Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that we get in our office. Please let us know if you have a question that isn't on the list and we'll get you the answer as soon as we can!
1. What is the Atlas Displacement Complex and how does it impact the way my body works?
When the Atlas is displaced from its proper position, the head moves off center to the body. This creates body imbalance from head to toe. More weight shifts to one side of the body than the another. If the Atlas also rotates out of position it can twist the entire spinal structure, including the pelvis, so that one leg appears shorter than another (see illustration). Misalignment of the bone structure of your head and neck irritates the electrical wiring causing muscular tension and can translate into pain and suffering.
2. Do the adjustments hurt? Is there any twisting or popping?
The repositioning of the Atlas vertebra is done by hand using extreme precision, and a mathematical formula. Utilizing this gentle correction, it feels like the doctor’s hand is resting just below the ear as the atlas is moved precisely back to its correct position. It is completely “under whelming” as it is extremely gentle. There is no twisting of the neck. Patients are often surprised how gentle it is, until over a period of time, they feel their body healing. The procedure cures nothing. It simply restores body balance and brain to body communication so that organs, limbs and tissues can resume functioning. The body can now self-heal, as it was designed to. This is why we see so many different conditions responding to this procedure.
3. What do my posture and weight distribution have to do with my health?
“The Nervous System controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the human body.” (Gray’s Anatomy, 29th Ed., page 4). A structural shift may cause irritation to the nervous system and strain the joints, muscles and body functions which may result in secondary conditions.
4. Do I have to sign up for a plan or can I pay visit by visit?
While you do have the option to pay visit by visit, almost all of our patients choose to enroll in a corrective care plan. Your Corrective Care Plan will specify a number of visits. Some people may have a 15-visit corrective care plan, some may have a 24-visit plan, some may have a 32-visit plan, and some may have over 40, which is rare. The number of visits has to do with how long you have had your symptoms or problems, your age, and how your problems developed over time. Your symptoms may improve, and you may start to feel better after three visits, but that doesn’t mean you are functionally improved. Dysfunction takes a long time to develop, and symptoms are always the last to occur.
5. Do you take my insurance?
We are non-participating providers, which means that we don't directly accept insurance. We check with our patients to see if they have any out-of-network benefits, and if they do, we will help to facilitate the process of the patient getting reimbursed directly from their insurance provider. We operate this way for several reasons including that it allows us to control costs, and provide necessary care without an insurance company trying to tell us what the patient needs.
6. Do you offer more than just chiropractic care in your office?
We realize that in order to address all aspects of an individual's health, we need to have access to several different components. While we focus primarily on structural correction and balance in the office, we also have connections to address nutrition, massage, stretching and strengthening, as well as mindset and life coaching. We also offer our patients an online membership program that includes various trainings on all of these topics as well!
7. Do I have to have x-rays when I go through the exam process?
While you are not required to get x-rays, we strongly encourage patients to do so because it provides an important piece of the puzzle allowing us to help address your issues as thoroughly as possible. Our digital x-ray machine takes quality films with as little exposure as possible.
8. What happens during my first couple of visits? Do I get adjusted right away?
Day 1:
- We start with “tell me your story.” We want to know your history and how your history relates to the issues you are having now.
- We conduct a postural assessment
- We develop a structural evaluation through x-ray
- We perform a neurological evaluation
- We check your heart rate variability.
Day 2:
After this thorough assessment, we know the story of how you got to where you are today, and the structural and functional reasons why you are having symptoms. After we have analyzed all of the information collected, we sit down with you, explain how everything fits together, and develop a plan to correct the problems you are having. If you decide to proceed with a care plan during this second visit, we take you through the adjustment process.
9. Where is Align Chiropractic Center? Is there any parking there?
Align Chiropractic Center is located at 2464 E. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor, MI. We are a few doors east of the Trader Joe's strip mall. There is parking both in front of the office, as well as on the side by the driveway entrance.
Please call with any other questions you may have. We're happy to help!
(734) 418-7515
