At Spracklin Chiropractic, we believe that the cornerstone of effective care for orthopedic injuries isn’t just the treatment – it’s the thorough physical examination that comes first. When you’ve suffered a joint sprain, ligament tear, muscle strain, or other orthopedic issue, the difference between a predictable, efficient recovery and a long, costly journey often begins with how carefully your condition is assessed. Let’s explore why a complete exam matters so much – and how it helps reduce the cost of care.

Why a thorough physical exam matters

When you come to our clinic, we do more than just ask where it hurts and adjust the spine or joint. As Dr. Andrew C. Spracklin explains on our website: “When a patient first comes into the office we try to determine the exact cause of the pain through a thorough evaluation and walk the patient through possible treatment options.” Spracklin Chiropractic+1

Here’s why that exam is so important:

• Accurate diagnosis: Orthopedic injuries often have overlapping symptoms. Muscle vs. ligament vs. joint capsule vs. nerve irritation can all cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function. A detailed physical exam helps differentiate them.

• Targeted treatment plan: Once the root issue is identified, we can tailor care specifically – whether that means adjustment, physiotherapy modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation), acupuncture, or a combination. At our clinic we offer these tools to “reduce inflammation in specific areas” and promote healing. Spracklin Chiropractic+1

• Avoid unnecessary procedures: Without a careful exam, what appears to be a simple “back or knee pain” might actually need imaging referral, orthopedics consult, or a different pathway. By catching red flags early, we prevent wasted time, ineffective treatments, or treatment “looping” that adds cost.

• Better patient education and expectations: A thorough exam allows us to explain exactly what’s happening in your body, what you can expect in recovery, and what you need to do – which builds trust, avoids repeated “let’s try this again” visits, and ensures you’re engaged in your care.

How the exam reduces cost of care

Cost in health care isn’t just about the dollar bill – it’s also about time, wasted visits, delayed healing, and the cascading impact of one mis-step. Here’s how our approach helps control cost:

1. Fewer “trial & error” visits: When the cause of the injury is identified early, treatment is more efficient. You’re less likely to bounce between therapies that don’t hit the mark. In our model we aim to “give it our all for those individuals … to help you feel better as fast as we can with no long-term time or financial commitment.” Spracklin Chiropractic+1

2. Prevent escalation to expensive care: A missed ligament tear or joint instability, if untreated, could lead to chronic issues, surgery, or long rehabilitation – all of which cost far more. By identifying those risks in the exam phase (and referring when appropriate), we protect your health and your wallet.

3. Reduced downtime and lost productivity: Especially when injuries interfere with work and daily life, the sooner you’re back to function, the lower the indirect cost (missed work, medications, secondary problems). Our clinic emphasizes conservative care designed to restore mobility and reduce pain so you stay moving. Spracklin Chiropractic

4. Efficient use of adjunctive therapies: Modalities like ultrasound, electric stimulation, acupuncture are effective when used purposefully. Our exam guides where and how we apply them, reducing waste of resources and maximizing benefit.

5. Clear plan, clear end point: One of the challenges in care is open-ended “maintenance” without defined goals. At Spracklin Chiropractic, the physical exam helps us set realistic milestones and avoid treatment creep. That means you’re not paying for endless therapy when you should be moving into self-management.

What you can expect at your exam

When you walk through the door of Spracklin Chiropractic, here’s how we start:

• A thorough history: We’ll ask how it started, what you were doing, what makes it better or worse, your health background.

• A full physical assessment: Range of motion, joint stability tests, muscle strength, nerve/vascular screening, posture and movement assessment.

• Identifying red flags: We check for signs that require imaging, specialist referral, or are beyond routine chiropractic care. As Dr. Spracklin states: “We continuously reassess—if conservative care is not producing steady, safe improvement, we reassess the plan.” Spracklin Chiropractic+1

• A custom care plan: Based on what we find, we’ll explain the issue in plain language, the proposed treatments, expected timeline, and your role (exercise, posture, self-care).

• Ongoing monitoring & reassessment: We don’t just treat and forget. We track improvement and adjust if needed.

Final thoughts

Orthopedic injuries are among the most common—and most expensive—sources of musculoskeletal pain and disability. But they don’t have to lead to open-ended treatment, unnecessary procedures, or long-term dysfunction. At Spracklin Chiropractic, we believe the key to preventing those outcomes is the thorough physical exam. It identifies the real problem, enables focused treatment, helps avoid waste and delay, and ultimately reduces cost – both financial and personal.

If you or someone you know is dealing with a joint or muscle injury, don’t wait for it to become “just another ache.” Start with an evaluation that respects your body, your time, and your budget. At Spracklin Chiropractic, we’re here for that.

At Spracklin Chiropractic, we talk a lot about consistency — in your health, in your movement, and in your mindset. But when you really get down to it, all consistency begins with one simple, powerful act: showing up.

