Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.) are licensed under the Illinois Medical Practice Act as physicians. Doctors of chiropractic are licensed in all 50 states, have to pass national board examinations in the basic sciences, clinical sciences and associated clinical sciences. The scope of practice for a chiropractic physician in the State of Illinois is quite broad. At family chiropractic care in Summit Center, our focus is on diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of painful neuromusculoskeletal disorders. We consult with a network of physicians and surgeons when necessary.

David Daniel Palmer founded Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, in 1895.

1. Do you understand my problem?
2. Can you help me?
3. How much will it cost?
4. How long will it take?
5. Does my doctor care?

We devote the necessary time to diagnose the patient's complaint.

Most patients respond to our conservative chiropractic management. If not, you'll be referred to the appropriate provider.

Cost of care depends on the nature and extent of your condition.

Length of treatment varies according to your particular clinical situation. Most patients undergo a two week initial treatment plan to determine whether or not chiropractic care will be of benefit. If you have not achieved full improvement within this two week trial, but are improving, you continue treatment to maximize recovery. This may take 4-6 weeks; more complex cases take longer.

We understand that many patients are initially apprehensive when they see a new doctor, or commit to a different treatment option. We provide excellent patient care in a comforting environment. We thoroughly explain the treament process.

Prior to your private consultation with the doctor, you will fill out the necessary pain diagrams, outcome assessment initial evaluation forms, and medical history forms. Your insurance information will be obtained at this time.

During our personal consultation, we review your medical, family and social history to help understand your present problem. Many questions will be reviewed as to your medical history such as previous surgeries, current medications, any past history of trauma, car crashes, sports injuries, work injuries, broken bones, etc.

Your physical examination may be comprehensive or of regional nature. The physical examination will include a vital signs check, orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic assessment. Most of the orthopedic and neurological evaluation will be familiar to you if you have consulted with physicians in those respective disciplines. Hands on chiropractic examination uses palpation (static and motion), and evaluates joint segments and musculature. Muscles may be very tense and tender and joint segments may have fluctuations of motion (passive or active). We investigate all possible mechanical causes of your pain and dysfunction.

In the differential diagnosis phase, we explain our clinical findings. Special diagnostic tests may be recommended. Plain film radiographs (x-rays) may be ordered to diagnose bone and joint disorders. At Summit Center, magnetic resonance imaging studies are frequently ordered, particularly in cases where radiographs will not suffice. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) provide the best standard for evaluation of the soft tissues. If diagnostic procedures are performed, board-certified radiologists review them; the second office visit explains the clinical and diagnostic findings. A discussion of treatment options follows. There may be more than one option for your treatment, and these options will be discussed with you prior to consent for further care.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for chiropractic care, the treatment plan will be discussed with you and you will undergo, upon consent, two weeks of conservative chiropractic management. In that time it is determined whether or not you will benefit from chiropractic care. Most patients with lower back pain respond extremely well. Our patient satisfaction is very high.

Discharge occurs when you achieve maximum clinical improvement. Maximum improvement is based on your level of pain, joint function, and return to normal activities. Discharge also involves testing how you will manage and optimize your clinical response.

We work with industry to provide IDOT physicals, drug screening and BAT. Our electronic record of appointments offers rapid access to documentation.