CaydenJ
01-13-2009, 11:45 PM
I will be going to see an upper cervical chiro soon for x-rays and testing so I would like to hear from you guys what questions I should ask. Do you have any good ones ranging from the general important "must ask" questions to the more in depth ones?
Thanks.
Also, does anyone know exactly what type of x-rays are needed? Meaning the angles etc.
Thanks.
Also, does anyone know exactly what type of x-rays are needed? Meaning the angles etc.
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Thelma-Louise
01-14-2009, 12:28 PM
I have only been to one NUCCA chiro and stayed in treatment with him for 7-8 mos.
Obviously the important questions should be how much for the xray, how much for each visit and does he accept insurance or provide a statemetnt which includes diagnosis and procedure codes that you can submit to your med ins for some reimbursement. You may want to find out if he uses an orthogonal machine or does the adjustments manually.
The chiro I went to took 2 xrays - basically me standing up in front of the screen and then also did a surface EMG - basically a hand held wand attached to a computer which he rolled across the bare surface of my back to get a reading of muscle fatigue and tension along the c-spine and spinal column.
He then took the xray films and charted out measurements on it to determine if and how far the atlas was rotated and then put this up on the wall magnified so he could show me his measurements, and where my atlas was and where it should be - I was 3/4 degree rotated toward the left. He then prepared a pamphlet for me that outlined how long my treatment would take (est # of adjustments), how often I should go for the adjustments (2x weekly for the first 4 months and then 1x weekly afterwards) and an est of how much it would cost and he offered 2 diff payment options - pay for each adjustment on the day of the visit or pay a lump sum up front for a group of visits that would yield a discount of $5 off each individual visit. He also had me watch a video of an actual adjsutment being done so I would know what to expect. He did not accept insurance but did provide statements which I mailed to my med insurance and received partial reimbursement.
I found the first several adjustments were the most productive in terms of immediate results as that is when the atlas is mostly re-positioned - with subsequent adjustments more about keeping it in place or holding the adjustment.
Good Luck with your appt - I hope it turns out to be a positive experience for you.
Obviously the important questions should be how much for the xray, how much for each visit and does he accept insurance or provide a statemetnt which includes diagnosis and procedure codes that you can submit to your med ins for some reimbursement. You may want to find out if he uses an orthogonal machine or does the adjustments manually.
The chiro I went to took 2 xrays - basically me standing up in front of the screen and then also did a surface EMG - basically a hand held wand attached to a computer which he rolled across the bare surface of my back to get a reading of muscle fatigue and tension along the c-spine and spinal column.
He then took the xray films and charted out measurements on it to determine if and how far the atlas was rotated and then put this up on the wall magnified so he could show me his measurements, and where my atlas was and where it should be - I was 3/4 degree rotated toward the left. He then prepared a pamphlet for me that outlined how long my treatment would take (est # of adjustments), how often I should go for the adjustments (2x weekly for the first 4 months and then 1x weekly afterwards) and an est of how much it would cost and he offered 2 diff payment options - pay for each adjustment on the day of the visit or pay a lump sum up front for a group of visits that would yield a discount of $5 off each individual visit. He also had me watch a video of an actual adjsutment being done so I would know what to expect. He did not accept insurance but did provide statements which I mailed to my med insurance and received partial reimbursement.
I found the first several adjustments were the most productive in terms of immediate results as that is when the atlas is mostly re-positioned - with subsequent adjustments more about keeping it in place or holding the adjustment.
Good Luck with your appt - I hope it turns out to be a positive experience for you.
loudawg
01-14-2009, 04:31 PM
Hi CaydenJ,
I would ask what is his / her recommendation for working with your TMJ dentist - is it recommended that you see your TMJ dentist immediately after adjustments? Does he / she work w/ TMJ dentists normally? If so who?
I would also ask about past experiences with TMJ-related patients.
-Loudawg
I would ask what is his / her recommendation for working with your TMJ dentist - is it recommended that you see your TMJ dentist immediately after adjustments? Does he / she work w/ TMJ dentists normally? If so who?
I would also ask about past experiences with TMJ-related patients.
-Loudawg
CaydenJ
01-14-2009, 04:39 PM
Thanks T-L. When I went to the first chiro for the consult and he measured me, he also did that muscle fatigue/tension scan and I got a red "SEVERE" reading. I'm guessing you got that as well.
How are things going for you? Are you still seeing the cranial chiro?
How are things going for you? Are you still seeing the cranial chiro?
pipdog
01-14-2009, 06:55 PM
Cayden hi,
I would certainly ask what kind of experience they have in working in tandem with TMD dentists. The dentist I see said I should have my splint adjustment immediately after the NUCCA adjustment and in fact I shouldn't even close my mouth until the splint has been corrected. Luckily they are only 5 minutes apart.
I would also ask what makes them think you are a candidate for their type of care.
From my experience they won't take x-rays unless they have a strong suspicion that you have spinal misalignment issues. If you do then it will be visible in your posture as when the atlas is out the body will compensate, the head will be tilted, the shoulders and pelvis uneven and then the deal maker, one leg shorter than the other. If you have all of these then you can be pretty sure something is out of whack.
They take three x-rays, from the front the side and the back and its a proceadure as you have to be positioned into a certain very orthagonal position and when they get you there they clamp your head so you cant move.