It’s easy to overthink health. We chase the perfect plan, the perfect time, the perfect feeling. We wait until work slows down, the kids’ schedules clear up, or our energy feels “right.” But life rarely gives us perfect conditions. What it gives us instead is opportunity — small, everyday chances to show up for ourselves even when it’s not convenient, even when it’s not glamorous, and even when it doesn’t feel like progress in the moment.

Showing Up in the Office

We see this every day in the clinic. Patients who make the decision to show up regularly — to get adjusted, to follow through on their care plan, to move their bodies and take ownership of their health — are the ones who see change happen. Not overnight, but over time.

Chiropractic care works with consistency, just like exercise, nutrition, or sleep. One adjustment may give you relief, but it’s the steady rhythm of care that restores function and helps your body stay in balance. Each visit builds on the last. It’s not just about aligning your spine — it’s about aligning your habits.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.

Showing Up for Your Body

Your body keeps score of how you show up. Every stretch, every walk, every good night’s sleep — it adds up. So does every skipped meal, late night, or day hunched over a screen.

But here’s the encouraging part: your body is remarkably forgiving. It’s built to adapt and heal. When you decide to start showing up — even in small ways — your body meets you halfway. Whether that’s committing to better posture, sticking to your exercise plan, or making time for recovery, showing up tells your body, “I’m on your team.”

And that shift in mindset? It’s powerful.

Health isn’t about perfection. It’s about participation. Every time you show up, you’re casting a vote for the kind of person you want to be — healthy, resilient, and moving forward.

Showing Up for Your Family and Community

We don’t live in isolation. When you show up for your own health, your family feels it. Your kids see it. Your coworkers notice it. You bring more energy, patience, and presence into your day.

At Spracklin Chiropractic, we see families where one person’s commitment to care inspires others to do the same. One person starts sleeping better, feeling better, and moving better — and suddenly, their family dinners have more laughter, their evenings have more activity, and their mornings feel less rushed. That’s the ripple effect of showing up.

Your decision to take care of yourself isn’t selfish — it’s leadership. You can’t pour from an empty cup, but when you prioritize your well-being, you’re able to give more to everyone around you.

Showing Up When It’s Hard

The truth is, some days you won’t want to. You’ll feel tired, sore, stressed, or too busy. That’s okay. Showing up doesn’t mean ignoring how you feel — it means honoring it enough to take action anyway.

Even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Because those are the moments that create momentum. They remind you that you’re capable of more than your excuses.

In the clinic, we often say, “Movement is medicine.” But showing up is the dose that makes the medicine work. The adjustment doesn’t happen unless you walk through the door. The healing doesn’t happen unless you commit to the process.

Showing Up, One Step at a Time

Maybe for you, showing up means scheduling your next adjustment. Maybe it’s getting back into a walking routine, or setting your phone down an hour before bed. Whatever it looks like, it starts with one simple step — deciding that your health is worth the effort.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start. And once you do, you’ll find that each step forward gets a little easier.

At Spracklin Chiropractic, our goal is to help you move, feel, and live better — but the most important part of that journey is you. We can guide, adjust, and encourage, but you’re the one who makes the choice to show up.

So here’s your reminder today:
Don’t wait for the perfect time. Don’t wait for the pain to be unbearable. Don’t wait for “someday.”

Show up.
Your body will thank you.
Your mind will thank you.
Your future self will thank you.

Because the simple act of showing up — day after day, visit after visit, choice after choice — is where real change begins.

At Spracklin Chiropractic, we believe deeply in the power of conservative, non‑invasive approaches — soft‑tissue work, mobilization, gentle neurological balancing, activity modification, and adjustment when safe. But in the world of real patients, real bodies, and real trauma, there are times when conservative care is not appropriate — and pressing action or referral is the more responsible choice. Knowing when to pause, reconsider, or redirect care is just as vital as knowing how to help.

Below, we explore key scenarios in which conservative chiropractic care should not be pursued, particularly in acute presentations — not out of fear, but out of discernment and safety.

1. Red Flags or “Don’t Miss” Signs: When Urgency Outweighs Gentle Care

One of the first lines of defense is recognizing red flags — signs or symptoms that suggest a serious underlying pathology rather than simple musculoskeletal dysfunction. In these cases, pursuing conservative chiropractic care without further investigation may delay critical treatment or worsen outcomes.

