Q: Is chiropractic safe?
Canadian Chiropractic Association Safety0001
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18204390
Q: Will the treatment hurt?
A: Chiropractic adjustments are very safe and rarely cause any discomfort; individuals of all ages enjoy the treatment and the feeling of relaxation that follows. However, each individual is different and pain thresholds do vary. Therefore, Dr. Cyriacks will evaluate each person on a case by case basis and apply treatment accordingly. If there is a chance that the treatment will cause some minor pain he will tell you in advance and discuss your concerns. The doctor is proficient in a number of different ways to adjust the spine, and will choose the technique that results in the least amount of discomfort for you if that is your concern.
Q: Do I have to take my clothes off?
A: The examination and subsequent re-examinations do require the skin on the back be exposed for instrumentation and initial observation; pants and undergarments will remain on and a medical gown open in the back will be worn. After the instrumentation portion of the exam is complete the patient may get dressed. However, if you feel uncomfortable for any reason at all you may leave your shirt on, and the instrumentation portion of the exam will not be performed. All chiropractic adjustments are given while you are fully clothed. It is recommended, however, that you do wear comfortable clothing that is loose fitting during your appointments due to the physical nature of the treatments.
Q: What is that “cracking” noise heard during an adjustment?
A: That noise is called a cavitation. It is simply the release of gasses that are dissolved in the synovial fluid that is in every joint. That fluid nourishes the joint and provides lubrication for it. When a joint is taken through its full range of normal motion, using a distractive force like a chiropractic adjustment, the joint surfaces separate from each other undergoing the process of cavitation. A negative pressure is created in the intra-articular fluid forming a gas bubble. The gas escapes occasionally, making a slight popping sound. A similar phenomenon occurs when a bottle of champagne is opened; the cork is removed and the gas escapes, making the infamous “pop.” The joint sound is not harmful. It is not even a sign that the adjustment has taken place, only that the joint has been taken through its full range of motion. In fact, Dr. Cyriacks primarily adjusts the upper cervical area consisting of the Atlas and Axis vertebrae, using a technique called the Palmer Specific HIO toggle recoil. This technique has no twisting or extension of the neck, nor any cavitation associated with it. He is proficient in a number of techniques that involve no “popping” or “cracking” at all. If the sound makes you a little queasy or you are uneasy about having your neck “cracked” just let the doctor know because you are not alone. Alternative methods for adjusting the spine can be discussed.
Q: Do I HAVE to get “cracked?”
A: No. As an upper cervical practitioner, Dr. Cyriacks uses Palmer Specific Upper Cervical Toggle Recoil to adjust the cervical spine. This adjustment is focused at the C1, C2 area of the upper neck just beneath the skull. The technique relies on speed, precise vectors, and a drop headpiece. There is no cracking of the neck at all with this form of adjustment. Because the brain stem passes through this delicate area of the spine every tissue, gland, organ, muscle and body function is affected by irritation at this area. When the subluxation is reduced and pressure is taken off of the brain stem everything becomes more connected to the source of true health and your body’s innate ability to be well. The power that made the body heals the body.
Occasionally there will be times when the spine below the Atlas and Axis need to be addressed, and a manipulation will often times result in a cavitation. However, there are several effective ways to mobilize these fixations in your spine that do not involve being “cracked.” Discuss this concern with Dr. Cyriacks during your consultation and he will go over the alternative treatments for removing the Vertebral Subluxation, such as S.O.T. and Activator with you.
Q: Is chiropractic safe for children?
A: Yes. In fact due to the risks associated with current medical treatment it is very common for children to be adjusted. The treatments are very gentle and do not involve cracking or twisting of the child’s vulnerable neck. Notably, children usually respond very quickly to the correction and rarely need a lot of care. A primary cause of the vertebral subluxation in children is the birth process; a lot of pressure and rotary force is applied to the neck of the newborn as it passes through the birth canal, or exits the incision during a C-Section. This is when chiropractors believe that the first upper cervical subluxation occurs, reducing the child’s expression of life before she takes her first breath. It is Dr. Cyriacks’ professional opinion that all newborns should be checked for an upper cervical subluxation immediately after delivery.
