■ What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.

■ What's the difference between a chiropractic doctor and
a medical doctor?

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.

Chiropractors have a minimum of six years of training to become a Doctor of Chiropractic; at least two of those years are in pre-chiropractic studies at a college or university. The Doctor of Chiropractic studies the same basic sciences as physicians, and must pass the same State Board of Examiners' basic sciences examination that other doctors, including MDs, are required to pass.

The chiropractor attends a college of chiropractic for four years, including two years as an intern at an outpatient clinic where he or she gets practical experience in a clinical and academic setting. Just as is the case for medical doctors (MD), doctors of chiropractic (DC) must pass the State Board Exam in the state in which they wish to practice.

Dr. White received his bachelor of sciences at the University of California, San Diego and was the 2005 summa cum laude graduate from Southern California University of Health Sciences where he received his degree as a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine.

■ Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgical procedures?

Chiropractors don't prescribe drugs, and do not perform surgeries. The doctor focuses on drug-free, non-invasive procedures for restoring proper function as a way of pain relief and bring optimal health.

■ Will my insurance cover chiropractic care?

Most chiropractic care is covered by your insurance company, who recognize the value of chiropractic care. The Journal for Managed Care stated that chiropractic care was more cost effective than conventional medical therapies in treating low back pain. No matter who is at fault in an auto accident, the responsible insurance company almost certainly will cover 100% of the cost of chiropractic care. We will defer payment for your treatment until after the insurance company settles your case. If you're not sure whether your insurance company will cover treatment by our office, we will be happy to call them for you. Call our office to make an appointment for your free consultation.

■ What if I don't have insurance or if my insurance company offers little, or no chiropractic coverage?

Our office provides very affordable cash discounts and no-interest payment plans that are low cost and affordable.

■ How long does the initial visit take?

The initial visit will take one hour, which includes a patient history, exam and treatment. The initial visit maybe a little more if x-rays or any other diagnostic procedures are necessary.

■ What is an adjustment?

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.

■ Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

■ What causes the "cracking" or "popping" sound made during a chiropractic adjustment?

It's not your spine making that noise. It's just like the sound made when you "crack" your knuckles. The sound is caused by nitrogen gas rushing in between joints in your spine when they are partially separated during adjustment.

■ Should I continue chiropractic care if I don't have any symptoms and I feel better?

This is like asking, “should I continue to strive to maintain good health my whole life?” The answer is obvious. Your spine is constantly being subjected to subversive impulsive forces — forces delivered in falls, bumps, repetitive motions or postures, and even while sleeping. Even though your last ailment may have disappeared after treatment, there may be symptoms unrecognized by you that are even now doing long-term damage to your body. Just as it is important for you to visit the dentist periodically, even if you don't feel dental pain, so is it important for you to visit the chiropractor periodically. Your insurance company will probably cover up to six, and perhaps more, visits per year. They allow this many visits because they know that they will save money in the long run by having their insureds remain healthier through chiropractic care.

If you wish to make an appointment for
a free consultation, please call us at 619-224-5371.

Getting to Know You

When you enter our office, our receptionist will welcome you. We’ll request that you complete our New Patient forms. This information provides us with your health history and information on your condition.

Consultation

Next, you will have a consultation with Dr. Brian White to discuss your health-related problems, concerns, and treatment options. This first visit is designed for Dr. White to meet you, gather information on your condition and determine how chiropractic care can meet your health and wellness goals.

Examination

After your initial consultation, Dr. White will perform a complete chiropractic examination, measuring your reflexes and flexibility. Standard neurological, postural, orthopedic, and physical tests will also be administered. Everything we do in our office is with your informed consent.

X-Ray Studies

Depending on the nature of your condition, we may take X-rays studies. This helps us precisely understand your condition, develop the most effective treatment plan for you, and alert us to any serious spinal conditions. In some cases, we can even identify spinal misalignments and degeneration themselves.

Study Results

Once the information is collected and examinations are performed, Dr. White will give you a detailed report of all findings and answer any questions including treatment plans and costs.

After reviewing your health history, goals, and examining your spine and X-rays, Dr. White will discuss recommendations and notify you if your condition requires care with other providers. Dr. White will provide a customized treatment and wellness program for your needs.

Treatment

At the conclusion of this initial appointment, you can choose to receive your first treatment. This may include spinal adjustments, physical therapy, and/or soft tissue massage. Treatment is interactive, so you can express concerns about the different styles of treatment anytime.

