FAQ

Q. What is a Subluxation?

 

Simply put, a Subluxation is when either the first or second bone (atlas or axis) in the neck have moved out of place three dimensionally causing pressure and torsion on the brainstem and nervous system.  The cascade effect due to a Subluxation can be numerous, but more importantly, this causes an interference in the communication between the brain and the body not allowing the system as a whole to function optimally.  (Sub=lack of, Lux=light)

 

Q. What will my first appointment look like?

 

The first visit is about 45 minutes long, during which your exam and X-rays take place. The exam consists of a detailed history, postural evaluation, range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, a thermographic exam of the brainstem to evaluate brainstem function, and X-rays. It is on your next visit that we will review our findings with you, including a detailed discussion about your x-rays, and the first adjustment will take place.

 

Q. Will the doctor adjustment me on my first visit?

 

Due to the specific nature of the adjustment, Dr. Tremayne and his team of doctors must analyze and measure your X-rays before any adjustment can take place. The X-ray analysis takes about 30 minutes to complete, and Dr. Tremayne can always have these finished by the next day he is in the office. Your atlas and axis are the bones that surround the brainstem, which is a very delicate and vital area to work with; there cannot be any guessing about how to adjust you. Everyone is a little different.

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Rarely, we will have a client come back the same day for their first adjustment depending on circumstances and severity of conditions.

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Mamas and babies are almost ALWAYS worked on during the first visit since.

 

Q. Does your office take X-rays? Why?

 

With the exception of young children, yes. Since the skin in the neck is so thin, there is very little radiation that penetrates through in order to see the bones. Upper Cervical Doctors take specialized x-rays in order to determine a patient's listing. This listing determines the type of adjustment the patient needs in order to clear out their subluxation. X-rays allow us to avoid any guessing as to how to correct your subluxation.  All x-rays are developed digitally to eliminate the use of film and chemicals.  You will receive a copy of your x-rays upon request at no additional cost.

 

Q. How much will my first visit cost? What about going forward?

 

Your exam and any X-rays that are taken is $295.  After your report of findings and first adjustment (on your second visit) Dr. Tremayne will check to see how your body responded and determine if this is the proper technique and office for you. He will then create a tailor made care plan for your on-going care.  The cost can vary depending on amount of care.  We also offer sliding scale if need be.  We truly believe that health care is a right and not a privilege and do everything possible to not allow cost to be your determining factor for starting care.

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Q. How old does my child need to be before I take them to a Chiropractor?

 

We see children since birth.  Considering that birth is your first major trauma that you endure, we would like to remove any interference as early as possible to help you live your life to your fullest potential.  For example, Dr. Tremayne checked and adjusted his son at 6 minutes old. 

 

We pride ourselves on our work with newborns and children.  It is our number one passion at UCCM and is always an honor to have the opportunity to work with your children. 

 

Dr. Tremayne is certified through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.  For more information, please visit www.icpa4kids.org

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Q. I’m pregnant, is it okay to see a Chiropractor?

 

Absolutely! Not only is Dr. Tremayne Webster Technique certified to help with in-utero constraint, he is also trained in how to adjust women in all stages of pregnancy in order to help you stay comfortable and to allow the proper room for your child to growth healthy and happy. 

 

We are very well known for our Pre and Post-Natal care throughout Marin and the Bay Area.

 

Q. Does being adjusted hurt?

 

Considering there is no torquing or twisting of the neck, this adjustment can be very easy to accept.  It is a very fast adjustment though, and some people can be a little startled for the first one, but almost always comment about how easy it actually was.  

 

Q. Does UCCM accept insurance?

 

UCCM does NOT accept any health insurance, but we are more than happy to provide you with a Super Receipt to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

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We DO accept Med-Pay for all car accident cases.

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Q. What if I am a Medical or Medicare patient?

 

Our office does not bill Medi-Cal or Medicare. We apologize for this inconvenience.

 

Q. What can I expect after my first adjustment?

 

Everyone tends to react a little bit different to the first adjustment.  Most tend to feel a little sore at first.  This is a much different soreness than before, though.  Since the nervous system is recalibrating, it will activate different muscle fibers in order to try and hold the adjustment and realign the spine on it’s own. These fibers can get sore, just like working out for the first time in a while. 

 

Dr. Tremayne recommends to drink lots of water, maybe apply ice if necessary (not heat), and to relax for that first day after the adjustment. Dr. Tremayne will also most likely give you a call within the first few days to check in on you and see how you are doing. 

 

We like to give the first adjustment a few days to settle in before we have you come back to get re-checked.  

 

Q. How many doctors are in the office?

 

We currently have two doctors, Dr. Tremayne and Dr. Woods.

 

Q. What are your hours?

 

Our office hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am - 1pm and 3pm – 6:30pm.

 

Q. Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractors focus on C1 and C2 in the cervical spine, does the doctor adjust other areas of the spine as well?

 

Although the doctors specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, they are also trained and certified to do full spine Chiropractic.  Our office starts with C1 and C2, and when necessary they will address other parts of the spine, but this is rare since Upper Cervical Chiropractic tends to address the whole spine through one adjustment. If it turns out that you primarily need full spine adjustments, we are happy to work through those needs with full spine chiropractic.

 

Q. I’ve been seeing a Chiropractor for years, how is Upper Cervical Chiropractic different?

 

The main differences you will find with Upper Cervical is that we use objective measures to determine if you actually NEED an adjustment (our goal is NOT to adjust), and also that we focus primarily on two bones in the spine.  You must think of the adjustment as something that you ultimately don’t want.  Just like how you don’t want to always have to have cavities filled every visit at the dentist.  

 

Another difference is that we don’t twist or torque the neck to make the adjustment.  We try to make the adjustment as quickly and as easily as possible.  You will also rest after the adjustment in our relaxation suite in order to allow the adjustment to hold longer. 

 

Q. How many adjustments will I need in order to feel better?

 

After your first adjustment the Doctor will have a more clear idea of what length of care will be necessary for you.  The first month is typically where you will experience a major change in symptoms, but our main goal ultimately is to have you start holding the adjustment as soon as possible so that your body can start the healing process.

 

Q. I’ve been in an auto accident. Can UCCM help me?

 

ABSOLUTELY!  Car accidents are a very difficult trauma to heal from and Upper Cervical Chiropractic is a phenomenal way to help heal and get back to normal life as soon as possible.  A 5 mph fender bender is the equivalent of a 30 mph car accident when it comes to how the body absorbs the forces of that accident.  It is always a smart thing to at least come in and get accessed by one of the doctors immediately after your accident.