Frequently Asked Questions

Questions:

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). "Chiropractic" comes from the Greek word chiropraktikos, meaning "effective treatment by hand." Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body's inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly,causing a deficit or "short-circuit" in the nervous system, which controls, coodinates and regulates all fuctions in the body. A properly functioning nervous system is of prime importance in achieving and maintaining optimum health.

What conditions benefit from chiropractic care?

Although chiropractic is used most frequently to relieve low back pain, studies have found it to be effective for a variety of conditions, such as migraine headaches, neck and shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and infantile colic.More than just thinking about "conditions" we want our patients to understand that since the nervous system is the master controlling system for all functions in the body, any one with a nervous system will achieve some benefit from having that system function in optimum condition.

Does Chiropractic hurt?

Under normal circumstances, adjustments don't hurt. The patient may experience a minor amount of discomfort after the adjustment which lasts only seconds.Many Chiropractic techniques are gentle enough for newborn babies and Dr.Eisenberg will tailor your treatment to your needs and tolerances.

Is Chiropractic safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.Chiropractors pay a fraction in malpractice insurance premiums compared to their medical counterparts and those rates are based on the potential for the insurance companies to suffer a loss. Chiropractic is just safer than most medical procedures for the same conditions(consider Vioxx,Bextra,and Celebrex,just to name a few).

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

Chiropractors receive an education that emphasizes neuromuscular diagnosis and treatment. Preparation for the practice of chiropractic is concentrated on three areas of learning; basic training in the biological and health sciences (anatomy, physiology, histology, biochemistry, clinical and radiological diagnosis); specialized training in the chiropractic discipline (theoretical studies, practice, diagnosis and applications); and extensive clinical training.When compared to the education received by medical students, Chiropractors have much more extensive training in anatomy, neuro-anatomy,physiology and nutrition as well as many forms of natural, drugless healing disciplines. In Virginia, the Chiropractors are tested along side medical doctors and are granted their licences by The Virginia Board of Medicine.

Have any studies been published showing what chiropractic is effective for?

Several studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic in relieving back pain. More recent studies have shown chiropractic to be effective in treating infantile colic, migraine headaches,enuresis(bed-wetting),childhood ear infections and ahost of others. Dr.David Eddy, a medical researcher from Duke University, reported that only 15% of all procedures used by medical doctors is supported by the rigorous scientific research that has been demanded of Chiropractic.

What can I expect on my first visit?

The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask you about the health complaints about which you are chiefly concerned. The DC will also ask about your family history, dietary habits, other care you may have had (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, etc.), your job, and other questions designed to help determine the nature of your illness and the best way to go about treating the cause of your problem, not just the symptom.

A physical examination will be performed in accordance with your DC's clinical judgement, which may include x-rays, laboratory analysis and other diagnostic procedures. In addition, a careful spinal examination and analysis will be performed to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition.At Dominion Chiropractic we utilize a state-of-the-art,computerized analysis on all initial exams and progress exams to constantly monitor the health of your nervous system and it's ability to allow you to adapt to the demands of a constantly changing environment. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?

In addition to hands-on Chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Eisenberg utilizes many physio-therapy modalities to help ease pain, reduce spasm,heip prepare the body for the adjustment and effectively speed up the time it takes to heal and make a spinal correction. Dr. Eisenberg has also taken many advanced technique and continuing education courses to add new treatment procedures and most recently he has been certified in Spinal Rehabilition. We also have a massage therapist, Dennis Dickinson,who cannot only provide massage for relaxation but who is specially trained in Russian medical massage to help with more peristant and stubborn cases. Our newest massage therapist, Tammy Sawyer, is highly skilled in many forms of hands-on treatments,including Reiki. She also can provide esthetician services, such as relaxing facials.

Is care affordable?

Whether you have insurance coverage or not, our attitude is that there isn't anyone who cannot afford care at our office.Since our ultimate goal is to help people and their families achieve improved health and enjoyment of life, we are willing to discuss payment plans and find a way to deliver the finest quality healthcare to as many people as possible.