Common Questions and Honest Answers!

•    Do You Have Payment Plans
•    How Much Does Treatment Cost?
•    Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
•    Do You Have A Guarantee?
•    What Is Subluxation?
•    What Is an Adjustment and Does It Hurt?
•    What Techniques Do You Use?
•    Do You Have To Pop My Bones?
•    Is Your Treatment Safe?
•    How Does Chiropractic Work?
•    Do the Doctors Have any Specialties? 
•    What about Medications? 
•    What Therapies Do You Have?
•    What Is Low-Level Laser Treatment?
•    How Long Do I Have To Come for Treatment?
•    Once You See a Chiropractor Do You Have To Keep Going and Going?
•    Is Chiropractic Treatment Ok for Children and Pregnant Women?
•    Can You Treat Elderly with Arthritis or Osteoporosis?
•    I've Had Back Surgery, Can You Still Help?
•    What If My Doctor Says "Don't go to a Chiropractor?
•    Can Chiropractic treatment cause a Stoke?



Payment Plans

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and workers compensation and auto accident policies pay 100%

If you don't have insurance coverage, that's okay, most of our patients don't and it's not a problem.  We have many payment options and do accept all major credit cards.  We provide financing through care credit and also have pre-payment discounts.

We have no hidden fees and most of our treatment plants are less than one medical test or procedure.  All fees and payment plans will be discussed upfront so you can make the best decision concerning your care.


How Much Does Treatment Cost?

All our fees are reasonable and affordable, and because everyone is different and may require different types of treatment it is difficult to say exactly what treatment will cost.  An average range for most cash patients can be anywhere from $38-$75.  For new patients, please see our new patient offer for an amazing low-cost first visit!


Insurance Plans

Our office does accept insurance payments and assignment.  We are providers for many insurance plans including the Medicare, and once your insurance coverage is verified you will only be responsible for paying any deductibles or co-payments.  Our insurance experts are Tina and Jessica, please feel free to call them at 210-359-9100 at any time if you have specific questions or concerns.


Our Guarantee

Although we cannot guarantee results from treatment, we do guarantee you'll get the best care available in a warm and loving environment, and if at any time during your first visit you are not completely satisfied that we are able to help you, your visit will be FREE.


What Is Subluxation?

Subluxation is a term used by chiropractors to describe a condition that can affect the spine and any other joint in the body.  In its simplest definition, Subluxation means a joint is not properly aligned or doesn't move like it's supposed to.  When this happens to the spine it can have severe and devastating consequences because of its affect on the spinal cord and the nervous system.

Because the muscles move joints, any time there is subluxation, there are muscular imbalances which lead to muscular pain and further dysfunction and neurological imbalance.  A subluxated joint is a sick joint… and leads to early degenerative joint disease (arthritis or osteoarthritis), which causes further dysfunction pain and muscular and neurological imbalances, which leads to..... you get the picture!

Dr. Cudnik is an expert at detection and correction of Subluxation, and Chiropractors are the only health care providers licensed to treat Subluxation.


What Is an Adjustment and Does It Hurt?

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific force delivered by an instrument or by hand to correct Subluxation (misalignment or improper movement of a joint in the body).

The chiropractic adjustment or manipulation, is not necessarily a strong force and there are many adjusting techniques that do not produce a “popping sound” or require twisting or turning of the body.  Adjustments don't hurt, and most people enjoy their treatment, experiencing a sense of relaxation and release.

Dr. Cudnik has over 20 years of clinical experience, and is a master of many adjusting  techniques.  We have patients ranging from infants to the elderly, all receiving specific and appropriate treatments for their conditions.


What Techniques Do You Use?

Dr. Cudnik has mastered many different adjusting techniques including:

•    Gonstead Technique
•    Diversified
•    Motion Palpation and Manipulation
•    Activator Methods
•    Nimmo Receptor Tonus Technique
•    Adjusting/Percussion Instruments
•    Cranial
•    Decompression (spine and disc )
•    Flexion/Distraction
•    Extremity Manipulation/Adjusting
•    Neuro-Muscular and Myo-Fascial Release


Do You Have “To Pop My Bones?”

The short answer to this question is NO!  Dr. Cudnik uses many low force techniques that do not require twisting and turning of the spine or “popping of the joints”.  These low force techniques are very effective and can correct subluxation as well as the traditional high velocity manipulation techniques.  These techniques can be used on anybody and are appropriate for infants as well as the elderly.  Please feel free to discuss with the doctors what techniques you feel comfortable with and would prefer during your treatment.  We are here to help you.


Is chiropractic treatment safe?

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. 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 with chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.
 
Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension.
 
Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear understanding of the connection. The occurrence appears to be very rare—1 in 5.85 million manipulations— based on the clinical reports and scientific studies to date. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider.
 
It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) -- as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.
 

How Does Chiropractic Treatment Work?

     The most common therapeutic procedure performed by Dr. Stelzer or Dr. Cudnik is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.”   The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility and alignment (correct subluxation) by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become subluxated – as a result of a tissue injury.

     Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility and relieves nerve irritation, and eliminates your pain, muscle tightness and nerve irritation. By correcting subluxation, we are getting to the root cause, not just covering it up with medication!

     We get great results…it’s as simple as that… allowing you to “get back your life”.

     In addition to the spinal adjustments, the doctors may use other therapies to aid in the healing process and the relief of your pain.  Diet, nutrition and exercise therapy may also be used depending on your condition.  Keep in mind that  Dr. Cudnik designs treatment programs specifically for you, and your individual needs.


Do the Doctors Have any Specialties?

Yes, in addition to being a Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Cudnik does have  postgraduate training and certification. He has postgraduate certification in Chiropractic Rehabilitation.  In addition, he is certified as a designated Doctor for the Texas Workers Compensation System. He has attended many post graguate continuing education programs including; Whiplash and Spinal Trauma, Nurrition and Natural Healing, Cranial Adjusting  and Soft Tissue Release.



What About Medication?

Chiropractic is a drug free profession and as such we do not prescribe medication. We will work with you and your physician if medication is necessary, and if you are interested, we will work to decrease and eliminate ongoing drug use. 


What Therapies Do You Use?

We have a complete spectrum of therapies designed to relieve pain and
help you recover FAST.  They include:

•    Cryotherapy (Ice)
•    Hydroculator (Moist Heat)
•    Ultrasound Treatment
•    Electric Muscle Stimulation
•    Paraffin Bath (Heat)
•    Intersegmental and Long Axis Traction
•    Neuromuscular Re-Education
•    Therapeutic Stretching and Exercise
•    Gait Training
•    Low-Level Laser Treatment
•    Spinal Decompression
•    Nutritional Therapy


What Is Low Level Laser Treatment?

Low level laser treatment, or cold lasers, use a specific form of a light to stimulate and aid healing, and to reduce pain. 

The following are examples of how the Cold Lasers are used:

•    Relieves acute and chronic pain
•    Increases the speed, quality and strength of tissue repair
•    Increases blood supply
•    Stimulates the immune system
•    Stimulates nerve function
•    Develops collagen and muscle tissue
•    Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
•    Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
•    Reduces inflammation

Many acute and chronic conditions can be improved or eliminated with laser use, including:

•    Carpal tunnel syndrome
•    Pain Relief
•    Wound Healing
•    Arthritis
•    Migraine headaches

This article presents a simplified overview of the quantum physics involved to explain the working of the Cold Laser:

Light therapy is not a new concept. The sun’s photonic rays cause a seed to sprout through RNA and DNA changes. The sun’s rays are full spectrum light, which means many wavelengths are present (400-800 Nanometers), but only one specific wavelength, or frequency, causes the seeds to germinate. In 1924 Bose and Einstein, great men of science, predicted the Laser. Laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In 1978 Dr. Frolich helped to establish the Wave Particle Theory, which now forms the foundation of quantum physics and defines the mechanism of life, as we now know it. Human cells, tissue and organs have specific frequencies that regulate important cellular functions such as protein synthesis, cellular division and communication. Frolich used quantum physics to explain that a cells living matrix must produce coherent or laser-like oscillations, unique resonance's. He stated that these resonance's serve as signals that integrate processes such as growth, injury repair, immune mediation and the overall functioning of the organism. Each molecule, cell, tissue and organ has an ideal resonance frequency that coordinates its activity. Using certain laser frequencies can alter or balance the body’s systemic defense and repair mechanism. In 1994 Dr. Smith stated that pathologies manifest themselves as chemical imbalances with the underlying cause being electromagnetic. By applying a specific frequency, normal function and balance can be restored. Physicists Schawlow and Townes brought the laser into modern medical arenas, where they are being used for a variety of treatments. Most of the lasers used in the medical field have been High Frequency Hot Lasers, which are catabolic (destructive) in nature such as the ones used in eye surgery. Cold Lasers are anabolic, or regenerative in nature. The Erchonia Laser is the only FDA approved Low Frequency Cold Laser, which provides assurance of its overall safety and effectiveness.
Some of the most famous athletes in all of sports have used Erchonia 3LT Lasers to maximize athletic performance and aid in treating the wear and tear that all world-class athletes must endure.  A partial list would include Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Jr Seau. 


