Dr. Jeffrey Cassis
Cassis Holistic Care
Charleston, WV (304) 345-4900
Holistic Health / Chiropractic / Injury Care / Thyroid Health
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Increase Metabolism / Meridian Therapy Analysis / Nutrition
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Dr. Jeffrey Cassis |
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⇓CHOOSE A QUESTION BELOW⇓Do I have a pinched nerve ?Do I have a slipped disc ?What do Chiropractic doctors do?What type of education do Chiropractic doctors get?What's an adjustment?Are all patients adjusted the same way?Can I adjust myself?Is Chiropractic care safe?Can I speed the healing process?Why do children need Chiropractic care?Am I too old for Chiropractic treatment?17 Questions I Wanted To Ask My Chiropractor But Was Afraid To Ask.
The
term "Pinched" is used for descriptive purposes only. The scientific term is
"irritate". Many patients consult Chiropractic doctors because they think they
have a pinched nerve. Because of the way the spine is designed, abnormal spinal
function caused from physical trauma, emotional tensions, or chemical to
condition. Toxins can affect the delicate tissues of
the spinal cord and nerve roots. While commonly associated with the spine, the
pinched nerve (compressive lesion) is actually rare. Researchers suggest that
only 10% to 15% of spine related problems are caused by direct pressure of bone
on nerve tissue. This can result in numbness, burning or "pins and needles"
feeling. More frequently, nerves are irritated (Facilitative lesion). This is
caused when nerve tissue is scraped, rubbed, stretched by a loss of spinal
curve, or irritated by malfunctioning spinal bones.
Technically a disc can't slip! The intervertebral disc is a pad of cartilage
type material situated between spinal bones. Each disc serves as a connector,
spacer, and shock absorber for the spine. A soft jelly like center is contained
by outer layers of fibrous tissue. Healthy discs help allow normal turning and
bending. Because of the way each disc is attached to the vertebrae above and
below, a disc cannot slip. However trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs
to tear, bulge, herniated or rupture. This can be quite painful, as the soft
center of the disc leaks, putting pressure on adjacent nerve roots and spinal
cord.
What do Chiropractic doctors do?
After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough
orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may
be taken to uncover structural and functional problems associated with the
spinal column. These examinations help identify areas of spinal malfunction and
resulting nervous system deficit. The findings of these examinations are
explained and a plan of Chiropractic adjustments are recommended. Progress is
monitored with periodic examinations and follow up reports.
What type of education do Chiropractic doctors get?
Today's Chiropractic doctor is well educated. The science of Chiropractic
requires a special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology,
biomechanics, x-ray, special adjusting techniques and related subjects. This
demanding curriculum prepares chiropractic doctors to locate the vertebral
subluxation complex and help correct the resulting nervous system dysfunction.
To graduate with a doctor of Chiropractic degree, each candidate passes the
demanding National Board Examination. Then doctors apply to a governmental or
professional licensing board and pass still a more difficult test before being
granted the privilege to practice. A Chiropractic education never ends. Most
doctors complete post graduate instruction for license renewal and to stay
current on the latest scientific research.
A
Chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise
direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, "locked up" or not moving
properly. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is improved spinal
function, improved nervous system function and improved health. Dr. Cassis uses
state of the art scientific equipment to safely and painlessly correct spinal
alignment and balance the body.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
The
doctor evaluates each patients unique spinal problem and develops an individual
course of care for each patient.
No!
It is seriously advised against. Since a Chiropractic adjustment is a specific
force, applied in a specific direction, to a specific spinal joint, it is
virtually impossible to adjust oneself.
Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative
approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs.
Chiropractic care is a natural approach to better health that is proven safe and
effective.
Can I speed the healing process?
While there are no shortcuts to speed your body's natural healing process, there
is a lot you can do to give yourself the best chance of a quick recovery. Learn
proper sitting and lifting methods. Proper rest is a critical factor in the
healing process too. proper nutrition is also of great importance, so eat right.
And last but not least, keep you appointments!
Why do children need Chiropractic care?
Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their
newborns checked for vertebral subluxation complex. Later, learning to walk,
riding a bicycle, and other childhood activities can cause spinal problems. Many
childhood complaints that are often brushed off as "growing pains" can often be
traced to the spine. Regular Chiropractic checkups can identify these problems
and help avoid many of the health complaints seen later in adults. Naturally,
Chiropractic adjusting procedures are modified to a child's spine. Most parents
report that their children enjoy their chiropractic adjustments and seem
healthier than other children.
Am I too old for Chiropractic treatment? More and more people
are consulting chiropractic doctors, especially in their later years. With
growing concerns about over medication and the side effects of combining various
prescription drugs, safe, natural chiropractic care is growing in popularity.
Restoring proper spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance
and appetite. Many patients report improvement with arthritic symptoms and other
chronic ailments often associated with the aging process. The adjusting
technique used by your doctor will be modified for maximum comfort and results.
17 QUESTIONS I WANTED TO ASK MY CHIROPRACTOR BUT
WAS AFRAID TO ASK
1) WHY SO MANY VISITS? A single spinal bone out of place (subluxation) without significant disturbances will require about the same time as a sprained knee or ankle for complete healing and stability. Furthermore multiple subluxation will take longer for maximum function. However, with additional complications of past or old injuries, surgeries, spurs, compressions, muscular contractions, muscular weakness, age, stress, short or long term abuse the time and frequency of visits begin to increase into months, years and a life time of care. Also, the longer the time after the onset of the subluxation (spinal bones out of place) the greater the visit frequency and longer the time of recovery.
2) HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN I AM DONE?
The frequency of care or visits is reduced when clinical
test findings, instrumentation and x-ray findings indicate the vertebral
subluxation complex (bones and pinching nerves) has been "reduced",
'stabilized' ("holding"), or "corrected".
3) AM I FIXED WHEN THE PAIN IS GONE?
Sometimes yes-but, the sad truth is that so many people
equate lack of pain equals health. This is where the public has been trained to
take a pill to get up, go to sleep and kill that pain-"NOW". In similarity,
dental problems begin before the toothache, as with most spinal problems begin
before the PAIN. Therefore in most cases when we get past the pain the
"fixing" really begins.
4) WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHER MD'S? I honestly think its our prime concern - your health. We realize no healing art has all the answers. Sometimes a condition is so complex that it requires the attention of more than one type of Doctor to achieve results. I'm very proud of our reputation "If I can help you I will, if I can't, I will help you find someone who can". Note: Be very alert to any health practitioner who REFUSES to refer.
5) WHAT IS YOUR SPECIALTY?
There is such a long list of the problems we treat, like
sprains/strains to almost any joint, severe headaches, to migraines, sinus
problems, shoulder, arm and leg pain, numbness, tingling, some forms of
asthma, constipation, stomach problems, nervousness, sleeping problems and many
more. However the basic specialty is attention to the most important part
of the body -, THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. So, our specialty is the "function"
of the nervous system as it relates to the "structure" of the spine.
Because the spinal cord and nerves are related to ALL THE OTHER SYSTEMS
OF THE BODY. This way we can get to the actual cause of the problem.
6) DO I REALLY NEED THIS SPECIAL TYPE
OF WORK?
Today we use all the modern diagnostics and technology
available in determining if you really do have a chiropractic problem. That is
why if you have a chiropractic problem nothing else will work
7) I FEEL GREAT, I THINK I'M CURED.
Again the age old problem of fooling ones self into severe
problems. It is statically proven that the majority of the time the very first
symptom of an impending heart attack is death. Many of us know people
who 'feel great" while they are walking around with sever high blood pressure or
certain types of cancer. Some spinal conditions are the same - if not headed,
this type of thinking can lead to severe debilitating conditions. A lot of
times this is very unnecessary and preventable.
8) HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN I’M
PROGRESSING?
From your very first visit there are measurements, tests
and x-rays with continued computations for comparisons. This way there is no
guessing - we know and you know.
