Before care begins, all patients are educated about their condition.

Chiropractic is able to help so many conditions because of the fact that every cell in your body is functioning based on the quality of nerve flow that comes out of and into your spine. An unhealthy spine can cause a variety of symptoms that often leads a patient to many different doctors trying to solve an apparent array of different problems/diseases. If the spinal column is not functioning properly and it is corrected, many symptoms can resolve. Equally important, a healthy spine greatly diminishes the chances that you will become arthritic later on in life, allowing you to move comfortably and freely even in old age.

Most people go to a chiropractor when they have an acute or chronic musculoskeletal problem. Many problems arise from motor vehicle accidents, work related symptoms and sports/recreational injuries. We have treated thousands of these types of cases successfully. Additionally, muscle, joint and nerve symptoms can arise due to nutritional deficiencies and increased life stress. Our approach to treating symptoms as well as the entire person (mentally, physically and nutritionally) allows us to have good holistic health results helping our patients with these key areas of their health. Probably our most thankful patients are those women who get relief from their back pains and sciatica from being pregnant!

List of conditions helped by Dr. Schillinger:

• neck and back pain
• numbness/tingling in arms and legs
• headaches
• arm and leg problems
• whiplash injuries
• work-related symptoms
• sports injuries
• back pains from pregnancy
• scoliosis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• muscle stiffness
• disc problems
• digestive disorders
• weight loss
• food allergies
• stress symptoms

Workers Compensation Injuries

Many doctors do not treat workers compensation claims as they require a detailed understanding of the laws as well as specific and timely documentation of the care provided. We are experts in the treatment and documentation of workers compensation claims and are advocates of patient's rights when they are injured on the job.

Most work-related injuries are related to muscles, joints, bones and nerves. Approximately 80 percent of all job injuries involve the spine. Chiropractors are specialists of these types of problems and can be treated without drugs and surgery. Back injuries are the most common of all job related symptoms.

"Scientific studies show that doctors of chiropractic relieve chronic and severe spine pain, both immediate and long term, in one half the time it takes medical physicians not trained in chiropractic procedures. There are now in excess of 60 scientific studies which demonstrate the value of manipulation ...a most effective and cost-effective treatment for dysfunctional problems in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine". ( K. Willis, American Back Society Newsletter, spring,1989, 5(2))

Workers compensation laws are specifically designed to provide 3 major functions:

No. 1) provide complete coverage of health-care expenses needed to treat your injury
No. 2) cover partial or complete compensation of lost wages if you are unable to work.
No. 3) enable you to learn a new occupation should you be unable to return to your previous job

Myths and Misconceptions About Work Comp:

No. 1) "my boss will fire me if I filed a workers compensation claim"

It is illegal for your employer to punish or fire you for having a work injury or filing a claim. You are entitled by law to receive adequate care return your health back to "preinjury status" (how you felt before the injury). Your employer has no say in regards to your care. Treatment is between you and your doctor.

No. 2) "I already had symptoms in the area where I was injured"

Even if you had paid prior to an injury at work, if the pain increased as a result of a work related activity, you are entitled to receive care to return you back to how it felt prior to the injury/activity.

No. 3) "I did not suffer a specific injury. It just got worse over time"

Most injuries developed over time. They are now called "repetitive stress" problems. Common examples of this include repetitive keyboarding at a computer, repetitive bending, lifting or twisting or prolonged sitting at a desk. Quite often the symptoms start weeks, months or years after the onset of the stress or strain (cause). This is called AOE which stands for "arising out of employment" as opposed to injuries that have a specific time and date which is called DOI which stands for "date of injury".

No. 4) "if I filed a claim I will have to stop working"

You do not have to stop working as a result of your injury. Filing a claim simply means that you are receiving care to return your health back to how it should be paid. You can continue to work full time while receiving treatments. It does not mean that you are disabled in any way.

No. 5) "I feel guilty about filing a claim".

You certainly should not feel guilty if you value your health and your ability to earn a living. Living with chronic pain will decrease your ability to keep your job and accelerate the problems to deteriorate faster. The sooner the problem is addressed, the quicker you can get on with a productive life.

