Our community welcomes a new chiropractor to the area! Dr. Jeff Sawyer joined Tackett Chiropractic Center in Queensbury, NY just a few months ago on January 2, 2013.
We thought we’d pick Dr. Sawyer’s brain for some advice, tips and insight from an expert. If you are suffering from chronic pain — whether it’s your back, neck, joints, muscles or other ailment — find out what Dr. Sawyer has to say!
What kinds of ailments can a chiropractic visit help?
Chiropractic Adjustments treats the spine and nervous system. Your spine houses your spinal cord, which is the communication center between your brain and body. Over time, from poor posture, trauma and everyday wear and tear, you lose mobility causing restrictions or areas of decreased motion in the spine. This doesn’t allow for proper biomechanical function, causing pressure on the nerves exiting the spine, going to every organ, muscle and tissue of your body. The pressure on the nerves causes interference, like static on a cell phone, and information is mixed up or lost. Chiropractic adjustments relieve the pressure on the nerves and allow your brain to communicate with your body clearly.
How long does an average session last?
Typically, the initial visit, which consists of a thorough history, comprehensive exam and X-rays if needed, takes about 40 minutes. Every visit from there on out takes about 15-20 minutes, case depending.
What are some common things you hear from your patients after a chiropractic session?
“I wish I had done this a long time ago.”
Is there any particular season that you see a higher volume of patients?
No, back problems are not seasonal. Most of us are sitting in desks all day or performing repetitive movements, which predispose us to injury.
How old were the oldest and youngest patients you’ve ever seen?
Between Dr. Tackett and myself, we have seen a 99-year-old man and a 2-week-old baby. Birth is a traumatic event for a baby especially in breach or other complications. Getting their spine checked is a must; it can help alleviate colic or even chronic ear infections.
What sparked your interest in becoming a chiropractor?
I was a teenage patient of Dr. Tackett’s originally for low back pain. Within a few visits, he had me feeling like a million bucks. I have never been one that liked taking medication when not obviously necessary.
Are chiropractic visits covered under most health insurance plans?
Most, yes. Not all, though. We have an extraordinary billing specialist who would be more than happy to answer any of your insurance questions.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, safe and effective. There is nothing to be scared of. You will know what is going on every step of the way and feel more than comfortable every time you are adjusted.
Between visits, would you recommend applying hot or cold compresses to sore muscles and joints?
As we all know, heat feels good, but ice is what you want to be using. The cold helps decrease inflammation, in turn, decreasing pain.
What would you say to someone who manages their aches and pains with pain killers?
Stop masking your symptoms and find out the cause.
Are you masking your symptoms when you could be treating the cause? I know this applies to many of us, so if you are experiencing chronic pain and living on pain medication, you may want to pay a visit to the chiropractor to see if they can help. Thanks to Dr. Sawyer for answering our questions!
Learn more about Tackett Chiropractic Center >>
