because a chiropractic adjustment is a specific force applied in a specific direction to one area in the spine. Even a chiropractor cannot adjust him or herself. It is possible to bend or twist and hear and feel a “popping” along the spine. This is a general movement, however, that may help release pressure but is usually counterproductive and can create areas of instability. The best way to adjust the spine is to see a doctor of chiropractic.

Q: How long will it take me to get better?

A: It is difficult to predict how your body will react to adjustments. Correcting a spinal problem depends on several factors including how long the problem has been around and your current lifestyle. Your body will heal as quickly as it wants to, and sometimes that takes time. Some patients may require ongoing supportive care for optimum spinal function, while others find that periodic checkups help keep them in balance and maintain better health.

Q: What is Acupuncture?

A: It is a treatment modality which was developed several thousand years ago to treat illnesses and medical conditions through a noninvasive holistic medical system. It looks at the body as a whole being and works with the body’s energy system called “Qi” to promote natural healing.

Q: What conditions can Acupuncture treat?

A: The aim of acupuncture is to not only treat symptoms, but to treat the whole patient and restore balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Acupuncture is commonly and traditionally used as a preventative treatment, which is the most important benefit of this medicine.

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can relieve the following complaints: http://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/who-official-position/. Please call 858-245-6049 for details or questions regarding your specific condition.

Q: Is acupuncture covered by insurance?

A: It depends on your insurance coverage. Please email a copy of the front and back of your insurance card, as well as the front of a photo I.D. to our medical biller, Sharlene, at wellnessloungebilling@gmail.com to have your benefits checked for our office.

Q: What kind of needles do you use?

A: The needles are sterile and brand new. They are one-time use, and vary in size and length depending on the location they are placed. They are thin, slightly thicker than a human hair and solid. They are made from stainless steel and the point of the needle is smooth and not hollow like a hypodermic needle and many times smaller.

Q: Does Acupuncture hurt?

A: This is a very common question because people associate needles with pain from Western Medicine. Acupuncture needles are not anything like hypodermic needles used to administer medications in Western Medicine. Acupuncture needles are many times smaller in thickness and are solid with smooth endings. People experience acupuncture needles differently and most patients feel only a minimal sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people feel no pain at all and others feel as short quick sensation upon insertion. Once the needles are in place, people may feel anything from nothing to a heaviness or lightness feeling.

Q: Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the treatment?

A: It is best to eat a light meal before your appointment. At times, someone who has not eaten may feel lightheaded or weak following treatment. You want to allow your body to be able to adjust to the energy changes that will occur during the acupuncture session. It is best to wear loose fitting clothing so that your arms, legs, and abdomen are accessible.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Acupuncture points are selected to meet the needs of the individual patient and needles are placed, functioning as communicators to the body’s Qi and restoring balance.

Q: How many treatments will I need?

A: Generally, a series of treatments are necessary to resolve a condition. Each case and condition is treated individually and it is best to consult with a practitioner for more details about your specific treatment plan. An initial consultation is required to determine each patient’s prognosis.

Q: What should I expect while getting a massage?

A: Your massage therapist will happily answer any questions that you may have about the massage and will explain and demonstrate how to get on and off the table safely, the protocol for disrobing, aromatherapy, pressure used during the massage, etc.

Q: Can I get a massage when I'm pregnant?

A: Yes, although it is advised that you seek your physicians approval prior to booking your massage and notify the massage therapist if there are any complications with the pregnancy. It is the patient's full responsibility to disclose that you are pregnant and provide any information pertaining to your health and your safety.

Q: How often should I get a massage?

A: You can get a relaxation massage as often as you'd like, however for more specialized modalities, consult with your massage therapist to create a individualized regimen.

Q: Do I have to be completely undressed?

A: No. In fact, some style of massage require you to keep your clothes on such as Thai massage. You can disrobe to your comfort level for any massage. You can consult with your massage therapist with any further questions.

Q: Does massage hurt?

A: No. Massage is not intended to hurt you, but help heal you. It is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after receiving deeper bodywork, but this can be avoided by proper hydration, foam rolling and stretching. Please consult your massage therapist about your desired level of pressure: light, medium or deep.

Q: When should I NOT be getting a massage?

