Dr. Serle's
Answers To Questions Patients Ask About Chiropractic
And Pain Questions

If the pain is in my leg, why do you adjust my back?

If you step on a dog's tail, the bark comes out its mouth - if your nerve is irritated at your spine, the symptom may show up in your leg, but the problem is still at the spine. The pain in your leg is not the problem; it's your body's way of letting us know there is a problem. The pain is the symptom, but the cause is the nerve interference. I adjust your spine to correct the underlying cause of the problem, and then, the pain should reduce

When will it stop hurting?

Everyone heals differently - - my job is to keep the nerves free of interference, so they can heal and normal function can be restored. Your job is to keep from doing anything to re-inflame the nerves, and to make your appointments. If you do the things I tell you to do, and avoid doing what I tell you not to do, then together, we'll get this situation stabilized as quickly as possible, and that's when the pain will reduce. Remember, the pain is like an alarm - - it'll only stop when it thinks the danger is past.

Wellness Questions

Why do I have to come in when I feel fine?

How you feel is only one way to tell what's going on in the body. Often, someone feels fine, but there are still problems that need to be handled. If you and your family trust me to advise you on these matters, then I promise to be honest and fair and let you know just how much care you need. I use the most up to date methods to determine how you're doing, so at each re-exam I'll give you a report so we can plan your needs for the future

Why do healthy children need chiropractic?

Children are very strong and resilient, and with their active lifestyles, they frequently get small injuries that don't hurt them at the time, but may lead to bigger problems with their spine and nerve system down the road. It's so much better to be safe than sorry, so we recommend that all children be examined periodically for problems with their spine and nerve system.

Science Questions

Is there scientific proof of chiropractic?

Yes, dozens of studies have been done; showing chiropractic not only helps many health problems, but also improves quality of life. This research has been done by chiropractics, by medical doctors, by governments in many states and in several other countries, and the results are consistent - - chiropractic helps sick people get well, and improves your quality of life.

Does chiropractic cure cancer?

This is a trick question, because the only cure comes from the body, no matter what the treatment or approach. Chiropractic doesn't really “cure” anything - - it helps the body to heal by removing blockages to healing. In that way, many cancer patients experience better health with chiropractic as part of their lifestyle, and many even have remissions of their cancer. Whether this is from the chiropractic or from the overall improvement in lifestyle, if I had cancer I'd want chiropractic as part of my routine.

Family/Relationship Questions

How can I get my wife to let me bring in the kids for an exam?

I'm sure your wife wants what's best for the kids, and if she understood what chiropractic had to offer, she would enthusiastically support it. Which do you think would work better for her - - would you like to bring her to talk, so she can hear about what we do as part of a crowd, or do you think she would prefer to have a private conversation with you and me about it?

My brother is going to a chiropractor, and he isn't getting better. What should I tell him? I don't know specifically what's going on with your brother, but he should speak frankly with is doctor about his concerns, and let the doctor advise him. If he feels he's gone as far as he can with this particular chiropractor, give me the name of his town, and I'll see if I can find another chiropractor who has a different style. There are so many ways chiropractors can help - - if one approach doesn't work, try another.

Money Questions

Why aren't you on my plan?

The insurance companies have made it very difficult for doctors to participate in their programs. Between the arbitrary restrictions and the overwhelming paperwork, they've made it unprofitable and a burden to work with them. We find that we can deliver a better service without them, and we keep our fees reasonable so the families of our community can afford us

Without coverage, how can I afford to pay for my family's care?

We keep our fees reasonable because we want the families of our community to be able to afford our services. Besides accepting cash, checks or credit cards, we also offer interest-free payment plans so the whole family can get the benefits of chiropractic.

Other Profession Questions

Why does my medical doctor hate chiropractors?

I feel bad when I hear this, because prejudice against chiropractors really has nothing to do with the great work we do - - why would every state license chiropractors, and why would our malpractice insurance be five or ten per cent what our medical counterparts pay, if chiropractic was bad, or dangerous, or if it wasn't helping people? Your doctor may have been influenced by other biased doctors in school, or maybe he or she had an isolated bad experience, which could happen with any kind of doctor on occasion. I would be happy to call your doctor, and offer to speak to him or her about modern chiropractic and what it has to offer - - maybe we can help you doctor to open up to some new possibilities that could help other patients

Why will my insurance pay for a physical therapist, but not a chiropractor?

I can't explain why some insurance companies will pay for some services but not others. It doesn't seem fair, but if you want to complain about it, call the insurance company, tell them you use chiropractic services and are very pleased with them, and ask why they won't pay. Let them explain - - if enough people call, maybe they'll have to respond.

Detractor Questions

Is chiropractic safe for kids?

I take care of many, children, and their parents report that they are healthier overall, missing less school and being less susceptible to whatever's going around. In my experience, this also sets the stage for healthy young adults to establish good health habits into adulthood. And, chiropractic is so safe; even those chiropractors who specialize in pediatrics pay a tiny fraction in malpractice insurance, compared to medical doctors who see the same kinds of patients. The insurance companies pay the claims on injured kids - - I guess they know whose hurting children and who's not. Chiropractic is really good for kids - - make sure you tell your friends and family.

Does chiropractic cause strokes?

Actually, the odds of a stroke are immeasurably small, with only a handful of strokes traced to chiropractic adjustments after millions and millions of chiropractic visits - - interestingly, when the incidence of stroke after a chiropractic visit was compared to the chance of stroke in the general population, it turns out that chiropractic care actually decreases the chance of stroke by half. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and natural, and they help you to be healthier with almost no risk.

Frustration Questions

Why is it taking so long for me to get relief?

I'm frustrated too - - most of the time, people respond a bit quicker, and I'm so sorry you are suffering. From my exam findings, your body is telling me we're on the right track, though the tissues are very inflamed, and that's probably why you still hurt so much. We have a re-exam coming up in a week or so, and at that point we'll evaluate our progress and see if the exam findings show continued positive movement. If so, I can reassure you that even though you still have symptoms, it's only a matter of time, as the area heals. For now, please avoid any movements that seem to irritate it, make sure to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees, and use ice, twenty minutes on and forty minutes off at least three times a day to cool down the inflammation. We made a good correction today, and there's a good chance you'll start to feel better soon. I'll see you tomorrow, and we'll take another step, okay?

Why won't my insurance company pay for my care here?

I can't answer for your insurance company, but many companies defined their covered benefits many years ago, before chiropractic was as popular as it is now. Why don't you let your insurance company know you want chiropractic included in your policy, and they will explain what's involved - - some companies will add chiropractic for a small fee, so let's find out about yours. You can always shop for another company, or mention to your employer that you would prefer a company that covered our service. It can't hurt to ask, right?

Future Chiropractor Questions

Is it hard to become a chiropractor?

I'm so glad you asked, because it's a question I once asked when I was deciding about my own career. After college, chiropractic school takes another four years, just like other doctoral programs. The classes are challenging, but it's worth it, because it's really, really interesting, and you want to study and learn the subjects because it's all so cool. So yes, it's a little hard, but it's definitely worth it.

Why did you become a chiropractor?