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.

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, tension headaches, neck, shoulder, and arm pain, TMJ/facial pain, sciatica or leg pain, hip pain, numbness or tingling in legs, arms, and hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated discs, arthritis, accident related injuries such as sports, dance, auto, and work related injuries, fibromyalgia, pregnancy related back pain, scoliosis in both children and adults, asthma, ear infections, and infantile colic.

Does chiropractic hurt?
Under normal circumstances, adjustments do not hurt. Dr. Wagreich uses an activator instrument which gives very gentle adjustments as well as traditional techniques.

Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations are extremely safe. The risk factor is estimated to be in excess of one million to one.

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.

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 neck pain, infantile colic, migraine headaches, asthma, and many other conditions.

What can I expect on my first visit?
Dr. Wagreich acknowleges that each individual has a unique problem and therefore requires an individual assessment of the functioning of their bodies. A thorough health history will be taken followed by a physical examination consisting of neurological and orthopedic tests. In addition, a careful spinal/postural examination will be performed as well as an analysis of muscle tightness and weakness to detect any structural abnormalities which may be affecting or causing your condition. All of these elements are important components of your total health profile, and vital to the doctor of chiropractic in evaluating your problem. In some cases, spinal x-rays may be necessary for further evaluation.

If chiropractic is determined to be of help to you, a specific course of treatment will be recommended. Dr. Wagreich works with each individual until they have reached maximum improvement or their desired goal. During future sessions, home stretch and exercise programs are designed to empower the individual to be able to prevent future reoccurance of problems. Chiropractic may also be used on a preventive basis.

What other services do you offer besides chiropractic?
Dr. Wagreich's treatments incorporate massage therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and physiotherapy along with spinal manipulation.