Some of the most important red flags include:

• Sudden, severe headache or neck pain, “the worst of one’s life,” unlike any previous pain
  Even if the pain seems localized musculoskeletal, a sudden onset of dramatic intensity may point toward vascular events (e.g. arterial dissection) or intracranial pathology. Conservative adjustment or mobilization would be inappropriate in such a scenario.
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• Neurological deficits or signs of neurovascular compromise
  Unilateral facial numbness or paresthesia, cerebellar signs, visual field defects, lateral medullary signs — these may signal neurovascular insufficiency in the vertebrobasilar system. In these cases, all treatment modalities should be halted, and emergent referral considered.
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• Progressive neurological decline (e.g. emerging myelopathy or cauda equina syndrome)
  If sensory changes, motor weakness, or bowel/bladder changes are progressing, that is no longer a case for routine conservative care; it’s a red flag for serious nerve compromise or compression.
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• Signs of systemic illness, infection, or malignancy
  Fever, weight loss, night pain, history of cancer, immunosuppression — all may indicate that the pain is not a benign mechanical issue. Proceeding with manipulative therapy without proper medical evaluation could be dangerous.
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• Acute fracture or instability, dislocation
  Obvious trauma, imaging evidence of fracture, or ligamentous instability are absolute contraindications to spinal manipulation in that area until properly stabilized or healed.
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If any of the above are present, the clinician must shift gears from “let’s help reduce pain and restore function” to “we must safely triage, investigate, and refer as needed.”

2. Contraindications That Override the Typical Response

Even in less dramatic acute cases, there are recognized contraindications to certain chiropractic interventions, especially high-velocity thrusts (adjustments). Some of these may be absolute (never safe) or relative (use caution, modify or avoid) depending on the context.

Examples include:

• Inflammatory arthropathies in acute phase (e.g. active rheumatoid arthritis)
  The associated ligamentous laxity and joint inflammation make traditional adjustment risky.
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• Malignancy or bone tumor in the spinal region
  The structural integrity may already be compromised. Manipulating the area risks fracture or spreading disease.
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• Local infection (osteomyelitis, discitis)
  Infection weakens tissues and any mechanical stress may worsen the process or spread infection.
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• Bone demineralization, osteoporosis, bleeding disorders
  The fragility of structures or risk of hemorrhage means we must use extreme caution, or avoid thrusting entirely.
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• Postoperative instability, implants, or surgical alterations
  Manipulation over fused segments or around instrumentation may be contraindicated or require extensive modification.
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In each of these, conservative care might still play a role — soft tissue, mobilization, pain modulation — but not high‑force manipulation at those risky levels.

3. When Conservative Care Fails — Recognize the Need to Pivot

Another scenario: a patient presents with what seems like a routine musculoskeletal strain, but does not respond as expected to conservative treatment. In such cases, persisting with “more of the same” may be unwise.

Warning signs here include:

• Worsening rather than improving symptoms

• New neurological signs developing

• Failure to improve after a reasonable trial (adjusted for severity)

• Pain beyond anatomical expectations

• Multiple failed modalities

At that point, the clinician must ask: do we continue, adjust approach, or refer? Sometimes referral to imaging, orthopedic, neurology, or spine surgery is the best step.

The literature supports that “non‑indicated treatment,” even if not strictly contraindicated, can carry cost and risk without patient benefit. BioMed Central

4. Balancing the Philosophy with Safety

At SpracklinChiro, our philosophy rests on restoring tone — the harmonious balance of neural, structural, and functional integrity. But that philosophy must always be married to prudent risk management. When bodies present with serious warning signs, our duty is not to force conservative care but to do no harm: refer, pause, collaborate.

In practical terms, here’s how we integrate this approach:

• Every new patient undergoes a thorough history and red‑flag screening

• If any red flags or contraindications appear, we hold manipulation in reserve

• In acute trauma, we may stabilize, support, refer to imaging, or co-manage

• We continuously reassess — if conservative care is not producing steady, safe improvement, we reassess the plan

• We maintain open communication with medical colleagues, imaging centers, and specialists

5. Case Illustrations (Hypothetical, for Teaching)

Case A: A 45-year-old with sudden onset neck pain and an unprecedently severe headache, no prior history. Conservative care is tempting, but the presentation triggers our protocol: no adjustment, urgent referral to imaging and neurologic evaluation.

Case B: A 60-year-old with persistent low back pain for several weeks, unresponsive to soft tissue work or mobilizations, now developing mild foot numbness. We pause our standard plan, order MRI referral, and co-manage with spine specialists.

Case C: A patient with known osteoporosis and anticoagulation therapy presents with new low back spasm. We avoid thrusting, focus on safe mobilizations, modalities, and gentle neuromodulation instead.

Closing Thoughts

Conservative chiropractic care is powerful, healing, and often the right first choice. Yet wisdom in practice lies in recognizing when it is not the right choice — when urgency, red flags, or contraindications demand a pause, referral, or alternative pathway.

At SpracklinChiro, our commitment is to safe, effective, patient‑centered care. That includes knowing when to hold back, when to refer, and when to call in medical or surgical allies. In doing so, we affirm that healing begins not only with adjustment, but with discernment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing acute pain or alarming signs, don’t wait. Come in for evaluation — and rest assured, we’ll always act in your best interest.

