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What is chiropractic care all about?

Chiropractic is the study of structure and function of the spine, supporting muscles and other soft tissue structures, the nervious system and other processes and structures of the body, with a focus on restoring normal joint and muscle mobility and function. Dr. Lewis does some of the same things that a medical doctor does, but our office specializes more in treating problems of the joints and muscles, particularly the spine. We treat using hand or instrument manipulation of joints and muscles, as well as treatment using therapies such as ultrasound and traction. In our office, we also use acupuncture for pain control, if chosen by patients. Chiropractic physicians provide instructions on exercise and other personal care information. We do not do surgery and do not prescribe medication. For more information, see the "About Us" page on this website.
 

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Most people will consult a chiropractor because of pains in their back and neck. But poor functioning of the muscles and joints can affect people in many ways. We also treat some types of arm and leg injuries or other conditions relating to the extremities, such as numbness or pain.

In our office, we also address extremity complaints associated with spinal conditions, such as sciatica (leg pain or numbness) or arm pain and or numbness. Chest wall and rib pain often responds well to chiropractic care. Frequently, our office also treats a different types of headaches if they are found to be caused by structural problems in the neck and we have very good success with this. We use a variety of techniques to treat simple carpal tunnel syndrome, uncomplicated knee and shoulder conditions, tennis elbow (tendinitis of the elbow), plantar fasciitis (pain along the bottom of the foot that often leads to heel spurs) as well as running, cycling and other sports related injuries.

These conditions are treated using a variety of methods, dependent on the type of problem and area.
 

Does chiropractic treatment hurt?

Under nearly all circumstances manipulative procedures and other modes of care used in our office are not and should not be painful. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort during manipulation or muscle tenderness afterwards on occasion, as these are procedures used to improve mobility and change structure, but this is in the minority and is temporary. We endeavor to use techniques that are gentle, yet get obtain the desired outcome. The use of excess leverage is not necessary and is undesirable.
 

Is chiropractic care safe?

Chiropractic adjustments or manipulation are extremely safe. The risk factor of any serious complication is estimated to be in excess of one million to one, which is much lower than the vast majority of health care procedures.

References
Childs JD, Flynn TW, Fritz JM A perspective for considering the risks and benefits of spinal manipulation in patients with low back pain. Man Ther 2006 Jul 11

Hurwitz EL, Aker PD, Adams AH, Meeker WC, Shekelle PG. Manipulation and mobilization of the cervical spine: a systematic review of the literature. Spine. 1996;21:1746–1760
 

What kind of education and training do doctors of chiropractic have?

Chiropractic physicians receive an education that emphasizes biomechanical, orthopedic and neurological diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated in training in the biological and general health sciences and specialized training in chiropractic care disciplines, accompanied by extensive clinical (patient contact) training. Initial chiropractic college training is four years in length. North Carolina also requires that a bachelor's degree be earned prior to entering chiropractic college. Chiropractors are licensed as a type of physician under a specified scope of practice and are regarded as such by insurance companies, federal agencies, the Veterans Administration and many other entities. Dr. Lewis (his biography is on the "About Us" page) has a doctor of chiropractic degree (D.C.), a master's degree in public health (M.P.H.) and a bachelor's of science degree (B.S.) in medical radiologic technology / radiation health physics.
 

Have studies been published showing effectiveness for treatment provided in our office?

Manipulative therapy as practiced by chiropractic physicians to treat spinal problems has been one of the most widely-examined topics in musculoskeletal research, but new research is always needed. We are an evidence-based office and rely upon research for guidance. Following is a representative sample of research covering only a few of the conditions seen in this office. For abstracts of these articles, go to PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), among other sites.

BENEFICIAL TREATMENT OF NECK PAIN
Vernon H., Humphreys K., Hagino C. (2007) Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain in Adults Treated by Manual Therapy: A Systematic Review of Change Scores in Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics. 30:3 215-227

Binder A. (2004). Neck pain. Clinical Evidence Concise 11:1534-50

BENEFICIAL TREATMENT OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC BACK PAIN AND LEG PAIN
Niemistö L, et al. (2003). A Randomized Trial of Combined Manipulation, Stabilizing Exercises, and Physician Consultation Compared to Physician Consultation Alone for Chronic Low Back Pain. Spine. 28(19):2185-2191

Lynton G,. Giles, F., Reinhold M. (2003). Chronic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Medication, Acupuncture, and Spinal Manipulation. Spine. 28(14):1490-1502

Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans RL, Bouter LM. (2004). Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Spine Journal. 4:335-356

Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. (2006). Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine Journal. 6(2):131-7.

BENEFICIAL TREATMENT OF LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS
Murphy, D., et. al (2006). A Non-Surgical Approach to the Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. BMC Musculo-skeletal Disorders. 7(16)

BENEFICIAL TREATMENT OF CHEST AND RIB AREA PAIN
Christensen H., et. al. (2005) Manual Therapy for Patients With Stable Angina Pectoris: A Nonrandomized Open Prospective Trial. JMPT. 28:9, 654-661

ACUPUNCTURE FOR NECK PAIN AND HEADACHES
Coeytaux R., et al. (2005). A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Acupuncture for Chronic Daily Headache. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 45:9, 1113.

