When you are suffering from severe neurological symptoms, whiplash, or other complex spinal conditions, the thought of someone manipulating your neck can be terrifying. You may have even had a bad experience in the past with a traditional adjustment that left you feeling worse.
Your fears are entirely valid. When dealing with delicate ligaments and traumatized nervous systems, standard manual manipulation can sometimes be contraindicated. Safety, precision, and objective data must come first.
A “No Guesswork” Philosophy
This is the exact reason our clinic, established in 2007, operates on a strict “no guesswork” philosophy. Before any treatment is performed, we gather precise, objective data. If a patient has had prior imaging, X-ray or advanced imaging such as MRI or CT, we get not just the reports, but the images themselves. We look at things differently than a typical medical radiologist in that regard. If a patient is out of alignment on examination, we perform an Atlas Orthogonal X-ray series to further determine safety of adjustment, and then to analyze in a detailed manner exactly how to fix the problem. When red flags are noted on exam or on previous imaging, we may need to utilize Digital Motion X-Ray (DMX) to see exactly how your joints are moving and to identify any ligament damage that static imaging missed. Once all this data has been gathered and we have deemed it safe to proceed, only then do we use the highly precise, low-force Atlas Orthogonal instrument to make a gentle correction—with absolutely no twisting, popping, or pain.
Our stepped diagnostic process — before any adjustment:
Review existing imaging • Atlas Orthogonal X-ray series • Digital Motion X-Ray when red flags appear • Only then, a gentle instrument correction
Teaching Safety to Other Doctors
Safety and risk management are the cornerstones of my practice. I don’t just practice these principles; I teach them to other doctors.
I have held my Board Certification in Atlas Orthogonal (BCAO) since 2006. I have completed extensive post-graduate training in head and neck trauma, advanced imaging, advanced biomechanics, risk management, and complex case management—disciplines in which I now provide instruction. This deep educational background provides me with the tools to safely manage fragile, high-risk, and complex cases.
Dr. Griffin’s post-graduate training includes all five critical areas:
Head/Neck Trauma • Advanced Imaging • Advanced Biomechanics • Risk Management • Complex Case Management
Worried a Treatment Isn’t Safe for Your Injury?
You should never have to guess if a treatment is safe for your specific injury. If you are looking for a practice that puts diagnostics, risk management, and your safety above all else, please contact our office to schedule a screening.
Schedule a Screening(515) 224-1093 • 2501 Westown Pkwy, Suite 1202 ½, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Dr. Laurel Griffin, DC, BCAO
Precision Chiropractic West & DMX of Iowa | West Des Moines, IA