How Long Do I Have To Come in for Treatment?

Everybody is different, and different conditions require different treatment and different links of treatment.  In some cases, one or two visits are all that are required to get good results.  In chronic cases that have been around for years, or when disc injury or degenerative arthritis is present, it does take time to get lasting results.  It just makes sense that if it takes years for your body to develop a painful condition, it won't go way overnight.

At Pecan Valley Chiropractic, we only recommended treatment you need, and we are experts in state-of-the-art stretching and exercising programs which will allow you to take charge of a large portion of your recovery and decrease your need for long and ongoing care.

Following your first visit, (see our low cost new patient first visit offer) Dr. Cudnik and Dr. Stelter will be able to explain to you exactly what's wrong and how long it will take to get better.You will be given a written report of findings with our Recommended Action Plan which discusses everything up front, without any pressure to commit to any treatment you are not completely comfortable with.


Once You See a Chiropractor Do You Have To Keep Going and Going and Going?

This is a great question and I hear it all the time, so I would like to start by explaining a few things.  Chiropractic treatment or chiropractic adjustments are very good for two separate and distinct things.

First, chiropractic care is great at getting sick people well.  If you have a painful condition such as subluxation, causing irritation and joint dysfunction, there is nothing better than chiropractic adjustments to correct the problem.

Second, once the body is aligned and functioning well, chiropractic adjustments can be used to help maintain good health.  Although many of our patients appreciate this kind of treatment and continue with checkup or maintenance type treatment, it is not necessary!

I think there is a belief that once chiropractic treatment has started your body somehow becomes addicted, and needs to be “adjusted” all the time, and this is simply not true.

So, the answer to the question is absolutely NO, once you have completed a treatment plan there is no requirement to continue treatment.  Most of our treatment plans also include a custom stretching and exercise plan so most maintenance and strengthening can continue without visits to our office.  Our goal is to help people get better, and teach them to stay that way, with or without our help!



Is chiropractic treatment OK for children and Pregnant Women?

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

Pregnancy is a particularly hard time for women and the back, and Dr. Cudnik has a special table and gentle techniques that are safe and effective for pregnant women!



Can You Treat Elderly with Arthritis and Osteoporosis?

Yes, absolutely. A large percentage of our patients are elderly and the Doctors specialize in gentle treatments for arthritis and osteoporosis. As a matter of fact, our older patients experience some of the greatest benefits of all from Chiropractic treatment, and Dr. Cudnik is a provider for Medicare. Please call our office at 210-359-9100 for more details.
 


I've Had Spinal Surgery, Can You Still Help?

In most cases, the answer is YES.  Spinal surgery is not necessarily a contraindication for chiropractic treatment.  If a spinal joint has been surgically fused, it can no longer be manipulated, but therapies can be applied to reduce pain and aid healing, and the joints above and below the fusion can be treated.  Again, we treat each case individually, and after a consultation or new patient examination, we can let you know for sure what treatment options are best for you.


My Doctor Says “Don't Go to a Chiropractor”

It is true, some physicians still tell their patients not to go to chiropractors.  It is unfortunate, but most medical doctors don't really understand chiropractic treatment and how it works.

Also, a Pecan Valley Chiropractic, we are different.  Dr. Cudnik has over 20 years of clinical experience and specialize in difficult cases. Dr. Cudnik can offer treatment options found nowhere else. 

Dr. Cudnik is a  primary health care provider, meaning you do not need a prescription or your medical doctor's permission to come to our clinic.  Even though we would prefer to work hand-in-hand with your doctors, it's not necessary.

In other words, we may be able to help you no matter what anybody else says.  If you would like more information we recommend you take advantage of the Free Consultation with the doctor.  After speaking with you and going over your history, he will be able to give you an honest opinion about your condition and whether or not we are able to help you.  Call 210-359-9100 today for your FREE consultation.

Can Chiropractic treatment cause a Stoke?

No, Chiropractic treatment is safe.Current research has shown NO connection between Chiropractic adjustments and stoke. For the complete article click
STROKE RESEARCH.