A: You should not book a massage if you have a fever, cold/flu, or contagious skin infection.
There are many other conditions in which your therapist may need to adapt his/her techniques (i.e. arthritis or osteoporosis) or avoid an area completely (i.e. cuts or burns). With some conditions it is a good idea to get an approval from your physician before you receive massage (cancer, certain heart conditions, pregnancy). This doesn't mean you can't get massage. But its always better to err on the side of caution.
Your therapist can advise you about your specific needs.

For more information please contact our office.

Q: What is Naturopathic Medicine?

A: Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare that utilizes natural therapies to treat disease and promote wellness. This alternative form of medicine is built on the following fundamental principles: prevention, first do no harm, the healing power of nature, treat the cause, treat the whole person, and doctor as teacher. The body has an innate ability to heal itself and this ability is enhanced once the obstacles to cure are removed and the supportive therapies are added. By finding the root cause of the illness rather than masking the symptoms with drugs, we can achieve complete healing.

For more information please contact our office.

Q: What can Naturopathic Doctors (ND's) Do?

A: ND’s can diagnose and treat acute and chronic disease. ND’s are trained in phlebotomy and can order standard bloodwork as well as advanced specialized testing. Treatment modalities include optimal diet and nutritional counseling, botanical medicine, medical grade supplements, vitamin injections, intraveneous therapy, lifestyle interventions, homeopathy, physical medicine modalities, and hydrotherapy. ND’s can prescribe hormones as well as pharmaceutical drugs (some restrictions depending on the state).

Q: How are ND's educated and trained?

A: ND’s complete a 4 year doctoral program at an accredited naturopathic medical school after finishing undergraduate degree. An ND is educated in all of the biomedical sciences as an MD or DO, as well as cutting edge natural therapies. Clinical curriculum exceeds 1200 hours of hands-on, supervised training. Naturopathic doctors are trained in primary care and can specialize or focus thier practice.

Q: What should I expect during an Initial Consultation?

A: The initial consultation will last for approximately 90 minutes where the naturopathic doctor will review all pertinent medical history, gather a chronological histroy of symptoms, review medication and supplement list, and perform a comprehensive physical exam along with taking vital signs. At the end of the visit, the patient will receive an individualized treatment plan and recommendations. Follow up visits last for 30-45 minutes typically.

Q: What should I bring with me for the Initial Consultation?

A: Please bring digital or paper copies of all bloodwork, medications, and supplements. Prepare to come 10-15 minutes before the start of your initial consultation to fill out the new patient naturopathic paperwork.

Q: Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by health insurance?

A: No, not at this time. We do not bill insurance.

Q: What is a b12 shot?

A: A B12 shot is an intramuscular injection of the water-soluble vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). B12 is an important cofactor that aids the body in converting proteins, fats and carbohydrates in to energy. It also plays an important role in forming red blood cells, controlling key enzymes, and DNA synthesis.

Q: What are the benefits of a B12 shot?

A: B12 is used as a treatment for certain types of anemias, low dietary B12 with vegan/vegetarian diet, and for symptoms susch as fatigue, muscle weakness, peripheral numbness and tingling and more. The benefits include increased energy, mental alertness and stamina, improved immune system function, deeper sleep, increased metabolism, reduced allergies, as well as potential decrease in the frequency and severity of headaches.

Q: How is a B12 shot delivered and is it painful?

A:A small needle is used to inject the B12 into the deltoid muscle or upper quadrant of the gluteus maximus muscle. Depending upon the patient’s pain tolerance, some individuals report feeling nothing while others feel a quick pinch sensation. 

Q: How often can I receive a B12 shot?

A: For vegans and vegetarians you can recieve a B12 shot up to once per week if you are not supplementing orally or sublingually with B12 and meet your daily recommended amount. Otherwise for individuals who consume some animal products and/or take B12 supplements you can generally receive a B12 shot every 1-2 weeks for the first month and then take once per month for maintenance. There are some variance here depending on the individual and it is best to consult with your naturopathic doctor or PCP for specific recommeneded amounts of B12.

Q: Can I get a B12 shot when I'm pregnant?

A: As a water-soluble vitamin without a tolerable upper intake level, vitamin B12 injections are considered safe during pregnancy.  However, it is the patient's full responsibility to disclose that you are pregnant and provide any information pertaining to your health and your safety. The doctor as the right to decline you as a candidate for a B12 injection if indicated otherwise.