A December 2018 study in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders by Mark D. Shen links altered Cerebral Spinal Fluid circulation and flow to Autism as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. https://rdcu.be/bXjzv (cited article)
Dr. Cyriacks, thinking like a chiropractor, sees a connection between altered CSF flow as well as the inability to clear toxic metabolites in the CSF to the upper cervical subluxation.
In addition to birth trauma just think about how many times a child will fall as they learn to walk…or think about how many times a toddler hits their head as they learn to master their bodies. Many mothers in our practice have noticed a connection between their children getting adjusted and a decrease in colds, or irritability. While others have reported that after adjustments their children breathe easier, poop more frequently, are less colicky or sleep through the night. Keep in mind that those are the results that can be observed after the child has been adjusted. There are also the unobserved results and benefits of turning the child’s life back on soon after birth. It will allow them to develop without nervous system interference, and express their full potential as the Creator intended.
Dr. Cyriacks has two children of his own that he has adjusted since the day they were born.
Q: What will happen during my first visit?
A: When you arrive at the Teaneck office you will be greeted, and given a set of forms to fill out. These forms include a case history, Patient Confidentiality, Signature on File, Informed Consent, and an understanding of financial responsibility form. Then you will be taken into the treatment room with Dr. Cyriacks where you will discuss your case, and history at length also discussing the risks that may be involved. It is at this time that he will decide if your condition is a chiropractic case, or whether a referral to a specialist would be more appropriate. If your case would benefit from chiropractic care he will conduct a thorough physical exam on you, focusing on the Vertebral Subluxation Complex and associated biomechanical dysfunction. If possible Dr. Cyriacks will discuss the results of your exam immediately after the testing is complete rather than sending you home and making you wait. This is done primarily to put the patient at ease, realizing the anxiety many patients feel after suffering from pain or dysfunction for a period of time. Depending on the results and the information collected from the history treatment may begin on this visit. However, if there are positive findings that indicate the possibility of a deeper problem Dr. Cyriacks will require further studies such as x-ray, MRI, CT scans, or blood work. Occasionally after examination the determination is made to refer to another specialist. Therefore no treatment will be given in this case. A follow-up visit will be scheduled until the information needed is received, and you will be given instructions on how to make yourself more comfortable until you return.
Q: Does the doctor take x-rays in the office?
A: X-rays are not taken in the office. However, Dr. Cyriacks works closely with a few excellent local imaging centers and labs who are staffed with highly trained medical doctors, and technicians. They provide the doctor with the X-Ray views needed in order to make a precise correction to the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Accurate reports of their findings are usually provided to Dr. Cyriacks within 48 hours. For emergencies and trauma cases a “wet read” can be obtained so that Dr. Cyriacks has the information necessary to begin treatment, or refer out to the appropriate specialist within minutes of the films being taken. These imaging centers and labs also accept most insurance plans.
Q: Are chiropractors really doctors?
A: Yes. The degree one receives upon graduation from chiropractic college is a D.C. which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic. The degree one receives upon graduation from medical college is an M.D. which stands for Medical Doctor, and similarly a Doctor of Osteopathy has a D.O. The core education of different doctors is quite similar actually. Medical doctors then go on to specialize for several years where a majority of chiropractors do not. The word “doctor” traditionally means “learned one” Dr. Cyriacks has a bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Chemistry, as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic degree which was awarded with honors in 1992.
Q: Are chiropractors educated?
A: The education of chiropractors is intense. After college a candidate will apply to a chiropractic college. There are only a few accredited chiropractic colleges worldwide so competition is incredible. Once enrolled, the student is immersed in an intensive program heavily weighted in anatomy, neurology, and biomechanics, but include courses in everything from pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, histology, biochemistry, psychology, radiology, ethics and philosophy. The formal education of a chiropractor is completed over a course of 3 1/3 years taken in trimesters. There are 3 trimesters in one academic year, as compared to the traditional semester in which there are two per academic year. What this means is that a student will have a course load of 30-35 hours (credits) per trimester, as compared to the average 15 credit hours per semester. There are no summer vacations, or spring breaks for students on a trimester schedule. A two week break between trimesters is the standard. If done on a semester schedule, a chiropractor’s education would take approximately 5 years to complete. Once the formal education is completed the chiropractic student will enter into the clinical phase of their education where they can apply all they have learned. This phase lasts approximately one year. Their clinical skills are monitored and refined by a team of licensed professionals, including chiropractors, medical doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and PhDs. Throughout their education, in addition to their normal overwhelming course load, the students must pass a series of rigorous National Board Exams. These exams are cumulative and there are 4 of them. Without passing grades on these exams the students are unable to continue on. Upon graduation from chiropractic college, and receiving their Doctor of Chiropractic degree, the new chiropractor must now pass licensing exams in each state that they wish to practice. Once in practice in a particular state the chiropractor must take continuing education courses in order to maintain their license. In New Jersey a chiropractor needs 30 hours of continuing education classes per license renewal.