At Spracklin Chiropractic, we believe in helping your body heal more naturally. When spinal stenosis causes discomfort — pain, numbness, limited mobility — you don’t always have to turn immediately to surgery or long‑term medications. In many cases, gentle, conservative chiropractic care can offer real relief and improved function. Here’s how and why.

What is Spinal Stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spaces in your spine (the spinal canal or the openings where the nerve roots exit). When that space becomes too small, nerves or the spinal cord can become compressed, leading to symptoms like:

• Pain in the back, buttocks or legs

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs

• Cramping sensations

• Difficulty walking or standing for prolonged periods

Often, as we age, degeneration in discs, joints, ligaments, and other spinal structures contributes to this narrowing.

Traditional Chiropractic Philosophy

At Spracklin Chiropractic, traditional chiropractic care focuses on relieving pressure from nerves of the nervous system to allow the body to heal more naturally. We use drug‑free, non‑invasive approaches. Our tools include adjustments, physiotherapy modalities, acupuncture, and therapeutic exercise.

The goal is not just to mask symptoms, but to reduce the mechanical causes of pain and nerve irritation, to help restore mobility, and to support healing through natural means.

How Chiropractic Helps with Spinal Stenosis

Here are the ways chiropractic care can be particularly beneficial in spinal stenosis:

1. Spinal Adjustments & Mobilization
   Gentle adjustments help restore proper alignment of vertebrae, ease stiffness, and relieve nerve compression. Mobilization techniques — slow, gentle movements of the joints — assist when more forceful adjustments are not appropriate. These are often safer and preferable for stenosis.

2. Flexion‑Distraction & Decompression Methods
   Techniques such as flexion‑distraction gently stretch and open the spinal canal spaces, reducing pressure on nerves. Decompression therapy (non‑surgical) can also help relieve symptoms by allowing more room in the spine and restoring disc height.

3. Soft Tissue Treatments & Physiotherapy
   At Spracklin Chiropractic, physiotherapy tools (e.g. electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.) help reduce inflammation, relax tight muscles, and improve blood flow to affected areas. These are often used in conjunction with adjustments for better relief.

4. Exercise, Posture, & Lifestyle Modifications
   Rehabilitation exercises are essential: core stabilization, gentle stretching, low‑impact aerobic movement, posture training. These help maintain spinal flexibility, reduce further stress, and prevent recurrence. Also, adjusting daily habits — how we sit, stand, sleep — plays a strong role in supporting long‑term relief.

What You Can Expect at Spracklin Chiropractic

• A comprehensive evaluation: We’ll assess your spine, your neurological status, your mobility, and your symptoms to figure out exactly how stenosis is affecting you.

• A customized care plan: Based on your condition, we’ll recommend a mix of treatments — adjustments, physiotherapy modalities, possibly acupuncture — tailored to relieve pressure and support healing.

• Conservative, natural methods: No unnecessary medications, no harsh side effects. Our methods are designed to be gentle but effective.

• Patient partnership: We guide you, but you also play a big role — doing prescribed exercises, modifying posture, practicing good spinal hygiene at home.

Is Chiropractic Right for You?

While many people find significant relief through chiropractic care, it’s important to know that not all cases are the same. Some situations (for example severe stenosis with significant neurological deficits) might require additional medical evaluation or even surgical consultation. We always make sure to refer when further care is needed.

Summary

Spinal stenosis doesn’t have to mean pain forever. At Spracklin Chiropractic, we believe in offering conservative, natural solutions that address root causes, relieve pressure on nerves, and help you regain mobility and comfort. If you or someone you love is dealing with spinal stenosis, reach out and let’s explore how chiropractic care might help bring relief — without the risks and side effects of medication or surgery.

In industries where safety is paramount—whether it’s trucking, construction, or manufacturing—implementing robust health and safety programs is not just a legal requirement but a moral imperative. Two critical components of these programs are Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals and workplace drug testing. These programs help maintain a safe, productive workforce, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. By focusing on regular DOT physicals and comprehensive drug testing, employers safeguard their operations and ensure that workers can perform their duties without compromising their health, safety, or that of others.

What is a DOT Physical?

A DOT physical is a mandatory health examination for commercial vehicle drivers. Administered by a licensed medical examiner, the DOT physical is designed to assess whether a driver is physically and mentally capable of safely operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This includes a thorough check of the driver’s vision, hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and other factors that can impact their ability to perform their job safely.

The DOT physical is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle that is involved in interstate commerce. The purpose is clear: to ensure that drivers are fit for duty and free from conditions that might impair their ability to drive safely.

Why Are DOT Physicals Crucial?

