Questions Frequently Asked
of Chiropractors & Chiropractic

General Questions

What is a Chiropractor? ◊ What is a Brain Stem Specialist? ◊ Can you help me? ◊ How long will it take? ◊ How much will it cost? ◊ Are X-rays necessary? ◊ What is the goal of Chiropractic Adjustment? ◊ What is the “big idea?” ◊ What are the “5 Factors of Health?” ◊ Can children benefit from Chiropractic care? ◊ Who was the first Chiropractic patient? ◊ What is subluxation? ◊ What is the “popping sound? ◊ Is it necessary to adjust my neck? ◊ Do you offer Massage Therapy? ◊ Can Chiropractic help me quit smoking?

CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy? ◊ How can CranioSacral Therapy benefit me? ◊ How is CranioSacral Therapy performed?

Therapeutic Laser Therapy

How does Therapeutic Laser Therapy work? ◊ How is a Therapeutic Laser session performed? ◊ How many Therapeutic Laser Therapy sessions will it take? ◊ What are the benefits of Therapeutic Laser Therapy?

DTS Therapy

Will DTS Therapy hurt? ◊ Is DTS Therapy new? ◊ Why is DTS Therapy more successful? ◊ Why the need for exercises and other therapies? ◊ Will my pain go away for good? ◊ How much will it cost? ◊ Can DTS Therapy help my pain? ◊ How long will my treatment program be?

What is a Chiropractor?

A Chiropractor is a Doctor of Chiropractic (i.e. – “D.C.”). A Chiropractor’s primary specialty is locating and correcting the vertebral subluxation. Many people think of Chiropractic as a means of treating neck pain and back pain, but doctors of Chiropractic are holistic practitioners who consider man as an integrated being, and give special attention to the physiological and biochemical aspects including structural, spinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular, nutritional, emotional and environmental relationships.

The practice and procedures utilized by Chiropractors are based on academic and clinical training received through accredited chiropractic colleges. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures include but are not limited to specific adjustments to the skeletal frame, trigger point and massage therapy to the musculature, and computerized surface EMG and Thermography readings. X-rays are also utilized when necessary.

Chiropractic is a drug-free, non-surgical science that focuses on the innate, recuperative healing powers of the body. The maximization of the human genetic potential is the ideal goal of the principled Chiropractor.

Note: A Chiropractor does not diagnose and treat specific conditions, but is an expert in removing interference to the system of your body, and it is your body that is in charge of healing you.

What is a Brain Stem Specialist?

A Brain Stem Specialist is a Chiropractor with advanced training in the C1 and C2 area of the spine. These two bones are the home of the medulla oblongata, or the lowest portion of the brain stem. This most sensitive and highly developed area of the central nervous system is the coordination center for your entire body. Your success or failure as a chiropractic patient depends on this area being clear or the slightest nerve interference.

Keeping this area “clear” involves special instrumentation, x-ray, and adjusting techniques. Of the estimated 55,000 licensed Chiropractors in the U.S., 1,500 are specialized in this very unique form of Chiropractic. A Brain Stem Specialist may also adjust the lower bones of the spine and extremities, but the primary focus is always the brain stem.

Can you help me?

Yes! Chiropractic deals with finding and fixing the cause of your problem, not just addressing the symptoms that you have manifested over the past lifetime. With appropriate care, almost all cases see improvement. The improvement that we speak of is removing the devastating nerve interference then allowing the body to take over and heal naturally…the way God intended.

How long will it take?

This is where our instrumentation comes in. Our experience has shown us that the inherent weaknesses in the body are present for many years before the symptoms actually show up, even in the case of acute trauma. Our instrumentation (sEMG and thermography) allows us to accurately give you a whole health picture of your body imbalance. Once this is determined, realistic health goals can then be set. How long will it take? Simply put, we don’t know until we scan you. For some patients, like Harvey Lillard, results are immediate; however, most cases see dramatic improvement within 5 – 7 visits.

How much will it cost? Appropriate question: How much is the investment?

This is a variable for all cases. Our office can verify your insurance benefits and send out an up-to-date fee schedule. Simply put, the investment depends on the chronic nature of the problem, your overall life stress, and your health goals.

Are x-rays necessary?

Case dependant - since there are 274 different combinations of misalignment in the upper cervical area (C1 and C2) of the spine. Administering specific upper cervical adjustments is not a light matter. Your health, our office, and the specificity of the adjustment require the need for cervical films to be taken in most instances.

What is the goal of the chiropractic adjustment?

For many years, Chiropractors were thought to “crack bones”. However, the true goal of any Principled Chiropractor is to ADJUST specific bones in the spinal column which are putting slight pressure on the nervous system. The ultimate goal is to remove nerve interference so that the human body is allowed to function more fully to its God-given, genetic potential.

