Frequently Asked Questions in Apex NC

Chiropractors are licensed doctors who specialize in holistic, non-invasive approaches to improving health by re-aligning the components of the musculoskeletal system to remove stress on the nervous system.

The simplest answer is to detect and correct spinal misalignments (subluxations), improving the function of both the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. We also implement changes to a patient’s diet, exercise, stretching, and posture to better maintain these changes over time.

Of course! Chiropractors actually spend just as much time in school as your primary care physician, and graduate with a Doctorate in Chiropractic (D.C.) upon completion.

Modern day chiropractic care began when D. D. Palmer began to give adjustments to Harvey Lillard, a janitor in his building, in 1895. As he began to associate misalignments in the spine with various health issues, the chiropractic profession began to take root and has begun to flourish over a 100 years later.

The simplest answer is to detect and correct spinal misalignments (subluxations), improving the function of both the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. We also implement changes to a patient’s diet, exercise, stretching, and posture to better maintain these changes over time.

Correction-based chiropractors (like Dr. Creech) aim to make long-term corrections of the spine, rather than only addressing a patient’s immediate pain. Relying on cutting edge research/training, he will rely on both hands-on and postural exams as well as appropriate x-rays. From this, Dr. Creech can formulate a short-term plan for relief in conjunction with a long-term plan to correct spinal imbalances. This approach not only helps the patient regain and maintain a healthier neuromusculoskeletal system, but also prevent the early onset of degenerative changes.

Sports chiropractic follows the same principles of chiropractic care along with added sports specific treatment. In addition to adjusting spinal segments, a sports chiropractor might use other techniques such as: adjusting extremities, applying soft tissue therapies to the musculoskeletal system, corrective rehabilitation based on the athlete’s dysfunction and sport specific. A sports chiropractor looks into a different approach to treat the patient’s pain with the primary goal of restoring function in the affected area and having the body moving more optimally. Most of the time, a sports physician will work towards athletic injuries that include muscle strains, sprains, concussions, and many more.

Here at Chiropractic, we have an abundant number of tools to utilize in aiding the recovery of these athletes. Along with adjusting, we have myofascial release therapy, cupping, Instrument Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization, and tailored corrective rehabilitation/programming. We see a wide variety of athletes that include: swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and weight lifting.

According to a Gallup poll in 2015, approximately 50% of Americans have been to a chiropractor in their lives. This poll also states that approximately one in four adults have been to see a chiropractor in the last 5 years. So among those who’ve been treated, according to recent patient satisfaction surveys, 83% of patients are satisfied or very satisfied, one of the highest rates among physicians.

Chiropractors have some of the lowest malpractice rates among all licensed doctors, with their average annual fee for experienced DC’s being as low as 1/50th of the average OB/GYN or orthopedic surgeon.

The most common “side effect” is increased soreness, tightness, stiffness or aching. This is especially true for a more acute injury but typically subsides within 1-3 visits.

That depends! While some neuromusculoskeletal issues may resolve in 5-10 sessions, more chronic and degenerative issues can take 6-12 months of care. It all depends on how significant your issues are.

Pricing for each visit will depend on several factors such as your insurance policy and any restrictions and guidelines or if you are uninsured. It will also depend on your individual treatment plan and services prescribed. The adjustments will range from $50-60 and any therapy, exams, x-rays and products will be additional. Our staff always will verify your insurance benefits and explain costs associated with that plan or will provide the self pay pricing prior to your initial visit. We are always transparent when it comes to cost of care.

With over 25 years of experience, as well as being the only chiropractor to successfully complete both the sports and pediatric certification, Dr. Creech offers a unique style of posture, performance and correction based care. Dr. Bessette also is offering Myofascial Technique protocols in addition to comprehensive care, and our unrivaled staff (Kathy D.--practice manager, Amanda H. – front desk) will help your family find the best approach, frequency of care, and optimal results. Our office lives by the mantra, “not all chiropractic offices are the same, come feel the difference!”

Most patients initially see chiropractors to treat low back pain, sciatica, neck pain and/or headaches. But other common conditions that are effectively treated include: whiplash, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee pain, plantar fasciitis and poor posture.

Absolutely! Dr. Creech is one of the few Webster Certified Chiropractors in the area, and has helped hundreds of his pregnant patients have the most comfortable natural deliveries that could be expected.

Through a combination of patient history, hands-on examination, orthopedic/neurological tests and x-rays, chiropractor can detect and then correct the source of the pain, allowing the body to heal naturally, in the right alignment pattern, and with much less likelihood of re-injury.

Through a combination of patient history, hands-on examination, orthopedic/neurological tests and x-rays, chiropractor can detect and then correct the source of the pain, allowing the body to heal naturally, in the right alignment pattern, and with much less likelihood of re-injury.

Through a combination of patient history, hands-on examination, orthopedic/neurological tests and x-rays, chiropractor can detect and then correct the source of the pain, allowing the body to heal naturally, in the right alignment pattern, and with much less likelihood of re-injury.

Of course not! From infants to the elderly, Dr. Creech and Dr. Bessette know how to gently and safely re-align the human spine.

Definitely! Chiropractors have some of the lowest malpractice rates in the country, a great indicator of how safe these practitioners are. Their annual rates are usually 2%-5% of what the typical orthopedist or OB/GYN has to pay for the same coverage.

Great question! Yes, depending on the technique used, when the joints of the spine are gently moved, a nitrogen-based byproduct (“air”) will escape, causing the popping sound. Remember, healthy joints don’t make any noise, so it is also an indicator that this part of the spine is jammed or stuck, and needs to be unlocked to restore proper function and movement.

Of course not! From a toddler, to a high school athlete, to an aging grandparent, Dr. Creech and Dr. Bessette will formulate the best technique and approach for that specific patient. Some techniques they use include using only their hands, sometimes involving moving parts on their adjusting tables, or even a hand held instrument that will gently tap the spine back into place.

It usually depends on how long a patient has had the issue. The more recent the injury or episode, the more likely that they will become pain free in the weeks and months to come. The more chronic or complicated the issue, the less likely that they will be completely pain free. But even patients with complicated spinal problems will usually experience better function and movement with chiropractic care.

Please don’t try! It takes years of training and practice to master the “art” of the adjustment. And the doctors don’t even adjust themselves; they routinely seek chiropractic care with their peers to stay healthy.

Naturally! Dr. Creech continues to have great success with babies who had a difficult delivery, struggle with latching/head turning issues, excessive spitting up, colic and constipation. And among toddlers and elementary age kids, those who have frequent falls (“clumsy”), unusual walking patterns (toe in or toe out), frequently sick, or who play “hard”, gentle adjustments help relieve any building stress in that child’s neuromusculoskeletal system. And with middle to high school students, helping improve poor posture or enhance athletic performance is crucial to their formative years. Find out what millions of parents already know: kids under routine chiropractic care have less pain, better health and posture as well as improved athletic performance.

Like our medical peers, chiropractors have to successfully complete a 4 year science/health based undergraduate program, and then 4 years of post-graduate training. They graduate with a Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.)