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Dohrmann Chiropractic - Kansas City

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect on my first visit?

First, you will meet with the doctor to do a consultation. They will have reviewed your paperwork and may ask some questions to clarify your goals in seeking care and issue(s). Next, a staff will discuss charges with you so you are fully aware of the exact cost of the first visit. We do our best to verify insurance (if you have insurance) or discuss our cash rates at that time. Then, one of our staff members will take any necessary x-rays and vitals. After the x-rays, the doctor will perform an exam and the first treatment. Lastly, you will be scheduled to return for your follow up appointment.  On the follow up visit, the doctor will go through the report of findings (treatment plan) and answer any questions you may have.

Our office participates in most insurance programs, and many of our patients pay out of pocket and find the care affordable. We also accept auto accident cases. For patients who have little or no chiropractic insurance coverage, flexible payment programs can be arranged. To learn more about our payment options for chiropractic and wellness care, you can call our office directly.

Insurance

Most insurance plans are accepted at our office. We accept auto accident, personal injury and most health insurance plans, including Medicare.

No Insurance

For patients who have little or no chiropractic insurance coverage, we have cash rates and flexible payment programs can be arranged. If you have no insurance or do not have chiropractic benefits there is still a way for you to receive the care you need. Many patients pay directly for care, as they discover chiropractic to be extremely cost-effective and affordable.

If you’d like to discuss your situation to see if Dohrmann Chiropractic clinic can help you, please call us at 816-436-5520.

During your consultation, our doctors will guide you toward the best treatment protocol. We have in house x-ray, and work with a local MRI facility to make sure we obtain a proper diagnosis. In many cases, we will present various options for treatment you can choose from to best suit your needs.

Chiropractic is a natural and holistic healing art that seeks to address spinal misalignments and joint motion restriction, or subluxations. Spinal misalignments and joint restriction can cause pressure on nerves, which may result in a wide array of symptoms, ranging from pain, headaches, numbness, and organic issues. Many people like the fact that chiropractors seek to get the root of the health condition by using x-rays and examination of the spine. Chiropractors go through a four year doctorate program and focus solely on the natural anatomy and function of the body.

You can think of your spinal cord as a highway. The brain sends signals down the spinal cord and then the signals go to every cell in your body. If the spine is out of alignment, it creates a traffic jam (pinched nerve). The pinched nerve can then cause a myriad of issues. The spine protects the spinal cord, which is an extension of the brain. The brain controls and coordinates all functions of the body, and “talks” to the body via the spinal cord and nerves branching off of the cord. Therefore, to achieve proper communication in your body, it is essential to have a properly aligned spine. Some might say a misaligned spine creates a bad “signal” like poor cell phone service.

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. More people are seeking chiropractic care as it has a stronger safety record as compared to many drugs and surgeries. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
Adjustments of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. The most important part of the adjustment is the movement of the vertebra, which may or may not result in a “pop”!
Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor of chiropractic’s intensive years of chiropractic education. Our doctors typically will use their hands–or in some cases an Activator adjusting instrument–to restore movement into the joints of the body, particularly the spine. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic adjustments are a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Our doctors will adapt the procedure to meet the specific needs of your case. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.
Absolutely! Our chiropractors have been trained to adjust pregnant women. Additionally, by aligning the pelvic bones, it not only helps with back pain, but also aids in the labor and delivery as it allows the birthing canal to be symmetrical. Also, many patients seek chiropractic care post partum. Breastfeeding and the stress of a newborn often lead to misalignments in the spine, therefore adjustments help women through this process.
The simple answer is no. We have hundreds of patients who came in our first year in 2008, and haven’t been adjusted since. There are a lot of variables in this equation, depending on the patient goals. Some patients seek prevention, and therefore get adjusted as much as weekly, even if they have no pain. Like brushing your teeth, it often makes sense to stay ahead of issues! Others seek pain relief, and may come in for a series of adjustments, then not return until they have another issue. The choice is yours, but your body does not get addicted to the adjustment or require it.
Chiropractic is one of the safest forms of children’s health care. The adjustment of an infant or child is not the same as an adult. It is much gentler, and often no “popping, turning or twisting” is involved. Only slight pressure is applied to make the adjustment. Our doctors have been specially trained to adjust infants and children and they see a lot of children on a daily basis for issues such as ear infections, colic, torticollis, scoliosis, digestive issues and more.

Many of our patients bring their children in within their first two months of being born. This helps to ensure the spine is in proper alignment and helps the baby express optimal health from the start. The first adjustment is extremely gentle. The doctor typically has the mother hold the baby, and he places very light pressure to examine and adjust the spine if needed. The pressure is less than you would use to pick up your child.

If you are looking for a natural, preventative approach to health for your children, then the adjustment is a vital aspect of the process. Many spinal issues start early in childhood and even from the birthing process. Therefore, early detection is the key. After the initial adjustment, most parents have their children checked every six months for wellness purposes or more often is a problem arises.

The D.C. program is four years, similar to dentistry. The curriculum focuses on anatomy, physiology, pathology, x-ray, nutrition and spinal adjusting. Unlike a medical degree which places a large focus on pharmacology, the chiropractic program solely focuses on the natural function and biomechanics of the human body. Four national board tests are taken along with a clinical internship. Additionally, Dr. Dohrmann studied acupuncture, which also requires a national board certification process.

Unfortunately not! However, it is possible to “pop” your neck or back. If you often times feel the need to pop your back or neck, that is an indication there is an issue with your spine. Most people feel temporary relief from the “pop”, but then feel the need to do it again and again.

If your spine is in a healthy state and properly adjusted, there should not be a sensation to pop it. The chiropractic adjustment moves the bones necessary to restoring proper motion and alignment. Many patients report not having to pop their neck/back after getting adjusting regularly by our doctors.

You will likely feel relief, increased energy and maybe even feel taller immediately after the adjustment. However, in rare cases some patients feel soreness after an adjustment, similar to a “workout soreness”.

No we do not. In some cases, such as emergencies, medications are very beneficial. However, in many cases medications are simply masking the symptoms. Chiropractic works with your body to address the root cause of health issues. Also, a huge benefit is there are no side effects with chiropractic care.

Yes, Dohrmann Chiropractic does allow walk-ins and same day appointments!  We prefer for new patients and those on an active treatment plan to schedule, however in general we do allow walk-ins 🙂

Yes, the doctors at Dohrmann Chiropractic utilize the y-strap adjusting tool.  It can help to relieve compressive load in the neck, mid back and lower spinal areas.