Align Chiropractic Center: Services

Our Various Services

Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Biophysics (CBP) is the technique we use for structural balance and rebuilding the spine to a stronger, structurally more stable and ultimately healthier position. It is currently the only technique that has documented and published its effectiveness in affecting postural, spinal structural changes. CBP founders and researchers have published research in some of the most prestigious health journals in the world, including Spine, Journal of Orthopedic Research, Clinical Biomechanics, European Spine Journal, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Every protocol and procedure utilized in addressing the patient's spinal problem is therefore state of the art, and clinically defendable. Align Chiropractic is committed to delivering the best care humanly possible, and that care is CBP care.

Your 1st Visit
On your first visit to our office you will be greeted with a warm smile and welcomed as a member of our family. You will then be asked to fill out some forms that will help us gain important information about you and your condition. If you have health insurance you will be asked to provide your card so that we may, with your permission, make a copy for our records and of course to determine your coverage.

Dr. Finnegan will then dialogue with you and ask you some specific questions regarding your condition to determine if she thinks chiropractic care may be of benefit to you. If she thinks she can help you, she will tell you. If she thinks she cannot help you, she will refer you to a doctor that will be able to help you the most. Nothing will be done in our office without your consent.

Examination
After a thorough consultation with the doctor, you will have a complete chiropractic examination. This will include a detailed orthopedic and neurological examination to help establish which parts of your body are injured or affected, and help to determine the most likely cause of your problems. If necessary, the doctor may take x-rays or refer you for additional testing procedures.

X-Rays
Many patients wonder why we take spinal x-rays. Spinal x-rays allow us to evaluate the condition of your spine. X-rays allow us to see things that would otherwise be hidden. Modern x-ray techniques allow us to actually rule out or measure the degree of structural abnormality present, and remove any doubt as to the full extent of each patient's structural problem. This powerful tool enables us to make a specific diagnosis of your condition, and helps us determine the exact treatment that is best for you. Another feature unique to CBP care, is the ability to also measure the degree of improvement or when possible, the resolution of the structural challenge originally presented, and, when necessary, what is needed to prevent the challenge from returning in the future.

Presentation of Findings
Once all the information and examinations have been performed, the doctor will have you schedule for a presentation of all of her findings. This is when the doctor will explain what she found, whether she can help you, how long it will take to correct and how much it will cost. The doctor will also discuss any questions you may have regarding your options for addressing your particular problem.

Treatment
Dr. Finnegan is proficient in a variety of different adjusting techniques. This allows her to be gentle enough for kids (they love us), yet able to restore function and movement for the athlete and senior.

Decompression Therapy
Please see our Decompression Page for a complete description of Decompression Therapy.

Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
The most frequent cause of whiplash is a car accident. The speed of the cars involved in the accident or the amount of physical damage to the car may not relate to the intensity of neck injury; speeds as low as 5 miles per hour can produce enough energy to cause whiplash in occupants, whether or not they wear seat belts.

Whiplash - a soft tissue injury to the neck-is also called neck sprain or neck strain. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden snapping back and forth (rapid flexion and extension) of the head and neck. The disorder commonly includes injury to intervertebral joints, discs, and ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days or weeks. In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include neck stiffness, injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries), headache, dizziness, abnormal sensations such as burning or prickling (paresthesias), or shoulder or back pain. Some people may also experience cognitive, somatic, or psychological conditions such as memory loss, concentration impairment, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression.

Unfortunately, most people who have been in motor vehicle accidents do not receive Chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic Biophysics is the only type of chiropractic proven to not only help to alleviate pain from whiplash injuries, but also to improve or in some cases restore normal spinal structure.

Most insurance companies cover Chiropractic care for automobile injuries. Our office will happily assist you in dealing with the insurance paperwork and filing a claim with your insurance company.

If you have been injured in an automobile accident, please call our office today and get the care you need! 510-654-2207

Spinal Care Class
Spinal Care Class is taught in our office every other Tuesday from 7:30pm to 8:15pm. Led by Dr. Finnegan, the class covers topics such as the significance of postural distortions, ergonomics, home care for your specific problem, nutrition, and the chiropractic basis for gaining and maintaining your health. Class attendance is required as an important part of our patients' treatment program. There is no charge for class attendance and the public is invited to attend. Patients are welcome to bring family members or friends to the class as guests. Please register with the receptionist or call ahead to insure we will be prepared to meet you and your guests.

Classes
Align Chiropractic Center offers a number of educational classes for your school, business, club or event. If you are interested in having a doctor come to your venue to teach a class, please contact us at 510-654-2207 or e-mail us to schedule a visit.

Below is a list of classes:

Posture and Health: Why Bad Posture is a Sign of Poor Health and How to Improve Your Posture
Neck Pain and Headaches: Causes, Preventative Strategies, and Treatment Options
Low Back Pain: Why Your Back Hurts and What You Can Do About It
Ergonomics: Protect Yourself From Injuries In Your Everyday Life
Core Strength: The Importance Core Strength in Alleviating Low Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention
Nutrition: Top Ten Do's and Don'ts — Easy Changes to Make in Your Everyday Life

Power Plate Therapy
Please see our Power Plate Page for a complete description of Power Plate Therapy and our personal training.