Libertyville chiropractor Dr Steve Segal shares an email and treatment plan dated 11/1/17 from one of his patients who moved to California, and is seeking her next chiropractor.
The patient and doctors identifying stuff is blacked out.
“Hi Doc Segal –
I believe my dad gave you a heads-up that I am seeking your insight (sort of second opinion) on some recommended chiropractic care that I have been asked to consider by a chiro out here in SF.
I’ve seen a different guy a few times just for periodic adjustments because he used to come to my office on a monthly basis, so Dr. Dan is new for me, but he appears to be highly regarded and works on the athletic department at the University of XX.
Quick synopsis – I don’t have any constant pain but I do lead a very active lifestyle so was interested in getting some regular chiropractic “maintenance” to keep myself in good condition.
Mainly to prevent any future issues as opposed to dealing with something that currently exists.
I found a Groupon (lame, I know) for Dr. to get a consultation, x-ray and a couple of adjustments.
That is really all I was looking for, but the x-ray uncovered discs in my neck that are on their way to possibly being herniated (where I do have sharp pain after long periods on my feet).
Attached is a screenshot of my neck x-ray along with the 6-month treatment plan encompassing 54 visits (combo of adjustments and time on a decompression table) – about $3,500 total out of pocket for me.
I am willing to invest in this — but want to feel confident it will reverse some of the existing damage and (more importantly) prevent a major surgery in the future.
I’d love to get your thoughts on if this could this be accomplished with a different (less time consuming and expensive) treatment plan + being better aware of my posture and working on that with regular exercises?
I feel like there are some chiropractors that really try to sell you on these long-term plans that yield (not guaranteed) small results and I am particularly weary of that type, so I would really love to know your thoughts.
Thank you so much!
Lauren R”
Here Are My (Common Sense) Recommendations.
Go back to the first chiropractor; you were doing well under their care. It seemed like that care was appropriate for your condition at this time. If your condition changes, reevaluate the treatment frequency, and make it appropriate for your condition.
Posture exercises, stretching -restricted areas, and strengthening-weak areas. These will always be in play especially as you get older.
Posture Pump, this can be purchased on line, I find it’s something you can do on your own to help with the restoration of curve in the neck that is missing and theoretically will decrease the stress on the discs and joints… decreasing the likely hood of surgery.
If you were to go back to this chiropractor…here are some of the questions I’d be asking him.
Where’s the research to support the treatment frequency you are suggesting?
Who is/was his practice management company who gave him, helped him create… this treatment plan?
We weren’t taught that in school.
Does the chiropractor treat family friends, neighbors?
What do their treatment plans look like?
The math isn’t correct on this sheet (54), 1 x 4 = 4, not 6.
Will they do a follow up x-ray to see if the curve has been restored?
What happens after 54 visits, what’s the plan and how much will that cost and will insurance pay any of it?
I, Doc Segal, believe in life long chiropractic care along with… lifetime Dental care, eye care, medical care…it has to be based on the individual, their challenges, and their response to care, and their need for care, and their goals.
In my clinic all care must follow 2 Rules
Rule #1 Would I make these recommendations to family, friends, and neighbors I treat?
Rule #2 Make sure you got rule #1 correct.
One more thing…I treated this patient from 2002-2011….I saw and adjusted her 5 times… Please post in the comments…WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?
Till next time, Stay Moving My Friends!