Q: How much will it cost?
A: The fees are as follows:
Initial consultation and exam $95
Spinal adjustments $65
Well Check $25
Children 12 yrs & under $25
Re-examinations $40
Q: How long will it take to start feeling better?
A: Obviously everyone is different, and conditions vary (often dramatically) Approximately 20-25% of patients who are adjusted for the first time have remarkable results within 2-5 visits. The remaining percentage will see improvement gradually, and go through a predictable course of healing and re-tracing if the condition you are seeking relief from is related to the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Most improvement occurs within 10 to 15 visits at which time the patient is reevaluated and treatment options will be discussed. Please note that correcting the vertebral subluxation and reconnecting your body to the source of life, removing nerve system interference, and allowing your innate intelligence to function as it was designed ALWAYS works. You will be healthier, more connected to the source of life, and have the best chance of replicating your body in health when you are holding your adjustment, allowing mental impulses to flow freely through the body.
Q: What happens after the acute phase of care?
A: The goal of Dr. Cyriacks is to have you maintain your correction for as long as possible. This will allow your body enough time to replicate itself in health, healing itself through your innate intelligence. Occasionally, a correction will have to be made. Once your body is able to maintain the correction a recommendation will be made for you to have your spine checked for subluxations. Depending on your fitness level, and history this schedule can be once per month to once every 3 months. “Holding is Healing”
Due to limitations of matter and the length of time the patient has been subluxated occasionally we find that the subluxation being treated returns at a higher rate than expected (all subluxations eventually return due to toxins, traumas, and tension that we are exposed to). This inability to maintain the correction is most often due to the body’s loss of muscle memory. When this happens Dr. Cyriacks will refer the patient to one of the excellent Physical Therapists the office works with. No physical therapy or rehab is done at our office and there is no quid pro quo associated with these referrals. Dr. Cyriacks is a chiropracTOR with one specialized job; finding and fixing a vertebral subluxation. The physical therapist and Dr Cyriacks will coordinate care to insure the most effective outcome. This therapy will help your muscles to “remember” how to maintain your correction.
Q: Can I get adjusted if I have no pain?
A: Yes. In fact, after almost 30 years in practice a majority of the patients seeking care at our office are here for Dr. Cyriacks to check them for subluxations, and assure that they are holding their correction. Our goal is to have you NOT need an adjustment. “Holding is Healing.”
Q: Is payment due when I am first treated, or do you bill me?
A. Payment is due when services are rendered. A receipt can be given to you in order for you to receive reimbursement from your insurance company providing you have out of network coverage. Also, when requested patients will receive a receipt at the end of the year for tax purposes. If you are unable to pay the balance due at the time of your visit billing arrangements can be made.
Q: Does the office accept insurance on assignment?
A: No. Payment is due the day that care is given. If financial hardship is a concern please speak with the doctor or staff so we can make arrangements with you that will not prohibit you from seeking care at our office
Q: Is Dr. Cyriacks a participating provider with any of the major insurance companies?
A: Dr. Cyriacks is contracted with Medicare on a Non-Par basis. In other words the Medicare patient will pay the office at the time of visit, and insurance claims will then be sent in on their behalf. Insurance reimbursement will be made directly to the patient if Medicare deems that treatment is medically necessary. Medicare does not pay for regular chiropractic care or the management of subluxations, and will only consider acute conditions for payment.
Other than that Dr. Cyriacks does not participate with any Major Insurance Providers.
cyriackschirodotcom 