FAQ - Frequently
Asked Questions

Back To Questions

1. Why see a chiropractor?
     We brush our teeth every day but what do you do for the other 200+ bones of the body? That body that we tend to demand so much of and use so harshly; sitting in a desk for hours on end, lifting children, minor trips, falls, missteps, bumps, bruises, weekend sports and fun activities, all have an impact. Aligning the spine keeps the nerves from being pinched so the body can function at its maximum potential and allows injuries to heal quickly without further complications.

2. Who sees a chiropractor?
     Anyone with a spine would benefit from chiropractic care. In addition to treating and maintaining the well patient spine and assisting people in healing from the minor daily stresses to the body, we are also very effective with acute problems or injuries such as trauma, pain, headaches, low back pain, stiffness in the joints, creaks in the neck, tension between the shoulder blades and a host of other symptoms that don’t always seem like they might be related.
     Asthma, high blood pressure, stress, pressure, tension, arthritis and stiffness can all be symptoms that can be treated holistically with nutrition and chiropractic care. We’ve helped lots of patients with active symptoms, which can be signals that the body is out of harmony, out of alignment or lacking nutrients.

3. Is it expensive?
     We have many payment options available. Whether dealing with an immediate issue, wanting support in correcting an underlying spinal concern, or using our service to maximize performance, we have a payment option that can work for you. Our yearly family plans are in high demand for singles, newly weds, families and seniors. Let our helpful team assist you in this process.

4. Do you take my insurance?
     As of this year, we currently do not accept insurance but we are happy to provide the paperwork for you to bill. It’s actually a challenge to find a doctor that takes insurance these days. Most patients are greatly disappointed by the amount of work they have to do to get ten dollars back, not to mention the hassles of pre-authorization, limits and paperwork. We couldn’t do the work for 10 dollars either which is why we stopped taking insurance. The majority of our patients prefer to pay in cash, avoid the headache and save more in the long run.

5. Do I have to come forever?
     Absolutely not! How much chiropractic care you receive is entirely based on your personal goals regarding well being for yourself and/or your family. We do our best to make this clear from your first visit to our office. Our goal is different than that of other “health care” providers. We don’t try to reduce your discomfort on a temporary basis. Our efforts are directed at enhancing your life, increasing your natural ability to process life’s stresses and join you in your journey to actively strive towards health.

6. Where are you located?
     Gerken Family Chiropractic is located just west of the 805. When you take the E Street/East Bonita Road Exit. Turn right (towards the ocean) onto E Bonita Road. You will see us immediately on the left hand side of the road just past the gas station in the Whirspering Trees Villiage.

7. What is an adjustment?
     An adjustment is the gentle realigning of the spine. We often will have you relax on your back or stomach as we gently press. Sometimes there is a pop or a click as the bones shift back into alignment; often this sound is associated with immediate relief. This sound always sounds loudest to you because it echoes through your body but others can’t always hear a sound. To a few, this sound is upsetting. If that’s the case for you, make sure you let your doctor know because we have techniques that can avoid the sound completely.

8. Does getting adjusted hurt?
     Every person is unique and will feel things differently but the majority of our patients tell us that being aligned is the highlight of their day. We have many techniques from gentle to firm so we are confident that we will find the right one for you.

9. How long does it take?
     Allow an hour and a half for your first visit if you schedule your family. About an hour if it’s just you. We like being thorough and answering all of your questions. Your second visit will be under 30 minutes as we explain our findings from the exam. Once again we like being thorough. Any additional visits are usually under 15 minutes. Our goal is to give you quality care but also keep you on time with your busy schedule. Of course, if you have a new injury or something that you would like to discuss with us, we encourage

10. Will I actually see the doctor or just a nurse?
     You will not only see a doctor every time you visit, you will see your doctor. We take pride in knowing each of our patient’s personal needs, concerns and conditions. We treat each patient as we would treat our own family and actually prefer to treat you personally. It’s just one of the ways we guarantee a lifetime of the highest quality chiropractic care.

11. Is a Chiropractor a doctor?
     Yes. All Chiropractors have 10 semesters of school after college including clinic and intern studies. We also attend additional classes each year to renew our license. Just as a dentist or obstetrician is a specialized type of doctor, so are chiropractors. The biggest difference between a medical doctor and a chiropractic doctor is that although our schooling might look the same in the first two years with extensive anatomy, neurology, histology and physiology the next 3 years are radically different. Medical doctors have no nutrition or holistic training required for graduation and spend their last years studying pharmacotoxicology. Chiropractors study pharmacotoxicology for one semester to know the side effects of each drug and then focus the rest of their time on holistic approaches to health and extensive nutrition. Our drug free, holistic approach is what makes chiropractic unique and effective.

12. What are the most common reasons that motivate people to come in?
     There are so many! But here is what we’ve seen this month in alphabetical order: Aches, ADD, ADHD, autism, arthritis, asthma, bed wetting, birth trauma, carpel tunnel, disc degeneration, disc herniation, disc bulging, ear ache, ergonomic help, friend said I had to try it, joint pain, kinks, knots in the back, low back pain, lumbago, migraine headaches, my wife feels so much better I thought I would try, neck pain, neuralgia, neuropathy, numbness, nutritional support, pain, pain between the shoulder blades, pregnancy, pulled knee, posture, rehabilitation, rib pain, rotator cuff, sciatica, scoliosis, slept funny, strain, sprain, stress, tennis elbow, tension headache, tingling, tension, tendonitis, and weight loss.
     Whatever is going on, we can usually help, but if you have something going on that we can’t help (for instance, an appendicitis can cause low back pain but we don’t perform appendectomies), we are quick to send you to the right specialist for the appropriate care. We have enough experience that we usually know after the consultation if you’re in the right place and if what is going on with you is something we can help.