1. Identifying Hidden Health Issues
   Many serious health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, can go unnoticed by employees until it’s too late. Regular DOT physicals catch these conditions early, allowing for timely treatment. A DOT exam doesn’t just ensure that drivers meet specific physical standards—it helps uncover any underlying health issues that could affect their performance on the road. Conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or undiagnosed diabetes can result in medical emergencies while driving, endangering not only the driver but also others on the road.
2. Preventing Medical Emergencies
   Certain medical conditions, if left unchecked, can lead to sudden incapacitation, which is a significant risk for commercial drivers. A well-timed DOT physical ensures that conditions like cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, or impaired vision are identified early, reducing the risk of health-related emergencies during operation. This, in turn, lowers the likelihood of accidents caused by sudden medical issues while driving, contributing to overall road safety.
3. Promoting Long-Term Health
   DOT physicals don’t only focus on short-term fitness for duty; they are also an opportunity for drivers to get a baseline assessment of their health. With regular check-ups, drivers can be guided on lifestyle changes, preventive care, and health goals. This proactive approach can lead to better long-term health outcomes and fewer instances of chronic illness.
4. Ensuring Compliance
   FMCSA regulations require that all commercial drivers undergo a DOT physical at least once every two years. Employers who fail to ensure their drivers meet this requirement risk facing significant fines and legal repercussions. Compliance with DOT physical standards isn’t just an obligation—it’s an essential part of protecting the business from liability and maintaining a good standing with regulatory bodies.

What is Workplace Drug Testing?

Workplace drug testing involves screening employees for the presence of illegal drugs or alcohol to ensure they are not impaired while performing job duties. In the context of industries with safety-sensitive jobs, such as trucking, construction, and manufacturing, drug testing is especially critical. Drug tests are typically administered in one of several forms, including urine, saliva, hair follicle, or blood tests, depending on the type of testing program and the substances being tested for.

Workplace drug testing programs can be either random, scheduled, or conducted in response to a specific event or suspicion. These programs not only help maintain workplace safety but also foster a culture of accountability, ensuring that employees are fit to perform their jobs to the best of their ability.

Why Is Workplace Drug Testing Important?

1. Preventing Impairment on the Job
   The dangers of working while impaired cannot be overstated. In certain industries, a moment of impaired judgment or delayed reaction time can lead to catastrophic accidents. For example, in the transportation industry, a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol is more likely to make dangerous decisions, such as running a red light, failing to yield, or making a poor lane change. Drug testing ensures that employees are not working under the influence of substances that could impair their judgment or abilities, reducing the risk of accidents.
2. Ensuring a Safe Work Environment
   Workplace drug testing fosters a safer environment for all employees. When workers are aware that their colleagues are subject to drug testing, they are less likely to engage in substance abuse. This not only enhances individual safety but contributes to a healthier, more productive workforce overall. A safe work environment boosts morale and reduces the number of workplace injuries, which is beneficial for both employees and employers.
3. Reducing Employer Liability
   Employers are legally responsible for providing a safe work environment for their employees. When substance abuse is a factor in an accident or injury, the employer can be held liable for negligence, particularly if they failed to implement proper drug testing procedures. Having a drug testing program in place helps demonstrate due diligence, reducing the likelihood of costly legal disputes and liability claims.
4. Promoting Workplace Productivity
   Employees who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are far less productive. They may struggle with focus, coordination, and decision-making, all of which affect overall performance. A workplace drug testing program discourages substance abuse, ensuring that employees are alert, productive, and engaged in their tasks. This leads to higher overall efficiency and output, benefiting the bottom line of the company.
5. Supporting Employee Wellness
   Workplace drug testing programs also offer employees a level of support. By addressing substance abuse head-on, employers can create an environment where employees feel safe to seek help if they are struggling with addiction or substance use disorders. Many drug testing programs come with educational components or access to rehabilitation services, helping employees regain their health and return to work in a more stable condition.

How DOT Physicals and Drug Testing Work Together

The synergy between DOT physicals and drug testing programs cannot be overstated. Both are integral to ensuring a safe, healthy, and compliant workforce. While DOT physicals focus on assessing a driver’s physical and mental capacity to perform their duties, drug testing ensures that employees are not impaired by substances that could undermine their performance. Together, these programs create a comprehensive safety net that protects not only employees but also the public, clients, and the company’s reputation.

By implementing regular DOT physicals and workplace drug testing, employers are not only adhering to legal standards but are also fostering a culture of safety and well-being within the workplace. A healthy, drug-free workforce is not only more productive but also far less likely to be involved in accidents or legal disputes.

Conclusion

Regular DOT physicals and workplace drug testing are critical to maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient workplace, particularly in industries where safety is of the utmost concern. These programs help prevent medical emergencies, ensure employees are fit for their roles, reduce liability, and promote long-term employee health and productivity. Employers who invest in regular health checks and robust drug testing protocols are not only protecting their workforce but are also ensuring the continued success and growth of their business. In industries where human lives are often on the line, these preventive measures are more than just regulations—they are essential components of a responsible and forward-thinking business strategy.