What is the “Big Idea”?

The Big Idea in Chiropractic is that your body was created with an Innate Intelligence that runs every aspect of your being. This Innate Intelligence is “housed” in your Central Nervous System (The brain, brain-stem, and spinal cord). When pressure is placed on your CNS (through a bone putting pressure on your nerves), you are virtually UNABLE to live up to your God-given, genetic potential. Essentially, the Big Idea is to REMOVE this pressure from your CNS, thus enabling you to function at your optimal potential.

What are the “5 Factors of Health?”

The 5 Factors of Health are as follows:
     1. Rest and Relaxation
     2. Proper Nutrition
     3. Adequate exercise
     4. Optimal mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being (A Positive Mental Attitude)
     5. A Nervous System free of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex

Can children benefit from Chiropractic care?

Yes. 8 out of 10 children worldwide are born with a misalignment of the C1 vertebra. If left undetected and uncorrected, this minor misalignment causes a whole host of problems later in life. See our Kids page for more information.

Who was the first Chiropractic Patient?

The first Chiropractic patient was a deaf man by the name of Harvey Lillard. Mr. Lillard, a janitor, had explained to D.D. Plamer that 17 years earlier, he had been in a stooped-over position picking something up, and heard a “pop” in his neck. Mr. Lillard could not even hear a horse carriage clattering down a cobblestone street. See our page on the History of Chiropractic Care.

What is a subluxation?

Simply put, a subluxation is a vertebra in the spine putting pressure on the Central Nervous System. More complexly, the Vertebral Subluxation Complex (VSC) can involve muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, meninges as well as peripheral and central nervous system components.

What is the “popping” sound?

The “popping” or “cracking” sound is much like cracking your knuckles. It is a release of gas from the joint capsule. This, however, is not the adjustment. The specific movement, of a specific bone, in a specific way, at a specific time, by a qualified Doctor of Chiropractic IS the adjustment.

Is it necessary to adjust my neck? …. I’m scared?

The cervical region (neck) is the primary problem area in 95% of people alive today. This region must be addressed if optimum function is to occur. We’ve even had cases of low-back pain totally caused by cervical misalignment.

Do you offer Massage Therapy?

Yes we offer massage therapy services by appointment. Judy K Schafer, CMT, has worked with Chiropractors to help provide pain management for over 10 years. In addition to general Chiropractic, massage therapy can aid many patients with back pain and neck pain. But that is only the beginning. Judy offers her skills and talents to assist in the health and well being of others through CranioSacral & massage therapy. Learn more about Judy.

Can Chiropractic help me Quit Smoking?

Absolutely. If you want to quit smoking, you need to know that addiction starts in the brain and central nervous system, and that is the system we must treat. The nervous system is where the cravings are taking place. If we find a way to help restore the normal function of the mesolimbic system and help your body release dopamine and other important neurotransmitters, you will feel better and have less cravings. Auriculotherapy is the specific treatment we recommend to help you quit smoking.

CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that encourages your own natural healing mechanisms to dissipate negative effects of stress on your central nervous system. CranioSacral Therapy helps alleviate a wide range of illnesses, pain and dysfunction. See our CranioSacral Therapy page for more information.

How can CranioSacral Therapy benefit me?

CranioSacral Therapy strengthens your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction including migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, stress and tension, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries and much more. See a complete list of benefits.

How is CranioSacral Therapy performed?

CranioSacral Therapy is performed on a person fully clothed. Using a light touch-generally no more than the weight of a nickel, the practioner monitors the rhythm of the craniosacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances. The therapist then uses delicate manual techniques to release those problem areas and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

Therapeutic Laser Therapy

How does Therapeutic Laser Therapy work?

Therapeutic Laser Therapy is a physical modality that emits light (photons) in specific regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum. Learn more about Therapeutic Laser Therapy.

How is a Therapeutic Laser Therapy session performed?

Therapeutic Laser Therapy is simple and painless. Looking much like a flashlight, the probe is held close to the skin on the area being treated. The doctor or assistant will apply light to firm pressure to the area to improve the penetration of the energy.

How many Therapeutic Laser Therapy sessions will it take to “fix my problem”?

In most cases, multiple treatments are required to resolve chronic conditions and injuries. Recent findings conclude that, with few exceptions, patients do better when treatment begins as quickly as possible.

What are the benefits of Therapeutic Laser Therapy

Therapeutic Laser Therapy offers a wide range of benefits. It promotes cell growth, faster healing, increased metabolism, reduced swelling, improved nerve function, and it promotes the release of the body’s own pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins.

