Today we are going to illustrate the hallmark traits of a Phase 1 degenerative level spine. The most prominent finding on the x-ray with a phase one degenerative spine is most certainly the loss of normal curvature in the cerveical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) regions.

A normal cervical arc should be 43-45 degrees, with normal lumbar arc being 63-65 degrees. Arcs that are measured less than these normal ranges are either between normal and Phase 1, or at Phase 1 altogether. The difference would be in the measured arc. For example, a Phase 1 cervical spine may show a 10 degree curvature, whereas an arc measured at 35 degrees would be between phase 1 and normal.

Once a person has entered phase 1, he/she may experience headaches, fatigue, muscle spasms, neck and back pain. The symptoms of a phase one are usually not present for more than 24 months. In some cases, such as a motor vehicle accident, a person can go from a normal curve to phase 1 in a matter of one or two seconds.

In addition to loss of curvature, a Phase 1 may show slight striations in the bone matrix (lines on the vertebraes), small changes to the disc height, as well as small changes to the IVF (hole around the nerve).

Treatment for a phase 1 consists of adjustments, and rehab to restore the normal curvature at the appropriate level.

With the pettibon system, a correctional rehab system within chirorpractic, this can be achieved, usually, in a matter of a few short months of care. However, each case is different and therefore responds differently to care.

Look for more information about stage 1 arthritis on the youtube video and stay tuned for more information upcoming on stage 2 degeneration.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steve Lininger

OK. We all know that Obamacare is now in full force this year and their are changes in our health insurances taking place.

What does that mean for coverage in our clinic for Chiropractic services? Well, the short answer is not a whole lot has changed.

What still is interesting to me is that the general public doesn’t understand that health care PROVIDERS are not covered by insurances. Insurances cover SERVICES, no matter who they are provided by.

Because of this common misconception, many times people ask the wrong questions when attempting to verify coverage for our services within our clinic.

They will typically assume (incorrectly) that verifying coverage for “chiropractic” or a “chiropractor” will tell them anything at all.

In ten years of practice, I’ve never experienced a patient who asked the RIGHT questions when verifying insurance benefits. They really don’t know what questions to ask, and never get the proper information.

When they ask if a PROVIDER type ie; chiropractor, physical therapist, etc. All the person on the other end is going to tell them is either yes or no, and MAYBE the amount of sessions per year they will contribute to..

The RIGHT questions are regarding PROVIDER types, but are regarding specific services, such as x-rays, exams, specific excercise codes, specific limits on care in dollars and/or sessions per annum, durable medical equipment, diagnostic testing, etc..

When our staff verifies an insurance plan, we utilize a 25 question survey that thoroughly details and outlines the typical benefits for each service that MIGHT be billed during a typical patient’s care plan.

We do this as a complimentary service for all of our new patients or patients that change insurance plans.

We also do it to PREVENT surprises (like things not covered), etc..

That is why it’s not a good idea for a patient to attempt to verify insurance benefits with their insurer.

We have trained, experienced professionals to assist with taking care of that in our clinic, so that you can just focus on getting healthier.

Also, Once we verify a patient’s coverage, we show everything to a patient UP-FRONT, so there are no surprises on THEIR end, either.

We want our patients to TRUST us and I dont believe in running up a big bill for a patient, without letting them know what their insurance plan will and will not contribute.

Yours in Health,

Dr. Steve Lininger