Not everything in the office goes according to plan. In your mind, things should go from one to the next without much of a hiccup.  This past week was a reminder of that.  Thousands of adjustments are performed in the office on a yearly basis and hundreds of physicals and drug collections and if I told you that there is no risk in performing this job, I’d be lying to you.

There are numerous stories that are constantly circulating on the internet of how dangerous chiropractors can be, while these stories do not necessarily concern me, the statistics just don’t pull enough weight that a lot of mental energy should go into it, but we do get asked about it.  The things that concern me in the office when it comes to chiropractic care are ribs that either stress or strain during P to A adjustments, this does happen 2-3 times per year, it’s painful to the patient and I feel about two feet tall when it happens because normally it happens to some of my favorite patients.  I feel it on my end and the patient feels it right away.

There is not a lot of “treatment” to fix this in the short term; it’s just a complication that we see in the profession a few times a year.  Time and rest is normally the best thing to do and within a week or two, you will be back to feeling normal but the entire purpose of coming to the office is to feel better but when a patient leaves feeling worse, that’s a terrible feeling as a provider.

I’m constantly weighing risk/reward when it comes to treatment.  An older individual comes in with hip pain, it can be complicated, I want to mobilize the joint but I also need progress and not pain.  So sometimes the best things to do are minimal treatment that day and follow up a few more times than being so aggressive they are miserable and essentially cussing you out when they leave.

The number of DOT physicals we perform in the office is constantly rising.  When paperwork gets filled out, people aren’t necessarily truthful the entire time.  Health scares happen to people all the time without then telling me the entire story.  We can request records and get all of the information we can get our hands on and it can just be a judgment call.  99% of the time, the correct judgment is made but you always remember the 1% you question yourself on.

Drug tests are a different animal, the people that come into a drug test and have nothing to hide look at it more as a inconvenience but you do run into situations when people are going to do everything possible to pass a test including, devices and fake urine, in order to keep or get a job. Most of the time, I’m just the collector and don’t have a lot of skin in the game but there are times when people try to pull a fast one on you, it does happen but as long as protocols are followed the people that try to game the system will eventually get caught.

I wanted to write this as a reminder that things do happen, but mentally you have to just keep pressing on.  It takes a lot of mental energy when things don’t go according to plan.  We strive to do the best we can with all patients that walk in the door.  We do feel bad when adjustments go wrong and never forget the DOT’s that press the envelope or the “judgment” call but we do the best we can and have to keep moving forward.

I think I would be preaching to the choir to say that every job has its ups and downs.  If you say that you love your job 100% of the time, I think you’re either the extreme rarity or you’re lying to yourself. Genuinely, I do like what I do but there are days and patients that drive you up the wall.

The anti-thesis chiropractor, I do see a lot of value in the work that I do. But some of these offices get a little carried away, in my opinion, with the treatment plan aspect. I come from the school of thought that we will treat you a time or two, get you back on your feet and allow the body to heal.  Going for a walk, get moving or some simple stretches are most of the time significantly better for you then more treatment in the office. A lot of the passive therapies that are performed in the office are short term, they feel good in the moment but a couple hours after the therapeutic benefit has worn off, so walking and proper exercise are more conducive for long term health and recovery. So if you want to spend your hard earned money on a long term treatment plan, feel free, but personally I don’t feel that it’s necessary.

Simple things go a long way, as I just stated, doing simple things outside of the office can be more beneficial than anything. Divert to DOT physicals and drug testing, if you call to schedule a drug test, please don’t pee 5 minutes before you come into the office.  Have your medications and proper paperwork filled out or available before coming into the office for your appointment.  Not only does it make your life easier but I am able to get you in and out of the office in a much more efficient and timely manner.

I’ve said this from day one.  The services that I provide and the way I practice allow me to sleep well at night.  Things are done on the up and up, we follow the rules and don’t abuse them.  There are some grey areas in regards to DOT physicals, but drug and alcohol testing is very black and white.  Chiropractic treatments are subjective, people tolerate things differently, but we get you in the office and back on your feet as fast as possible and you let us know when you need anything else.

Needing to be able to be comfortable in your own skin as you are fighting an uphill battle is never ending.  Insurance is becoming less and less sustainable from an office stand point. Reimbursements are falling WAY behind the cost of operating a business.  If you think that my office is expensive, boy do I have news for you.  Go into a clinic or hospital and see what the cost is just to be seen. I try to keep things reasonable and at prices that I would feel comfortable paying for the services that are offered.

I like my ancillary services and I feel that they are a benefit to society and provide value to the people seeking them. Drug and alcohol testing are mandated by the federal government.  DOT Physicals are required in order to keep a CDL active.  These are keeping drivers and the general public safe on the roads.  People are always going to try and skirt the rules, whether it’s lying about medications or trying to “pass” a drug test.  It is my responsibility to get to the truth and keep them on or off the road if necessary.

