Frequent Asked Questions

Your first visit

Please Print and fill out the appropriate form for your visit. This will speed up the time before you can see the doctor. Otherwise, we have forms to fill out at the office. Thank You.

Thoracic Adjustment - Complete Chiropractic - Allentown Pa 18106We know you will feel comfortable and at ease when you enter the office. When you arrive we will assist you in filling out some intake forms so we can get to know you better or you may download them and fill them out before arriving at the office. Either Dr. Zerdecki or Dr. Barrett will sit down with you and discuss your history and chief complaint. A complete orthopedic neurologic and chiropractic exam will be performed. We don’t take x-rays in our office. If we feel you need x-rays we will send you to a local imaging center and will discuss the findings with you the following visit.

After your examination the doctor will discuss their findings and recommendations of care. If x-rays were taken this will be done the second visit. The doctor will discuss not only how chiropractic care can get you out of pain but also how it can improve the overall quality of your life. If you are not a candidate for chiropractic care the appropriate referrals will be made. Please feel free to ask questions and/or state your concerns!

With all the necessary information presented to you, the best healthcare decision for you and your family can be made. We work hard to always have an open communication policy in our office. We believe happy and satisfied practice members will achieve the greatest results. The many referrals we receive from our patients are their greatest compliment!

FAQs

How is treatment at Complete Chiropractic different than treatment at another chiropractor?
Why Choose Chiropractic?
What is a Chiropractic adjustment?
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
What can Chiropractic help with?
Is Chiropractic Safe?
What is a Chiropractor’s Education?

How is treatment at Complete Chiropractic different than treatment at another chiropractor? The doctors at Complete Chiropractic take pride in developing a strong relationship with their patients. Each visit after the initial visit will last approximately 15 minutes, most of this time spent face to face with the doctor. In today’s fast paced society that is a rarity and Drs. Zerdecki and Barrett are more than happy to give you the time you deserve.

Why Choose Chiropractic? According to Consumer Reports chiropractic care was rated #1 for people who suffer with low back pain.

Chiropractic adjustments along with proper nutrition and exercise are a safe and effective way to restore and maintain health. Chiropractic is a form of healthcare that deals with musculoskeletal and neurologic issues without the use of drugs or surgery. Due to today’s society of fast food, high stress, environmental toxins and lack of exercise, the population’s health is declining. Chiropractic care can help restore optimum and maintain optimum health as well as prevent future medical concerns.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

Lumbar Adjustment - Complete Chiropractic - Allentown Pa 18106An adjustment is a hands-on technique that is used to restore the motion into a joint that was essentially “stuck in place.” This is a bit different than the archaic and albeit false, chiropractic bone out of place model, however, the benefits are equally as powerful. A joint that doesn’t move properly or not at all will not receive the proper nutrients it requires to stay healthy, the muscles that assist the joint’s motion will begin to breakdown and weaken, the joint itself will also begin to degrade and within days will display early signs of osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). Structures (joints, musculature, connective tissue) that surround and usually complement said joints’ actions, will also have to compensate for the altered functions of the problematic joint and may begin to suffer overuse injuries and will appear to be the primary area of complaint.

This latter result is usually the reason people go to the chiropractor in the first place, PAIN. If the restricted motion joint happens to be in the spine, swelling and inflammation will begin to surround said joint complex. This swelling and inflammation is meant to protect the damaged area but when ignored for too long a period of time it may begin to disturb, irritate and inhibit the nerves that exit the spinal canal near the joint. This irritation may lead to other serious health concerns that may not present with any symptoms for many years to come. This is because the nerves and central nervous system that are protected by your vertebrae and spine not only control muscle movement but also your internal organ functions. When those nerve impulses are interrupted the organs that should receive the signals will begin to function abnormally. This is the very reason why chiropractic adjustments, combined with muscular retraining and rehabilitation, nutritional interventions, as well as a sound knowledge of how to live a healthy lifestyle through Complete Chiropractic can help you to live a long, healthy and happy life. A chiropractic adjustment is not only an adjustment to one’s body but to one’s life.

Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?

Adjustment of a joint may result in release of a gas bubble between the joints that makes a popping sound – it’s exactly the same as when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint that results in gas bubbles being released. There is no pain involved.

Back Pain - Complete Chiropractic - Allentown Pa 18106Some conditions helped by Chiropractic ·Low back pain ·Sciatica ·Neck pain ·Nerve entrapments ·Disc herniations ·Pregnancy related back pain ·Children’s health problems ·Tendonitis ·Carpal tunnel syndrome ·And More …..

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Yes. Chiropractic has an excellent safety record. It is the result of a conservative and natural approach to health that avoids invasive procedures or addictive drugs. As proof, one merely has to compare malpractice rates between chiropractors and other health care professionals. Chiropractors’ malpractice premiums are a small fraction of those for medical doctors.

What is a Chiropractor’s Education?

Chiropractor’s attend Chiropractic school after undergraduate study. The first half of schooling is concentrated on basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, neurology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology and public health). The second half of schooling is more clinic and hands-on (diagnosis and management, radiology, nutrition, rehab, chiropractic technique, ancillary therapeutic techniques, pediatrics and internships at outpatient clinics)

All states require a chiropractor pass board examinations and obtain licensure before practicing. Continuing education is required in all states.

Below is a chart comparing Chiropractic education to medical education:

Chiropractic Student Hours

Class Description

Medical Student Hours

520

Anatomy

508

420

Physiology

326

271

Pathology

335

300

Chemistry

325

114

Bacteriology

130

370

Diagnosis

374

320

Neurology

112

217

X-Ray

148

65

Psychiatry

144

65

Obstetrics & Gynecology

198

225

Orthopedics

156

2,887

Total Hours

2,756

1,598

Specialty Courses

1,492

4,485

Entire Total Hours

4,248