Aspiring chiropractors have similar undergraduate requirements as medical doctors. They then must complete a four-year doctorate degree program that includes laboratory work, sciences, diagnosis, treatment procedures and a clinical internship. Also, most chiropractic colleges require students to partake in clinical externship programs that place them in actual chiropractic offices so they can further enhance their clinical practice skills.

Near or soon after graduation, the new doctors of chiropractic must successfully complete rigorous National and State Board examinations in order to obtain a license to practice. To ensure that a high level of competence is maintained, annual postgraduate continuing education is also required.

Chiropractic philosophy teaches that one should always try to correct the basic cause of a problem rather than target the symptom. The length of time needed to achieve wellness depends of the course of treatment taken, your living habits, nutritional habits and the severity and duration of the problem. Some patients get results immediately. Others find their recovery takes several months or longer. Children often respond quickly, while adults with long-standing spinal problems heal more slowly. Remember, chiropractic adjustments are not like taking pain medications; it takes time to effect a natural change in the body. Medications mask the symptom and allow temporary relief; chiropractic adjustments address the root of the problem.

Dr. Le Cara uses a timeline approach to treatment. Before treatment begins, he will discuss what kinds of improvements you can expect to see and when you can expect them. This provides a gauge by which you can determine if you are achieving your health and wellness goals through a particular course of therapy or treatment.

Although they are not a routine part of every diagnosis, there are times when certain medical criteria necessitate x-rays. Dr. Le Cara normally recommends x-rays if any of the following situations apply to the patient, or if upon examination, it seems necessary:

• Acute trauma
• A long history of symptoms
• Radiation of pain down the arms or legs
• Extensive use of corticosteroid drugs
• Greater than 55 years of age

If x-rays are needed, they usually can be taken in our office during your appointment.

The purpose of the adjustment is to "loosen up" a joint that is not moving correctly. This will allow an increase in range of motion of that segment. The muscles surrounding that segment will then be addressed to not allow them to restrict that joint motion.

It depends on your daily activities and proper mechanics of lifting, etc. Dr. Le Cara does his best to insure he doesn’t release you from care until you know how to prevent the situation from occurring again.

Dr. Le Cara successfully treats mechanical lower back pain and pain from sciatica or disk degeneration caused by arthritis.

Although there is a risk with any medical procedure, chiropractic is a very safe method of treating patients. There has been some research showing a risk with neck adjustments. These risks are very minimal (approximately 1:1,500,000 incidences). Dr. Le Cara reduces this ratio by taking a close look at medications being used and uses the safest and most up-to-date procedures to ensure his patients’ safety.