Do I think that chiropractors come with a poverty complex, not necessarily. We are getting to a point where prices are going to have to increase on our end in order to keep things operating as smooth as they should be in my opinion. I feel that charging a fair price and giving great service is the basis of a successful business. Are we the cheapest, no but we are far from the most expensive. There are a lot of chiropractors in the area and only so many patients to go around.  Offering services that people utilize and value is where I’m at in this ever evolving healthcare circle.

I don’t plan on drastically changing anything but just know that running an office and surviving in the current healthcare environment while living a comfortable life is an uphill battle. I’m willing to fight that fight at this time, I RARELY turn anyone away but with the ever growing accounts receivable in an office and the ever growing cost of running a business, patience runs thin at time.

At the end of the day, you have to choose to be happy with the road you have chosen and overall I would say that when I lock the doors are the end of the day, I’m content with the life I have chosen.  Are there things that I could do to make significantly more money with fewer headaches, sure but at this stage I don’t have to answer to anyone on a daily basis.  I can go to kid’s events and not have to ask anyone and the ability to have a life outside of the office, while sometimes difficult, is one of the best perks about the profession.

I completely understand that this is more of a rant but writing these thoughts down and letting even a few people have access to my thoughts is not only therapeutic for me but it allows you get an insight as to what the struggles are from time to time.

Occupational Medicine is a pretty broad term but I’m going to approach this from a DOT Physical and a drug/alcohol testing aspect.  We hear from people all the time that Medical doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians assistants have said that chiropractors have no business performing DOT physicals.  I would like to rebuttal that argument: while chiropractors don’t have to ability to manage medications or order many medical procedures, we most definitely can perform the type of exam necessary to qualify (or disqualify) drivers to safely drive.

Roughly 12 years ago, the FMCSA developed guidelines that all medical examiners needed to be certified to perform these physicals.  I was one of the first 10 people in the state, across all profession to get certified and I haven’t looked back since.  I have since taken the course again and past the test, again. I say all of this because it doesn’t matter what profession you are, we all take the same certification process and take the exact same test. So while I may not be able to take people on and off medications, I am able to review a medical history, medication list, previous surgeries and send you out for sleep apnea testing and other testing that may be necessary to safely pass the test.

As for are we able to identify things, yes and quite honestly we have seen most if not all of the items we are tested over: monocular vision, insulin use for diabetes, amputated limbs or the basic high blood pressure have all come through the office in some shape or form. The process has changed over the years and we have had our hiccups with getting the correct forms filled out, but we eventually get there.

I find a lot of enjoyment performing these exams, they are normally pretty straight forward, quick and we are able to get people in and out of our office in a timely manner.  We are discovering that most medical clinics are not getting recertified, I’m not sure if the paperwork is a headache or if it’s just not something they want to do anymore, but fewer and fewer people are doing them.

The drug/alcohol testing is a little bit different animal.  Whether you are part of our consortium that we run in house or just use us as a collection site, just know that I have gone through the training and certification to perform this service.  It’s always a little interesting as you don’t have to be a healthcare professional to perform these collections, just pass the certification.

At this point, I plan on keeping it run and collected by healthcare professionals, whether that is me personally or have a nurse or two that come in and do collections, I would like to keep it that way. The process is fairly quick and painless unless you have a “ding” on your collection history, then it’s a little more invasive, but not crazy.  We are finally starting to hit our stride with this service and are looking to potentially going mobile at times for companies that don’t like to send their drivers away from the day’s work in order to get to a clinic to perform a collection.

While it was never my intention to get into DOT Physicals and urine collection, I’m fully committed at this point and I would love to discuss you or your companies needs in regards to any or all of these services. If you have any questions or comments please direct them to spracklindotservices@gmail.com and we can discuss how we can make your life a little easier.

As the year turns over and people start to present into offices with different insurance cards, I wanted to do a brief write up on Medicare Advantage Plans, why patients love them and offices/physicians loath them.

When you turn 65 you get the option as to what kind of Medicare you can sign up for, Traditional Medicare in which you have a deductible of around $250 and then pay 20% of the allowed amount unless you take out a supplemental plan, which most people do.  This is the bulk of your cost is the cost of the premiums on a month to month basis but not a lot of questions are asked about treatment, you get the care that needs to be done.

Medicare Advantage plans are when the patient essentially gives up their traditional Medicare rights and allows a private insurance control the plan. It is much more like what we see in our office as a traditional insurance.  The premium is typically lower, the coverage normally included prescription, dental & vision but the initial burden falls on the patients. A deductible needs to be met, co-pays are normally required at office visits and we have begun to see a trend towards pre-authorization for care.

