Common FAQ:
If you have never had any type of chiropractic treatment, it’s expected for you to have some questions. Below you will find common questions we hear often from patients.
1. What can I expect my first appointment to be like?
First your doctor will discuss your problems and concerns with you. Next he will perform a detailed exam to gather more information. Your doctor may order x-rays or other tests if he feels it is necessary. After examining you, he will explain what the problem is and how to best treat your condition. The two of you will then discuss a treatment plan and any questions you may have.
2. What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic includes but is not limited to the holistic study of the musculoskeletal (muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and fascia) and nervous system. Chiropractors deal with the health of these systems and how they interact with the body.
3. What does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic treats more than just low back and neck pain. Other common conditions treated by a chiropractor are; Headaches, whiplash, numbness and tingling, body stiffness, shoulder problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip problems, knee problems, foot and ankle problems and more.
4. I don't want to be adjusted or popped. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?
Every patient is has a unique situation. Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions, but are not absolutely necessary. Dr. Landrum will go over your condition and decide the most appropriate treatment.
5. Can you help with spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly where a narrow spinal canal pinches on a spinal nerve root. Non-surgical care such as exercise and physical therapy is the treatment of choice. We have helped many patients with this condition. If you are a candidate for surgery we would recommend a consultation for you.
6. How long is the typical visit?
Usually 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Can you help with a pinched nerve?
Yes. Pinched nerves in the neck or low back cause arm or leg symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness. We will perform the necessary examination to diagnose this condition. The first line of treatment includes adjustments, exercise, ergonomic training and proper lifting advice. About 20% of the time pinched nerve symptoms worsen in the first month or fail to resolve over a 1 to 3 month period. Such cases require additional testing such as with an M.R.I. and more invasive treatments such as epidural injections or surgery. Appropriate referrals in these instances will be given.
8. Can I see you for headache pain?
Absolutely. Chiropractic along with postural/ergonomic advice is a proven approach for many headaches. Many times stress and "tight" muscles in the shoulder can be the root of many headaches.
9. What type of treatment is used for knee problems?
Before any the beginning of any treatment, the knee disorder is assessed and diagnosed. As an example, knee tendonitis will require a thorough evaluation of the foot and hip as well as the knee. Proper foot wear and balance exercises along with a specialized patello-femoral tracking exercise program is utilized.
10. I can't raise my arm over my head, should I see an orthopedist?
Initially, Dr. Landrum will evaluate you and give the proper diagnosis and find the root of the problem. Treatment usually consists of adjustments, soft tissue massage, electric stimulation, ice treatment and most importantly gentle exercises to help restore proper motion. Proper referrals will be given as seen needed.
11. How long does it usually take to get better from a back pain episode?
About 80% of people with lower back pain are 80% better within 2-4 weeks.
12. If I have sciatica do I need surgery?
It depends on the cause of sciatica and how severe it has become. If you have started to notice symptoms of muscle loss you may very well be a candidate. If you have any bowel or bladder incontinence or your legs "giving way" then a more urgent surgical consultation is required. However, 90% of people with sciatica will improve with conservative care.
An interesting scientific study showed that in the "long term" at 2 years or 10 years there was no difference in outcome in those having surgery vs. those that did not. An neurosurgeon Edward Caragee, M.D. from Stanford University wrote that the decision to operate is not a medical one, but is a social one. If you are not improving within 12 weeks then you may get better quicker with surgery. But, eventually even without surgery if you can manage the pain you will have the same result either way.
13. If my M.R.I. shows a herniated disc can you help me?
Herniated discs are very common. It has been found that they are present in people who have no symptoms - even 20 year olds! Experts now say that spinal changes such as herniated discs and arthritis are related to age (like graying hair or wrinkling skin) not symptoms. It appears that the difference between a person with a herniated disc who has no symptoms and one who has symptoms has to do with how their body is coping or stabilizing their back. Dr. Landrum specializes in enhancing your functional ability to stabilize your back so that the disc bulge is not as relevant.
14. If I have had back or neck surgery in the past can I still see a chiropractor?
Yes. I have seen many patients who have had surgery in the past. We will go over with each patient the type of surgery they had and the options they have with chiropractic.
15. How often do I have to be seen?
This will depend on the severity and type of condition you have. People also heal at different rates of speed, so you and your doctor will discuss a treatment plan that’s right for you. Some people elect to use chiropractic as part of a preventative health strategy, while others choose our services for immediate problems. People often use our services for performance reasons (athletes, weekend warriors, hikers, etc.,). At our office we pride ourselves on results and treat with that purpose in mind.
16. What is the most important thing I can do for myself for back pain?
Stay Active!