Good luck with your appointment!
I would certainly ask what kind of experience they have in working in tandem with TMD dentists. The dentist I see said I should have my splint adjustment immediately after the NUCCA adjustment and in fact I shouldn't even close my mouth until the splint has been corrected. Luckily they are only 5 minutes apart.
I would also ask what makes them think you are a candidate for their type of care.
From my experience they won't take x-rays unless they have a strong suspicion that you have spinal misalignment issues. If you do then it will be visible in your posture as when the atlas is out the body will compensate, the head will be tilted, the shoulders and pelvis uneven and then the deal maker, one leg shorter than the other. If you have all of these then you can be pretty sure something is out of whack.
They take three x-rays, from the front the side and the back and its a proceadure as you have to be positioned into a certain very orthagonal position and when they get you there they clamp your head so you cant move.
Good luck with your appointment!
Thelma-Louise
01-14-2009, 09:04 PM
Thanks T-L. When I went to the first chiro for the consult and he measured me, he also did that muscle fatigue/tension scan and I got a red "SEVERE" reading. I'm guessing you got that as well.
How are things going for you? Are you still seeing the cranial chiro?
I had mostly black readings and some reds on my left side - the side the atlas had rotated to. At one point several months later he did another scan and then I had just red and even some yellows and greens on the left side. My right side at that time was only a few reds with some greens.
Yes I am still seeing the cranial chiro and I am seeing improvement buts its been slow going - 2 steps back one step forward kind of thing - but it seems alot of my problems are in the cranium and the atlas was just one part of the equation that was affected.
Let me know how your adjustment goes.
How are things going for you? Are you still seeing the cranial chiro?
I had mostly black readings and some reds on my left side - the side the atlas had rotated to. At one point several months later he did another scan and then I had just red and even some yellows and greens on the left side. My right side at that time was only a few reds with some greens.
Yes I am still seeing the cranial chiro and I am seeing improvement buts its been slow going - 2 steps back one step forward kind of thing - but it seems alot of my problems are in the cranium and the atlas was just one part of the equation that was affected.
Let me know how your adjustment goes.
CaydenJ
01-18-2009, 04:15 AM
I'm glad things are improving for you however slow it might feel. Think the tortoise and the hare. Wow, black. Mine was red on the right side with orange and green. I was actually relieved because that side's where all these strange things are happeneing.
I was reading up on different upper cervical techniques and I'm not sure if you're familiar but there's a branch of chiro that deals with the whole spine and not just the c1-c2. It's called the Pettibon technique and from what I read they take the whole anatomy into account using kinesiolgy, weights etc. I just read that subluxated ribs have an impact on the neck, back, chest, collar bones and I thought of your symptoms. I never thought ribs could go out of allignment but apparently it can and it can also mess up the collar bones. Maybe one of your doctors already brought it up but if not, it's definitely worth mentioning.
I don't want to open up a new thread so I'll just ask on here.
I'm applying for medical insurance until I'm healthy enough to get a job. Do you think they'll approve treatments immediately after I sign up with the insurance company or do you think it's smarter to wait a month or so?
I was reading up on different upper cervical techniques and I'm not sure if you're familiar but there's a branch of chiro that deals with the whole spine and not just the c1-c2. It's called the Pettibon technique and from what I read they take the whole anatomy into account using kinesiolgy, weights etc. I just read that subluxated ribs have an impact on the neck, back, chest, collar bones and I thought of your symptoms. I never thought ribs could go out of allignment but apparently it can and it can also mess up the collar bones. Maybe one of your doctors already brought it up but if not, it's definitely worth mentioning.
I don't want to open up a new thread so I'll just ask on here.
I'm applying for medical insurance until I'm healthy enough to get a job. Do you think they'll approve treatments immediately after I sign up with the insurance company or do you think it's smarter to wait a month or so?
luvtocamp
01-18-2009, 08:35 AM
I"m not sure about medical ins. but when I got my new dentures they threw everything off including my rib cage so yes the rib cage can torque.
I see an osteopath.
I see an osteopath.
Thelma-Louise
01-18-2009, 01:39 PM
I am not familiar with the Pettibon technique - another new term or treatment I will have to look into - but my current cranial chiro uses applied kinesiology and is a member of ICAK and he defintely feels the whole body is affected by subluxation. Yes - he has pointed out the issue with the sternum located near the ribs as causing the displacement of my collar bones - and other bones. I too felt a sense of justification when I saw my test results - finally I did not have to defend what I was feeling - it was there in black and white (well other colors too) and it was very useful in getting approved for SSDI - something they could see too.
Most private insurances have a waiting period before they will cover pre-existing conditions - if they even will, since some do not (I hope Obama can change this soon) - so its best to ask about this or ask for the underwriting clause of the insurance policy which gives this type of info in the event you do not want to rasie the issue directly. A gov sponsored insurance though should cover pre-existing conditions on day one of coverage.
Most private insurances have a waiting period before they will cover pre-existing conditions - if they even will, since some do not (I hope Obama can change this soon) - so its best to ask about this or ask for the underwriting clause of the insurance policy which gives this type of info in the event you do not want to rasie the issue directly. A gov sponsored insurance though should cover pre-existing conditions on day one of coverage.