Acupuncture for neck disorders (2006). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD004870. DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD004870.
 

What can be expected on a first visit?

The first thing a chiropractic physician will do is inquire about the health complaints about which a patient is chiefly concerned. Dr. Lewis will also ask about family history, dietary habits, other health care, job duties and other activities and other questions designed to help determine the nature of factors affecting the condition presented and to arrive at a plan to go about treating the problem.

A physical examination will be performed, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis, MRI or other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a thorough biomechnical spinal examination as well as orthopedic and neurologic tests will be performed to detect abnormalities which may be affecting or causing a condition. All of these elements are important components of a total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating any condition.

For an example, please read the case of Tonya M. on the "More Information" page.
 

What types of treatment services are offered?

We use a number of types of treatments. Most frequently, Dr. Lewis uses gentle hand manipulation to gradually encourage joints to function properly, improve movement, relieve pain and contraction of muscles.

There are many manipulative treatment (adjusting) techniques available in our office, some of which may or may not be familiar. We employ conventional manipulation (adjusting by hand), Flexion-distraction manipulation (commonly called the Cox method), adjustment by instrument (Activator® method) and Thompson® (commonly referred to as "drop table" technique), among others, as needed. The use of any treatment mode is discussed in advance and is at the option of our patients.

Our office also employs a variety of therapies such as ultrasound, electrotherapy, diathermy and we also employ the use of decompression traction if needed.

Dr. Lewis has been certified in acupuncture for over 25 years and the use of acupuncture can be very helpful for pain relief, reduction in muscle spasm and particularly for headache relief.

We are very interested in assisting everyone who sees us in achieving as much independence as possible. We typically discuss things in the home or at work that may be modified to give more relief (ergonomic modification) and we are dedicated to finding effective exercises for every individual who is capable of such activity. We have an extensive focus on flexibility, strengthening and balance exercises and will also work with anyone who is considering beginning a fitness center, water exercises, Yoga or other program. We also have an extensive sports injury consulting practice for more advanced athletes, with considerable experience in this area, particularly with golfers, runners, tennis players and cyclists.
 

How long does it take to get well?

How long will it take to recover? Obviously, there are many factors. If someone has come to see us with a condition which occurred recently or is not severe, recovery will probably be much quicker than someone who has had a number of episodes, is having a very pronounced attack or has a long history, surgeries or other health problems accompanying whatever has brought them in. In addition, age certainly has a bearing. Typically, if this has been a long-standing condition or is quite severe, we will treat for several visits over a short period of time to try to have maximum effectiveness and then began to taper away from treatment, providing exercises and other activities for rehabilitation.

We do everything we can to get those who come to see us up and going as quickly as possible, so they will not have to return to see us if at all possible.
 

Does our office work with other health care providers?

Our office frequently receives referrals from other health care providers in Greensboro and we also refer frequently to appropriate providers who may offer additional assistance to our patients. If we feel that we cannot help a patient or that someone else can also be assisting at the same time that we are administering care, advice on the appropriate referral will be given.
 

What about care for older adults?

Over 20% of our practice is focused on acute and chronic care for older adults and we believe that chiropractic care, advice from our experienced personnel and exercise can keep most older adults functioning at optimum levels for many years. As the U.S. population ages, we have turned more of our efforts in this direction.
 

Does the office accept patients for care for those injured in motor vehicle accidents?

Our office has been involved in treatment and rehabilitation of injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents for over 25 years and we are experienced in the latest methods in returning people to their former active status. Our staff and resources support this recovery in many ways. Our administrative personnel have a long history of working with auto accident insurance companies and attorneys to ensure that such cases progress as smoothly as possible. In the case of no insurance, we also have payment plans.
 

What about treatment of on-the-job injuries (workers compensation)?

Under North Carolina law, injured workers are entitled to choose chiropactic care and have it paid for by workers compensation insurance. Our job is to return an injured worker back to health and back to work as effectively and safely as possible. Dr. Lewis has treated injuries sustained on the job for over 25 years and is accustomed to working effectively with injured workers, workers compensation insurance carriers, the North Carolina Industrial Commission, attorneys and employers. He has received training certification through the Industrial Injury Prevention program from North Carolina A&T State University and has participated in hundreds of hours of other training in on-the-job injury treatment, rehabilitation and prevention.
 

What about treatment of back pain during pregnancy?

Our office has used gentle manual techniques for women experiencing back and neck pain throughout all stages of pregnancy, providing very significant relief to most individuals. We take many precautions to make sure that this is safe for mother and child, with techniques modified to accomodate pregnancy.
 

Is massage therapy helpful and is it offered?

We have found that massage therapy can be very beneficial as an addition to treatment that we offer. There is a highly-trained massage therapist with lengthy experience and multiple techniques available in our office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays every week.