Questions about DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy

Will DTS Therapy treatments hurt? Is it safe?

DTS Therapy treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. The treatments utilize equipment with proven safety and efficacy. Most patients report a mild sense of stretch on their back or hips, and often fall asleep during treatment sessions. The DTS System is produced by the world’s largest manufacturer of hospital based rehabilitation equipment, with over 58 years of experience. Learn more about DTS Spinal Decompression Therapy.

Is DTS Therapy new?

Although traction therapy has been around for thousands of years, Decompressive Traction is relatively new. Advances in equipment and procedures have dramatically improved effectiveness. DTS Therapy is the most comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this previously hospital based therapy in our office. Continual improvements in the delivery system and regular updates in protocol keep the DTS in the forefront of non-invasive disc therapy. Each year over 50,000 patients are treated with DTS Therapy and that number is growing.

Why is DTS Therapy more successful than other treatment options?

DTS Therapy is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques and targeted “core” stabilization exercises with Biofeedback. In addition, we use other adjunctive treatments that have proven effectiveness in back care. It is this multi-faceted approach that makes the overall treatment so effective. Additionally, discs have been shown to be a predominate site of pain, so treating it as directly as possible makes sense. The blending of focused traction to the site, rehabilitation to the supporting structures, and overall strengthening of global musculature makes the treatment unique. DTS Therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery.

Why the need for exercises and other therapies?

Along with the damage in the disc we also need to treat the supporting spinal muscles. A complete program targeting the function of the stabilization muscles is a vital part of DTS Therapy. Heat, muscle stimulation, Ultrasound, and cold laser therapy can offer an additional benefit for inflammation and spasm reduction. Our hope is not only to help heal the disc but enhance muscle control and support of the low back. A gradual breakdown of the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stresses on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function. Exercise and adjunctive therapies will assist in rehabilitating these structures.

Will my pain go away for good?

Although it is difficult to predict the future, our experience is that most patients do find long-term relief or effective management of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments. Regular home exercise and periodic visits to our clinic will help in maintaining your spinal health and reduce the probability of reoccurrence. As with any comprehensive rehabilitation program your continued home care exercises and discretion in some daily activities is key to long-term relief.

How much will it cost?

Our office visits vary as to the extent of care needed, (DTS Therapy, adjustments, cold laser therapy, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, massage, auriculotherapy, etc.). However, we promise to only do those procedures necessary for your fullest recovery. You always have the choice as to the extent of care. Our staff will review all costs, payment options and insurance coverage up front. We want to help, and believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of you and good health.

Can DTS Therapy help my pain?

Though each patient is different and no doctor can guarantee success, the clinical results of this type of therapy have been effective in over 75% of patients treated. Common problems too many back conditions are damaged discs and poor spinal muscle control. Our treatment program addresses both of these core problems. The DTS System creates a controlled unloading of the vertebra to decrease disc pressure thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal from the inside out. Muscle strength, control and endurance can all be improved with other facets of DTS Therapy that include specific controlled exercises.

How long will my treatment program be?

It depends on the complexity and extent of the rehabilitation needed; however, we typically treat 3 times a week for 1 month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond. The treatment is administered over a reasonable time frame and your response is continually evaluated. Further treatments may be necessary or a reduced frequency may be recommended at that time. The rehabilitative phase may include additional DTS Therapy treatments, with spinal adjustments to enhance the results. Most patients are release from treatments after 8 weeks.

Our Service Area

Our office is located in Oakley Park Plaza in Greensburg PA, convenient to Westmoreland Mall. Many of our clients come from Greensburg, Latrobe, Ligonier, Irwin, Jeannette, New Alexandria, Mount Pleasant and throughout Westmoreland County.

We also have clients that come from greater distances like McKeesport, Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Blairsville, Indiana, Connellsville, Uniontown, Smithton, Belle Vernon, Washington, Monessen, Beaver Falls, Butler, Cranberry, Monroeville, and throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

We even have clients who travel all the way from Ohio for specific chiropractic care.

143 Hartman Road - Oakley Park, Suite #9 - Greensburg, PA 15601
CALL 1-866-SPECIFIC

Chiropractor serving Adults, Children, Teens, and Families with an office in Oakley Park, Greensburg, PA

Greensburg, Jeannette, Irwin, McKeesport, Pittsburgh, Latrobe, Ligonier, Johnstown, New Alexandria, Blairsville, Indiana, Connellsville, Uniontown, Smithton, Belle Vernon, Washington, Monessen, Ohio, Beaver Falls, Butler, Cranberry, Monroeville, and throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania

This website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition.