What is Chiropractic and how can it help me?
Chiropractic deals primarily with spinal and spinal related disorders and diseases. Most neck and back problems are caused by something not working properly in the spine - causing pain or other symptoms. Typically medicine treats these type of problems with pain pills, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory medications. This may provide temporary relief, however, if your problem is caused by a structural problem or alignment problem, pills will not correct the underlying problem. Where the spine is not working correctly it is weaker and more prone to problems if stressed. Over time, especially years, these stresses lead to what most people call "arthritis" - in the spine this shows up as disc degeneration, arthritic changes in the joints, and spurring - these changes are permanent and progressive - getting worse with time. Our goal is to find these structural problems and improve how the spine is working structurally. This normally helps our patients to not only feel better, but helps make their spine structurally stronger and by working more normally - less likely to degenerate due to the structural dysfunction.

How do I get started ? How do I know if I'm a candidate for chiropractic care?
The first step is to make an appointment to visit with Dr. Vander Yacht. You can download new patient forms on this site, complete them, and bring them with you on your first visit. Dr. Vander Yacht will meet with you personally and discuss your problem with you. There is no charge to come in and discuss your case with Dr. Vander Yacht on your first visit. If he believes you are a candidate for chiropractic care he will tell you what is recommended and will discuss fees with you before any other service is provided. If he does not believe you are a candidate for care, he will tell you who he thinks you should see. If you are a candidate for chiropractic care, we will first start with a thorough spinal examination and in some cases take x-rays. Based upon findings on consultation, examination, and x-rays (if taken) - Dr. Vander Yacht will give you his recommendations and discuss options with you. First visits including consultation and examination procedures generally takes an hour or so. Bringing your forms with you will help speed the process.

What is chiropractic treatment like? Does it hurt?
Every case is different, so different treatment methods are utilized depending upon the case. Spinal adjustments are used to improve alignment and mobility in the spine. We offer both traditional "hands on" adjustments as well as gentle low force techniques. Spinal Decompression may be utilized in cases of disc herniation or disc bulging. Physical therapy modalities such as interferential current therapy and ultrasound may be used to ease pain, promote healing of injured tissues, and to help relieve muscle spasm and tension. We also offer acupuncture and cold laser therapies which are helpful in many cases. When you are out of pain we may use spinal rehab to help strengthen your spine and supporting muscles. It is our goal that treatment does not hurt. We will discuss everything in detail before treatment is provided so that there are no surprises. Certain cases require low force, gentle treatment. If you are scared about traditional adjustments, you can have low force techniques. Typical visits for adjustments and therapy take about 30 minutes. If you are adjusted only your visit may take only 15 minutes or so.

How many treatments does it take?
The amount of care needed varies depending upon the problem and the goals of care. Minor problems make require only a treatment or two. Difficult cases may require weeks or months of care to obtain maximum benefit. We will tell you what is recommended. How much treatment you receive is always up to you. Generally in serious cases we will perform a series of treatments and then re-evaluate to determine how the patient is progressing. When maximum benefit is achieved the patient is released to an "as needed" basis or to maintenance care - if indicated.

Can chiropractic be used with newborns, the elderly, or those with osteoporosis?
Yes. Dr. Vander Yacht uses techniques suited to each patient's circumstances. There are many ways that spinal adjustments can be performed—safely, gently, and effectively from infancy to old age.