FAQ
We pride ourselves in being experts in a few specialties as opposed to average in many things. At Align SLO Family Chiropractic we see many different types of conditions and disorders and always set up the proper game plan to get you back to loving the life that you deserve.
Here's some common questions we hear:
If you have any other questions feel free to call or email and we'll be happy to answer them!
What will my first appointment look like?
The first visit is about 45 minutes long, during which your exam and X-rays take place. The exam consists of a detailed history, postural evaluation, range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, a thermographic exam of the brainstem to evaluate brainstem function, and X-rays. It is on your next visit that we will review our findings with you, including a detailed discussion about your x-rays, and the first adjustment will take place.
Will the Dr. adjust me on my first visit?
Due to the specific nature of an upper cervical adjustment, Dr. Woods must analyze and measure your X-rays before any adjustment can take place. The X-ray analysis takes about 30 minutes to complete, and Dr. Woods can always have these finished by the next day he is in the office. Your atlas and axis are the bones that surround the brainstem, which is a very delicate and vital area to work with; there cannot be any guessing about how to adjust you. Everyone is a little different.
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At times, Dr. Woods will adjust or do some form of soft tissue on the first visit to alleviate acute pain or use it as an analysis to set up the proper game plan for you. It is always at the Dr.'s discretion.
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Mamas and babies are almost ALWAYS worked on during the first visit since.
With the exception of young children, yes. Since the skin in the neck is so thin, there is very little radiation that penetrates through in order to see the bones. Upper Cervical Doctors take specialized x-rays in order to determine a patient's listing. This listing determines the type of adjustment the patient needs in order to clear out their subluxation. X-rays allow us to avoid any guessing as to how to correct your subluxation. All x-rays are developed digitally to eliminate the use of film and chemicals. You will receive a copy of your x-rays upon request at no additional cost.
How much does it cost?
Your exam and any X-rays that are taken is $225. After your report of findings and first adjustment (on your second visit) Dr. Woods will check to see how your body responded and determine if this is the proper technique and office for you. He will then create a tailor made care plan for your on-going care. The cost can vary depending on amount of care. We also offer sliding scale if need be. We truly believe that health care is a right and not a privilege and do everything possible to not allow cost to be your determining factor for starting care.
We see children since birth. Considering that birth is your first major trauma that you endure, we would like to remove any interference as early as possible to help you live your life to your fullest potential. For example, Dr. Woods checked and adjusted his children within the first hour of life.
We pride ourselves on our work with newborns and children. It is our number one passion at Align SLO and is always an honor to have the opportunity to work with your children.
Absolutely! Not only is Dr. Woods Webster Technique certified to help with in-utero constraint, he is also trained in how to adjust women in all stages of pregnancy in order to help you stay comfortable and to allow the proper room for your child to growth healthy and happy. Dr. Dom has seen countless pregnant women and adjusted his wife through both of her pregnancies. Her labor and delivery went "smooth", which she attributes to chiropractic care.
Does being adjusted hurt?
Dr. Woods avoids any serious twisting or torquing of the neck. He uses many different techniques and approaches to adjust patients. For example, an infant, a 35 year old, and a 75 year old would receive very different adjustments and care.
Does Align SLO accept insurance?
Align SLO does NOT accept any health insurance, but we are more than happy to provide you with a Super Receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.
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We DO accept Med-Pay for all car accident cases.
What can I expect after my first adjustment?
Everyone tends to react a little bit different to the first adjustment. Most tend to feel a little sore at first. This is a much different soreness than before, though. Since the nervous system is recalibrating, it will activate different muscle fibers in order to try and hold the adjustment and realign the spine on it’s own. These fibers can get sore, just like working out for the first time in a while.
Dr. Woods recommends to drink a lot of water, maybe apply ice if necessary (not heat), and to relax for that first day after the adjustment.
The main differences you will find with Upper Cervical is that we use objective measures to determine if you actually NEED an adjustment (our goal is NOT to adjust). You must think of the adjustment as something that you ultimately don’t want. Just like how you don’t want to always have to have cavities filled every visit at the dentist.
Another difference is that we don’t twist or torque the neck to make the adjustment. We try to make the adjustment as quickly and as easily as possible. We find patient's "hold" adjustments or alignment longer when under upper cervical care.
How many adjustments do I need?
After your first adjustment the Doctor will have a more clear idea of what length of care will be necessary for you. The first month is typically where you will experience a major change in symptoms, but our main goal ultimately to ultimately not see you very frequently. We would rather have you come in feeling good for wellness based care.
What is a subluxation?
Simply put, a Subluxation is when either the first or second bone (atlas or axis) in the neck have moved out of place three dimensionally causing pressure and torsion on the brainstem and nervous system. The cascade effect due to a Subluxation can be numerous, but more importantly, this causes an interference in the communication between the brain and the body not allowing the system as a whole to function optimally.
We utilize upper cervical chiropractic adjustments (toggle), full-spine (diversified), extremity, drop-table, activator, and Arthrostim in our office.