From a chiropractic perspective, this can be a nightmare for certain plans. As with traditional Medicare, only the adjustment is covered.  Medicare does not cover therapies and exams in a chiropractic office, we can bill for them but the responsibility falls to the patient. The fee schedule for Medicare is stagnant if not declining. So, when someone says you should just raise your price to come in, it doesn’t necessarily work like that, when we agree to accept Medicare patients we are agreeing to a fee schedule and the rules that Medicare sets out, we can’t just “charge more.”

Let me paint you a little picture: a patient presents at the first of the year and gives us a new insurance card; it’s a Medicare Advantage Plan. We bring you back and treat you like you were before the patient selected this particular insurance. When the patient leaves, is when the work actually starts. I, the doctor, sits down at a computer, logs into a website and requests care from a third party conglomerate, which requires constant oversight as we have numerous patients we are watching how much care is allowed and when certain authorizations expire. We may get 10 visits over the first 2 months.  The patient will get a bill for their co-pay amount for each visit. A phone call comes in, it’s the patient saying, why do I owe this amount, it’s the plan you signed up for.

On a side note, this is actually one of the worst parts of the entire process, is that we (the office) have to explain benefits to people (not our job).  The agents that are signing people up for these plans don’t do a good job explaining what is and isn’t covered and what the expectation level will be on the patient end when they present the card to an office.

The first authorization is not normally an issue, it’s the second and third….the “incidents” are not taken into account individually. Let’s say you come in 4 months later, they may only authorize 4 visits over 8 weeks. The year is looked at as a whole, not on an incident by incident explanation.  They are trying to manage cost, for every visit they can “not allow” the more money they save and adds to the bottom line. The more times you try to get pre-authorization, the fewer visits that will be allowed if not flat out denied in some cases.

The plan that you sign up for has a trade off for the cheap premium, which is why most patients love them.  You are responsible for more out-of-pocket expenses, while the doctor and office has to do more background work and paperwork with 3^rd party companies that are going to dictate how much care you are “allowed.” I’m not saying that insurance is perfect, all of them have their quirks and intricacies but the Medicare Advantage plans are crazy in our office because most of the time we are doing paperwork and notes to collect somewhere between $6-15.

While it’s not necessarily in our game plan, don’t be surprised when clinics, hospitals and doctors stop accepting certain plans. We have seen certain hospitals having to hire additional staff just to “babysit” the pre-authorization process while not getting reimbursed more. So try running an office or a business, where you are required to perform more work, can’t raise your prices and your cost of operating a business continues to rise. The math doesn’t math in most offices. There is no perfect solution when it comes to healthcare but the current model doesn’t seem to be working for anyone other than the insurance companies.

I normally try to sit down at the end of the year and put together some thoughts about the previous year and reflect on the things that went well, went bad and what we can change in the office to make it more convenient and accessible to everyone that comes in the doors. I’m taking a few days off to gather some sanity and thoughts so I’m going to do some writing.

2024 was largely an unremarkable year; we saw lots of changes in regards to Medicare Advantage plans and some insurance in general. In all honesty, it was a pretty stagnate year which I think if you talk to most business owners, they would largely agree.  There is no real rhyme or reason why it was but it just was. (Think pre-authorization process for the doctor with lots more documentation requests all while taking longer for claims to get paid/processed)

We made a push and will continue to push to grow the DOT side of the business.  Hundreds of DOT physicals were performed this year and we would like to continue to see that number grow.  Drug and alcohol testing is growing as well.  Our consortium continues to add more and more members that trust us to keep everyone in line with FMCSA/DOT drug and alcohol standards.

From a chiropractic perspective, we saw LOTS of patients of all ages and demographics. Different conditions come into the offices regularly.  It’s not uncommon to hit just about every complaint in a day, from a headache, sciatica and elbow pain, sometimes all in one patient. We can handle lots of conditions but we do have our favorites and are comfortable with.

Patients seem to like the laid back atmosphere of our offices and quite honestly, I do too but we go into the new year I’m going to be making a push to see more follow up visits.  While that doesn’t mean that long, drawn out treatment plans are going to be coming in, we are going to try to make a more conscious effort to track patient progress a little closer.

I would also like to make the point, that we are a business that has bills to pay and people to pay, so while we field a lot of comments that I must just be raking it in because I’m a “doctor.” If it only worked like that, raising prices doesn’t work that well because you are beholden to insurance contracts and still need to be competitive in the market. It’s not my favorite topic to broach with patients, sometimes the hard conversation needs to be had about insurance coverage, cost per visit and how we as an office did not select the plan that you selected whether it be on the marketplace or through your employer.

2024 was not a bad year by any means but it was just interesting.  I’m hoping that 2025 continues the trajectory that we have set out on over the past few years and the ups and downs that come along with owning a business, but reflection and fixing certain situations most certainly project that 2025 should be a better year than 2024.

We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year after a few days off to gather some thoughts, rest and sanity.