What We Treat
The primary focus of chiropractic care addresses musculoskeletal disorders of the spine and major joints such as the shoulder, hip, and knee. Our most commonly treated conditions are lower back pain, neck pain, radiating arm or buttock/leg pain and numbness, middle back tension/pain, and headaches. There are other “positive side effects” frequently noted by patients under chiropractic care. These include improved ranges of motion and relief from: asthma, dizziness, tinnitus, fibromyalgia, menstrual pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lowered immunity. It’s always worth asking the doctor about any condition from which you suffer to see if there is a causal link back to the spine and to monitor progress through your course of care. The reason these effects occur can be understood by reviewing some simple physiology. Since the brain and its highway system of nerve roots control the body, keeping any interference off these nerves results in higher overall function.
For example, a nerve root that exits from the lumbar spine (lower back) and is irritated by joint dysfunction, bulging disc, and/or muscle tension will not properly communicate information to and from the digestive organ it supplies. Now, organ dysfunction begins, and the symptom of indigestion may present.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect to happen on my first visit?
You begin by filling out paper work detailing your reason for seeking care and your complete health history. This better enables us to provide you more complete and knowledgeable care. We will then have a discussion for additional history taking and to answer questions you may have. An exam follows complete with palpation, orthopedic, muscle, and neurological testing to detect the root cause of problems and identify from where they are originating. If x-rays are called for, they may be taken, and previous radiological studies will be reviewed as well. Treatment will then be rendered during this same visit unless some additional study must be first performed or reviewed. We will finally discuss an appropriate plan of care and what proactive measures you can take such as work ergonomics, specific exercises, stretching, etc. If it is decided that you would not benefit from chiropractic care, an appropriate referral is made to another professional health care provider.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Most major insurance policies do have chiropractic benefits. This becomes more prevalent each year as the demand for chiropractic care continues to grow and with multi-year studies documenting the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for musculoskeletal ailments. Our practice is a provider for the majority of major carriers to include: BCBS PPC/PPO, BCBS State of SC, BCBS Federal, Medicare, Cigna, Blue Choice, United Healthcare, Planned Administrators, and others. We are happy to check your individual benefits before you even begin care, and we take care of filing claims directly to your company.
What range of ages does the practice treat?
Chiropractic care can literally treat patients of all ages. In our schooling, chiropractors are instructed on the care for newborns and geriatric patients. We have seen patients through this full range in our practice over the years. Our youngest patient was weeks old while our oldest was first seen at the age of 92. Since we use multiple techniques of adjusting, we can accommodate patients of all ages.
How safe is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest, non-surgical, drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Of all primary health care physicians (surgeons, general practitioners, eye doctors, dentists, etc.), chiropractors have the lowest annual malpractice insurance premiums for the same level of coverage. The risks associated with chiropractic care are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours. Neck pain, radiating upper extremity symptoms, and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation. Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear understanding of the connection. The occurrence appears to be very rare, 1 in 5.85 million manipulations, based on clinical reports and scientific studies to date. Being very specific with the doctor about your history and symptoms offers the safest and most effective treatment.
What is the 'cracking' sound heard when adjustments to the spine are made?
First off, nothing is actually cracking. Instead, you are hearing the sound of a release of trapped gas inside a joint. Lubricating fluid that sits inside a capsule within the joint traps nitrogen gas bubbles. When a joint is moved, these gas bubbles are released making a sound similar to a 'pop' or 'crack'. A good analogy is when you open a soda can and hear the hear release of the pressurized gas within the can. You hear this same sound when someone pops their knuckles. On a side note, you don't improve because of the gas release. It is ultimately a non-factoring event that accompanies adjusting.
Does adjusting the spine or other affected joints hurt?
It is the utmost goal to provide you with effective, comfortable care and multiple adjusting techniques can be used to ensure this goal. Adjusting should not be painful and at its worst only mildly uncomfortable. Most of the time, there is no discomfort.
Massage therapy is the therapeutic treatment for acute and chronic soft tissue conditions of the body. The superficial and deep layers of muscle and connective tissue are manipulated to promote the return of more balanced tone and function. The health benefits of massage therapy are numerous: reduced back and neck pain, decreased blood pressure, lowered anxiety, rehabilitation for sports injuries, improved lymphatic drainage, improved circulation, and increased joint mobility. When a patient is undergoing chiropractic care and massage therapy simultaneously, the benefits of treatment are amplified. Since chiropractic works on the structure of the body, attending to the soft tissue that attaches to this framework further enables a healthy response. Many insurance plans now cover massage therapy in our office. Contact the office to see what your coverage might be so you too may enjoy this relaxing and healing treatment.
Testimonials
Experiences from Some of Our Patients
"If you are looking for a knowledgeable, caring, kind, professional, patient chiropractor, look no further! You have found the perfect doctor. I was referred to Dr. Erik by a friend who said he was the best Chiropractor around and after several visits, I would certainly agree. After experiencing SI joint pain for approximately a month of increasing pain, I gave up that it would heal without a little assistance. 2 weeks in and I'm pain free! He truly is a miracle worker." 5/5 Stars Jessica A.
"Knowledgeable, intuitive, patient and gentle, Dr. Younginer found the source of my pain on my fist visit and was able to minimize that pain to a level that is rarely even noticeable. I previously spent a year being treated by a pain management doctor using shots and medications and found no relief." 5/5 Stars Anonymous
"Saw Dr. Younginer today and it was my first chiropractic experience. It was amazing! He was very knowledgeable, patient, and explained everything in great detail. He made me feel better then I've felt in years. I highly recommend Dr. Younginer and Palmetto Spinal Center!" 5/5 Stars Sarah H.
"Couldn't recommend more, past chiropractors wanted to sign me up for excessive. long treatment plans, Dr. Younginer addressed my problem directly with a goal of releasing me from active care quickly." 5/5 Stars Anonymous
"Dr. Younginer took time explaining my problem and how we were going to tackle it together. He's one of the few remaining doctors that will do this. I greatly appreciate him and his talents!" 5/5 Stars Anonymous
"Dr. Younginer is gentle and effective. Best chiropractor I've ever seen in 21 years of going. And his Massage Therapist, Erin, is phenomenal. I look forward to my appointments with them every time!" Adrienne G.