What to Do If You Are Not Sure You Have a Work Comp Claim

Call or come into our office for the free consultation where we will be able to determine if you have a claim. If so, simply report your injury or symptoms to your employer. You do not have to ask, you simply have to report it. We will give you the one form your employer needs to fill out and your job is done.

We will then file all of the appropriate paperwork and submit any necessary updated reports while you get the care you need so that you can perform at work while your health improves.

Note to Workers Compensation Attorneys -- A substantial portion of our practice is related to the treatment of work related symptoms/injuries. As there are a small percentage of cases that require attorney representation for the patients, we are always willing to assist you when necessary. Our goal is to help our patients attain complete relief of symptoms (pre- injury status). For those patients who experience ongoing discomfort (permanent and stationary status) and require disability ratings, we are skilled at providing QME and PR -- 3 reports. We keep excellent records of updated daily chart notes and PR--2 reports should you need them for review. On the rare occasions where depositions and court appearances are required, we are experienced and well-organized for these endeavors. Dr. Schillinger's curriculum vitae is available at this web site for your review.

Sports Injuries

Most amateur and professional athletes use chiropractic care regularly to treat their injuries and prevent future problems. In 1990 when the San Francisco 49ers won the Super Bowl, 75 percent of the players received chiropractic care on that day! The countries that compete in the Olympics almost routinely now have a chiropractor on the medical staff.

We know the differences between muscular strains, ligamentous sprains and joint problems so your treatment is specifically geared towards the exact problem. Most importantly, as you're condition improves, we'll show you how to rehabilitate your injuries at home so that you do not have to worry about reinjuring yourself. Our job is to keep you active, not to be watching from the sidelines.

Stress Management

Medical literature states that 80 percent of all illness is stress-related! It is common knowledge that medication often does not address the underlying issues let alone effectively treat the symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments restore nerve flow which allows the body to handle physical, mental or chemical stress better.

In our office, we teach the patients relaxation techniques (visualization, yoga breathing, affirmations, biofeedback, etc.) as an integral part of the office visit. Additionally, Dr. Schillinger specializes in teaching a very effective stress management system (The RIGHT Way) that is simple and easy to use by anyone whether at home or work. This system has successfully been used by thousands of patients and participants in his public seminars.

Please see the article, "Chiropractic and Stress Management" written by Dr. Schillinger and published in the INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOLISTIC HEALTH AND MEDICINE in the Wellness Library Section of this web site

Automobile Accidents

We have treated well over 1000 personal injury cases resulting from automobile accidents. Thankfully, almost all patients recover fully within a few months or less from our care. Only a few patients require extra care and it is usually from those who waited a long period of time before seeking care.

If you have been in an accident you should be checked by a chiropractor as soon as possible after the accident to make sure there has been no permanent damage to your body. Whether you have symptoms or not, there can be problems that will become symptomatic and chronic later on. Wearing a neck collar and taking medication is not an effective treatment for whiplash type accidents.

Unfortunately many people suffer from symptoms years after their accident. It is common for us to hear new patients say, "I haven't felt right since my accident". If your automobile was involved in the accident you would make sure it was mechanically sound by having a mechanic check and correct any broken parts or misalignments. Give the same consideration to your body!

If you have an attorney helping you, we will work with them in providing whatever health information is needed. We are experts in preparing the necessary reports and documentation to help support your claim. Our doctors are skilled in the deposition and expert witness process on the rare occasions that claims require that route.

See the article written by Dr. Schillinger, "In Case of Automobile Accident -- Follow These Instructions!" in the Wellness Library Section of this web site.

Note to Personal Injury Attorneys -- We have treated and rehabilitated over 2000 patients with whiplash type injuries. As there are a small percentage of cases that require attorney representation for the patients, we are always willing to assist you when necessary. Should you require any updated reports or final reports, we will provide them for you. We keep excellent records of updated daily chart notes and periodical examinations should you need them for review. On the rare occasions where depositions and court appearances are required, we are experienced and well-organized for these endeavors. Dr. Schillinger's curriculum vitae is available at this web site for your review.

