FAQs

Click the frequently asked questions below to reveal the answers.

Why do I need to wait until the second visit to get adjusted?

An initial history and evaluation is needed to determine a treatment plan that is specifically geared to your needs. A treatment plan includes a detailed analysis of your images as well as recommendations for appointment frequency, length of treatment plan, and lifestyle adjustments, including diet and exercise.

How do you use X-ray images?

These are taken to measure the displacement of the Atlas vertebra in three different planes, from the top, the front, and the side. Limited images are also taken after the first treatment. By comparing before and after treatment images, the precise adjustment that will optimize the healing process can be determined.

What can I expect after my first adjustment?

Adjustments take a few days to settle in. Allow your body to adapt to these changes. Notice how you feel the second, third, fourth, or even seventh day after the treatment. At every appointment, we check to see if your body is holding its adjustment and then determine the proper amount of care for the future.

Remember that your body is only consciously aware of approximately 10% of its entire nervous system functioning. By receiving an Upper Cervical adjustment, your nervous system is rebalancing itself and this impacts the whole.

Dr. Sarah recommends drinking lots of water. If there is any soreness, you may apply ice to your upper neck for 20 minutes every 2 hours during the day and be sure to relax for that first day after an adjustment.

What can I do to help hold my adjustment?
  1. Do NOT try to crack, pop or twist your neck.
  • Keep neck movements within a 45-degree range of motion.
  • Avoid reaching above your head and carrying heavy objects.
  • Get proper rest.
      • Proper rest is 7‐8 hours of sleep per night.
      • Do NOT sleep on your stomach.
      • Lie on your side or back while sleeping.
        faq_pillow
    • Your pillow should fill the space between your neck and the bed to keep your neck straight. Your pillow should not be too thin or too thick.
    • Your mattress should offer good, firm support.
  • Become more active.
    • 30 min/day; 3 times/week can make a big difference.
    • A sedentary lifestyle can slow the recovery process.
  • Eat nutritious foods.
    • The goal is to limit any inflammation inside the body.
    • A diet high in protein and vegetables is your goal!
    • Limit carbohydrates in the form of bread, chips, energy bars, cookies, etc.
  • Drink water!
    • Do NOT drink sodas or diet drinks.
    • Stay away from anything sweetened with Glutamate, Aspartame, and Splenda (sucralose). These are all known Neurotoxins!
  • Give yourself time: Healing is a process –not an event!
    • Considerations like age, condition, lifestyle, and willingness to follow our recommendations will affect the pace of your recovery.
    • Keep a positive outlook!
  • Use a headset when talking on the telephone.
  • Avoid looking down for extended periods of time while texting, reading, or typing.
  • Master the computer before it masters you.
    ergonomics_computer_2

    • The computer screen should be a little further than one arm’s length away (this reduces eye and neck strain).
    • The top of the screen should be just below eye level.
    • Forearms and hands should be supported on the desk with keyboard at elbow height.
    • Use a document holder next to the screen, not flat on the desk.
    • Sit up straight with your back in total contact against the chair and feet flat on the floor.
    • Your hips should be higher than your knees.
  • Use proper lifting techniques.
    faq_lifting

    • When lifting, keep your back straight; bend from the hips and knees and lift from your legs, not back.
    • Have firm footing and maintain a stable base.
    • Tighten your stomach muscles when lifting and keep objects close to your body.
    • Do NOT twist your back while lifting.
  • Do NOT sit on a thick pocket wallet or carry a purse on your shoulder.
  • Do NOT get a neck massage.
  • If you are going to get a massage, restrict it to the shoulder region and below.
Do you adjust other areas of the spine?

While Dr. Sarah specializes in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, she is also trained to adjust other areas of the spine and body, including your cranium, hands, feet, shoulders, elbows and knees.

How much TIME will it take to feel better?

Dr. Sarah will track your progress and re-evaluate within 6 weeks of your first adjustment.

What is an Upper Cervical Subluxation?

This is a misalignment of the head and neck. Your head weighs about 10-15 pounds and balances on a vertebra known as the Atlas.

Subluxation of the Atlas in the Upper Cervical region affects the body’s neurology. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and complex nerve system of to every muscle, organ, and tissue.

When your Atlas shifts off the center of your spine, your head and neck will become misaligned, which can cause interference to the natural, unimpeded, and healthy flow of your nervous system.

Why might it seem that I get worse before I get better?

When a patient is under chiropractic care, he/she may experience symptoms that have not been there for months, or even years. We refer to this as “retracing”. Sometimes it may seem a patient is getting worse or developing some new problem; but the patient is actually retracing the several stages through which disease progressed in its making. The symptoms are not new, and neither are they an indication of a return to the old problem. These “retracing symptoms” are an indication that the body is healing and returning to normal function.

If a disease has been in progress for a number of years, we should not expect to regain the normal state within a few days.

Healing takes TIME as well as your active PARTICIPATION.

Does Schilbach Chiropractic accept insurance?

We do not bill insurance; however, we will gladly provide you with a “super bill” containing all the itemized information and codes necessary for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

We believe you deserve the best care available. Schilbach Chiropractic make our own decisions about health goals, without interference from any outside sources. No decisions are made on your behalf based upon cost-cutting or someone else’s authorization.

What if I am a Medicare patient?

You are responsible for payment to Schilbach Chiropractic. Our office will bill Medicare, and they will determine your reimbursement.

How much does treatment cost?

Your first visit includes a complete physical examination, with Orthopedic and Neurologic testing, and Imaging of the Cervical Spine. This first visit cost is $350.

Your Second Visit includes review of your personalized care plan, Upper Cervical correction, and a resting period. The cost is $200.

Ongoing office visits include an evaluation of whether or not you need to be adjusted. These cost $90.

Re-evaluation is scheduled after 6 weeks of care and costs $90.