1. What can I expect my first appointment to be like?
First your doctor will discuss your problems and concerns with you. Next he will perform a detailed exam to gather more information. Your doctor may order x-rays or other tests if he feels it is necessary. After examining you, he will explain what the problem is and how to best treat your condition. The two of you will then discuss a treatment plan and any questions you may have.
2. What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic includes but is not limited to the holistic study of the musculoskeletal (muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and fascia) and nervous system. Chiropractors deal with the health of these systems and how they interact with the body.
3. What does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic treats more than just low back and neck pain. Other common conditions treated by a chiropractor are; Headaches, whiplash, numbness and tingling, body stiffness, shoulder problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip problems, knee problems, foot and ankle problems and more.
4. I don't want to be adjusted or popped. Is this a necessary part of the treatment?
Every patient is has a unique situation. Chiropractic adjustments are appropriate for certain conditions, but are not absolutely necessary. Dr. Landrum will go over your condition and decide the most appropriate treatment.
5. Can you help with spinal stenosis?
Spinal stenosis is a common condition in the elderly where a narrow spinal canal pinches on a spinal nerve root. Non-surgical care such as exercise and physical therapy is the treatment of choice. We have helped many patients with this condition. If you are a candidate for surgery we would recommend a consultation for you.
6. How long is the typical visit?
Usually 20 to 30 minutes.
7. Can you help with a pinched nerve?
Yes. Pinched nerves in the neck or low back cause arm or leg symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness. We will perform the necessary examination to diagnose this condition. The first line of treatment includes adjustments, exercise, ergonomic training and proper lifting advice. About 20% of the time pinched nerve symptoms worsen in the first month or fail to resolve over a 1 to 3 month period. Such cases require additional testing such as with an M.R.I. and more invasive treatments such as epidural injections or surgery. Appropriate referrals in these instances will be given.
8. Can I see you for headache pain?
Absolutely. Chiropractic along with postural/ergonomic advice is a proven approach for many headaches. Many times stress and "tight" muscles in the shoulder can be the root of many headaches.
9. What type of treatment is used for knee problems?
Before any the beginning of any treatment, the knee disorder is assessed and diagnosed. As an example, knee tendonitis will require a thorough evaluation of the foot and hip as well as the knee. Proper foot wear and balance exercises along with a specialized patello-femoral tracking exercise program is utilized.
10. I can't raise my arm over my head, should I see an orthopedist?
Initially, Dr. Landrum will evaluate you and give the proper diagnosis and find the root of the problem. Treatment usually consists of adjustments, soft tissue massage, electric stimulation, ice treatment and most importantly gentle exercises to help restore proper motion. Proper referrals will be given as seen needed.
11. How long does it usually take to get better from a back pain episode?
About 80% of people with lower back pain are 80% better within 2-4 weeks.
12. If I have sciatica do I need surgery?
It depends on the cause of sciatica and how severe it has become. If you have started to notice symptoms of muscle loss you may very well be a candidate. If you have any bowel or bladder incontinence or your legs "giving way" then a more urgent surgical consultation is required. However, 90% of people with sciatica will improve with conservative care.
An interesting scientific study showed that in the "long term" at 2 years or 10 years there was no difference in outcome in those having surgery vs. those that did not. An neurosurgeon Edward Caragee, M.D. from Stanford University wrote that the decision to operate is not a medical one, but is a social one. If you are not improving within 12 weeks then you may get better quicker with surgery. But, eventually even without surgery if you can manage the pain you will have the same result either way.
13. If my M.R.I. shows a herniated disc can you help me?
Herniated discs are very common. It has been found that they are present in people who have no symptoms - even 20 year olds! Experts now say that spinal changes such as herniated discs and arthritis are related to age (like graying hair or wrinkling skin) not symptoms. It appears that the difference between a person with a herniated disc who has no symptoms and one who has symptoms has to do with how their body is coping or stabilizing their back. Dr. Landrum specializes in enhancing your functional ability to stabilize your back so that the disc bulge is not as relevant.
14. If I have had back or neck surgery in the past can I still see a chiropractor?
Yes. I have seen many patients who have had surgery in the past. We will go over with each patient the type of surgery they had and the options they have with chiropractic.
15. How often do I have to be seen?
This will depend on the severity and type of condition you have. People also heal at different rates of speed, so you and your doctor will discuss a treatment plan that’s right for you. Some people elect to use chiropractic as part of a preventative health strategy, while others choose our services for immediate problems. People often use our services for performance reasons (athletes, weekend warriors, hikers, etc.,). At our office we pride ourselves on results and treat with that purpose in mind.
16. What is the most important thing I can do for myself for back pain?
Stay Active!
Dr. Brad Landrum, DC
235 Burley Ave
Hopkinsville, KY 42240
270.886.3136
[email protected]
http://goo.gl/maps/1jNt