Your Children's Natural Health

Our patients routinely bringing their newborn babies for a spinal checkup to check for any unbalanced facial or skull symmetry, foot inversion, colic, or ear infections. Gentle chiropractic adjustments, nutritional counseling and herbal/homeopathic remedies are effective for treating routine problems for newborns and children. Children love their treatments as they are happy not to receive medications and painful shots More importantly, they learn that when they are sick they do not have to routinely take medications and can take more responsibility for their health. Kids are smart--they don't want to be sick and are happy to do the right things to stay healthy!

See the articles written by Dr. Schillinger, "Treatment of Ear Infections" and, "Why a Cold Is Common: How Immune Is Your System?" in the Wellness Library Section of this web site.

Nutritional/Diet

Problems Chiropractic adjustments restore nerve flow not only to muscles but to all of your organs as well! This phenomena is scientifically known as a somatic (body)-- visceral (organ) reflex. Increased nerve flow means there is more likelihood that your digestive enzymes will break down your food, eliminating stomach bloating or gas or colon inflammation. Heartburn is mostly caused by poorly chewing your food and by drinking liquids (water, soda, alcohol,etc) while eating which dilutes the stomach acids. The stomach reacts by contracting when it is overloaded in this way causing it to literally move up into your lower chest causing the "heartburn" sensation. There is a specific manipulation that we teach our patients to perform on themselves to relax the stomach and ease the pain. The look of relief on the face of a patient is a beautiful sight to behold!

We also perform nutritional consultations (1 to 1 1/2 hours ) with patients who really want to find out which foods they are allergic to and who want to eat as a primary way to give them better energy. Eliminating allergic foods from your diet is an almost instant ticket to more vitality and loss of unnecessary weight. We help you find your ideal diet so that you can lose weight while maintaining good energy levels and develop the right habits to keep the weight off. Eating properly often results in the following symptoms magically disappearing: constipation, diarrhea, asthma, allergies, ulcers, hypoglycemia and hypertension.

See the article written by Dr. Scales, "Stop Poisoning Yourself - A Simple Guide to Detoxification" in the Wellness Library Section of this web site.

Headaches and Migraines

Millions of people suffer from regularly occurring headaches and migraines, with 80% of them caused by muscular tension in the neck, shoulders or mid back. We spend over $2 billion a year on aspirin! Separate from the side effects of too much aspirin, the results are often only temporary. Since the majority of headaches are caused by muscle, bone and nerve inflammation, chiropractic is a simple and natural method to correct this problem. Chiropractic manipulation combined with massage therapy and physiotherapy has helped our headache suffering patients, allowing them to return to a normal lifestyle without the worry of when their next headache is going to strike.

Arthritis

People are often told that their musculoskeletal symptoms are due to arthritis. Arthritis is not a normal disease that you should expect to get simply because you are getting older. Osteo-arthritis primarily occurs because joints and muscles lose their elasticity and range of motion. This most commonly results from repetitive traumas, chronic problems or a series of acute injuries that have an accumulated inflammatory effect over time.

Many people have been told that they should expect to suffer now that they have arthritis. In fact, most of our patients who have been told they have arthritis actually do not. If they do, the condition is usually not so severe that it cannot be helped. A combination of chiropractic care combined with a consistent home care stretching and strengthening program often prevents needless surgery or medications. Prevention is simple and is taught in our weekly Foundations for Vital Living Presentations. Arthritis is not a disease of old age that you should simply expect to get!

Pregnancy Pains

It is the most rewarding feeling having pregnant patients thanking us for reducing or eliminating their back pains. The structural and hormonal changes that women go through as a natural part of their pregnancy affect spinal alignment and muscles. Women are often told they will have to wait until after their pregnancy before they can expect to be pain free. As pain killing drugs should not be an option as they can cause fetal damage, chiropractic's drugless treatment is best. Treatments right before birth often reduces the discomfort of the delivery.

Details about the history of the chiropractic profession, the ever-growing research supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care, other conditions that have been successfully treated, etc. can be found on the following web sites:

California Chiropractic Association (Dr. Schillinger is an active member) -- www.calchiro.org

American Chiropractic Association -- www.amerchiro.com