Frequently Asked Questions in Silverdale WA

A chiropractor is a health care professional, a doctor, and a physician, who does not prescribe medication, perform surgery or give injections. Instead, chiropractors believe that health can be improved, pain can be relieved, and function can be restored, through the optimization of nerve function by the elimination of interference to the flow of nerve energy in the human body. This is done through manual means, sometimes also using specialized equipment, in order to manipulate joints and soft tissues.

Chiropractors perform joint manipulation, commonly called adjustments, in order to improve the way joints function. Joints create movement. Joints contain special nerve receptors that send information to the brain as to the position of the joint in space, and how it is moving. When a joint is not moving properly, such as when it is injured, it sends corrupted sensory information to the brain. Chiropractic adjustments work by rebooting the joint nerve receptors and restoring the joint's optimal motion.

You will be given paperwork to fill out if you have not already. A thorough consultation will be performed by Dr. Siegel, including a history of your present complaint, past medical history, medications, surgeries, and prior injuries.

A thorough physical exam will be performed including checking vital signs, and then an orthopedic and neurological exam.
After the exam, either imaging will be ordered, or a report of findings will be given, with an explanation of how chiropractic can help your condition, if it can. A treatment plan, with goals, will be explained.

• Treatment is usually given on the first visit.
• The total amount of time spent on the first visit is usually about 60 to 75 minutes.
• Subsequent visits (Treatment only) are about 15 minutes each.

Some people report some temporary, mild soreness after their treatments, but these usually only occur after the first few visits and do not last long. We try to minimize any negative side effects by using the least amount of force required to effect a positive change.

Sometimes, when a joint is manipulated, in other words, a specific force is directed into the joint, making the joint "Gap", or slightly separating the joint surfaces, a pop or cracking sound may be experienced. This is akin to cracking a knuckle. No one knows for certain, but it has been theorized that the crack is created when a gas bubble is formed inside the joint and then dissipates suddenly.

If cracking occurs during the adjustment, it is perfectly normal. On the other hand, if cracking does not occur, that is also fine. It does not mean the treatment will be any less effective.

Dr. Siegel was taught, and uses, many different chiropractic techniques. Amongst these are diversified, Thompson drop technique, Gonstead technique, flexion-distraction technique, and instrument-based methods as well, which are gentle.

For soft tissue injuries, the doctor is a Graston Technique Specialist.

Cold laser therapy is used to reduce pain, reduce swelling and increase blood flow.

We can minimize the amount of pain associated with the treatment by using the least amount of force necessary. Adjustments involve the use of mechanical force to effect a change. Light force can be effective without being painful.

Yes. Dr. Siegel has treated pregnant women right up to the day before
birth. Gentle techniques are employed. Chiropractic care not only helps relieve the pain caused by carrying a baby, but it has also been shown to ease the birthing process by relaxing the pelvic floor muscles.

Yes. Dr. Siegel has treated infants just weeks old. Extremely gentle methods are used. Chiropractic care is very effective for children too.

We are a preferred provider for Kaiser Permanente, Regence, Premera, Aetna, Cigna, and we also participate in Medicare. We also accept PIP motor vehicle accident insurance cases and Labor and Industries.