9) MY INSURANCE ONLY PAYS FOR 15 VISITS, YOU ASK FOR 25 OR 35, THEY MUST BASE THERE 15 ON SOME SCIENTIFIC REASONING. WHAT'S YOURS? CAN I TRUST YOU? I'M CONFUSED, 15 OR 35?
What if you went to a heart specialist and he said you
needed a triple bypass right away. You quickly inform him that your insurance
policy would only pay up to a single bypass, where he replies and says ok we'll
do it that way. Would you agree to it? We do not work around care as per
insurance policies. We give you what is proven you need. Fact is you and
I will both know if the treatment and adjustments are working or not within
about the first 10 visits or so.
10) WHEN I GO TO A MD IT'S
NOT THIS CONFUSING.
From my own personal experience and from the many reports
I get back from my patients over the years, most (not all) medical practitioners
just don't take the time to explain in as much detail the specific problems
people are having as we do to our patients. Our objective is to educate you as
much as possible about your problem. This way ultimately in the near future
you'll make well supported decisions about your health on your own - simply
because you know.
11) MY INSURANCE IS MUCH MORE ACCOMMODATING WITH MY "REAL DOCTOR" THAN MY CHIROPRACTOR. ARE THEY AWARE OF SOMETHING I AM NOT? THEY MUST KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING?
Plain and simple it always comes down to the type of
policy and coverage between you and the insurance company. We have over 600
insurance companies listed in our computer that do cover our care with no
problems- (that's why they are in there). Just remember ALL POLICIES DO NOT
COVER ALL PROCEDURES OF ALL DOCTORS even the "real" ones.
12) NO ONE KNOWS THAT I'M GOING TO A
CHIROPRACTIC DOCTOR. I DON'T THINK THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND.
That's sad - they might have problems even quiet
subluxation complexes (pinched nerves) that chiropractic could help or resolve.
Do them a favor and give them a copy of what your reading now. In other words
be thankful you have "inside information" - now share it.
13) IS THERE MORE TO CHIROPRACTIC THAN
LOW BACK PAIN AND WHIPLASH INJURY? Yes...here are a few...
14) WHAT IS IT WHEN PEOPLE GO TO A
CHIROPRACTOR THEY CAN NEVER
STOP GOING? MY HUSBAND WON'T START BECAUSE
HE "DOESN'T WANT TO GET HOOKED"
If you go to your dentist and get all the needed care
done, do you ever go back? Of course you care for your teeth daily.
Every few months you return for a check ups and any needed care-that's called
maintenance. Why should your spine (nervous system), which is connected to
EVERYTHING -including your teeth, be any different? Remember pinched
nerves can be stealing your health with out you even knowing about it. So in
the long run its cheaper to stay well than it is to get well.
15) HOW COME CHIROPRACTORS ARE NOT IN
PROFESSIONAL SUITES, WHEN ALL THE OTHER DOCTORS ARE?
But they are! this is seen much more in the city type
practices than in the suburbs and rural areas. Why I dare say even the "Real
Doctor" have offices in areas other than professional kind of suite, if they
practice in the suburbs and rural areas. Because, there just aren't as
many professional suites out there in the sticks.
16) WHY WOULD MY "REAL DOCTOR" BE DEAD
SET AGAINST ME GOING TO A CHIROPRACTOR?
Sad but true, some people are sown on what they're not
upon. Modern chiropractic is factually helping millions. Today many more in the
medical community are learning and understanding the true scope of
chiropractic. Why, can you believe it, we even treat "real doctors" and "real
nurses" as patients
17) HOW COME I NEVER REFER TO MY
CHIROPRACTOR AS MY "REAL DOCTOR"?
Chiropractors are licensed and trained as physicians just
like all the other trained physicians and I went to college for 8 years
and I did my internship just like the "real ones". However just like any
other specialized physician we happen to specialize in the spine and nervous
system with all of its muscle ligaments and tendons. In fact we do it all with
out drugs or surgery. Statistics show that "85% of the patients treated with
chiropractic become symptom free or show definite improvement". That's why
'chiropractic is the second largest health profession in the world. |