Wellness Program

Before you leave, Dr. White will suggest a wellness program to incorporate outside of office treatment. If you’re in pain when you first visit us, this can include: ice or heat application instructions, specific activities and body positions to avoid, and at-home exercises and/or stretches. If you desire, our wellness team will work with you also to create healthy habits and routines for your lifestyle. You are a unique individual, and your wellness plan will be unique as well. The purpose of our wellness program is for you to achieve good spinal alignment, have a healthy diet, exercise, and maintain a positive mental state.

From Our
Patients

Comments from
Dr. White's Patients

"I have seen Dr. White for the past five years for a multitude of sports injuries from cycling, running and skiing. I highly recommend him to anyone who lives an active lifestyle." - John C.

"I always have a positive experience with Dr. White. I love my chiropractor and refer all my friends to him. He always deserves the "Readers Choice, Best Chiropractor Award." - Penny F.

"Dr. White has made my life livable again! I was always in pain but now after regular treatments and a treatment plan that encompasses more than just a typical office visit, my pain has essentially gone away. I know he is always there when I need him." - Mary H.

"Dr. White is an excellent chiropractor and I would highly recommend him (and often do). I refer many of my own patients to him because he is not only extremely knowledgeable and extremely effective, he is also very caring and skilled in knowing what each person as an individual needs. He is a doctor of great skill and integrity and I honestly don't know what I'd do without him." - Heidi W.

"Dr. White always is helpful, whether due to a separated shoulder or lower back problems. He has been a great help to myself in my overall health." - Jean F.

"Awesome! I was so nervous my first visit, but Dr. White eased my anxiety and I was surprised and pleased when I left with no pain in my shoulder." - Courtney F.

"I can always count on Dr. White to get me back to my optimum level of performance after injuries while training." - Sean A.

"I couldn't live without treatment here with Dr. White. My prescription meds don't work as well as Dr. White. My body needs the adjustment he gives and nothing works as well." - Cindy K.

"I've been to Dr. White just 2 times now, but my neck and upper back feel SO much better already! As a nurse, the work I do is pretty demanding on my body and Dr. White is able to keep me pain and injury free with just once a month visits. Dr. White is kind, friendly, and provides the reassurance and relaxation I need right before he "adjusts" my neck. Not many people are able to do that! Thanks for keeping me pain free Dr. White, it feels awesome!" - Kristyn S.

"I play volleyball around 9-12 hours a week. Sadly, my body clock says that I'm 50+ years old, despite my mental maturity level. Since 1990, I've tried to maintain my body through non-traditional preventive methods such as chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage. A week ago I suffered a toe injury a week prior to the San Diego Senior Games volleyball competition. My team only had six guys, so being injured was not an option unless you want to explain to the other five guys on your team why they can't compete. Dr. White got me back in business, yay! My team scored a silver medal, despite having to play 10 matches in a day (I think the tournament director was trying to kill us).
Dr. White used a variety of therapeutic methods. He employed traditional chiropractic adjustments, electro-stim, kinesio-tape, and prescribed exercises/devices. Dr. White is preventive; that is, he left me with a set of exercises that I could do at home to prevent further injury, rather than the standard chiropractic mantra that you need to see your chiropractor twice a week for the remainder of your natural life. My wife and I highly recommend Dr. White; he keeps us out on the court!" - Ed C.

"I went to Dr. White for a general assessment / realignment - my first-ever chiropractic experience. Dr. White is incredibly knowledgeable and took his time explaining what he was doing and why. This, along with his calm, friendly demeanor, helped quell the nervous jitters I had walking in. Not that he's a healer or anything, but I feel great about the experience and am excited to work towards a healthier back and body. Highly recommended." - K.R.

"Both my husband and I go to Dr. White and we are so happy we do! He is very nice, friendly and does an excellent jobs of getting our kinks out. Any time I've had extra concerns, he takes time to listen to my problem and then go over what he feels the issue is and how to move forward. He never rushes through a session. The office is very nice and there is plenty of parking (free). We've never had a problem getting in to see him, even if we call last minute. We won't see anyone else. We highly recommend Midway Chiropractic!" - Barb B.

"Dr. Brian White is great! When I had a herniated disc, I first talked with him about my symptoms. He was careful in not adjusting me in the problem areas and told me to talk to my doctor. He helped me recover from the sciatica pains in less than four months. I highly recommend him!" - Manish R.

"When I got tendinitis Dr. White said he could help my knees. I was unsure, but my knees felt so much better after just one visit! Dr. White does not crack backs. He spends quality time with each patient. His techniques are modern, not painful, and effective." - Tevia O.

"I highly recommend Brian White. He is very thorough & definitely takes the time to properly assess and treat your condition. He was very flexible with scheduling my appointments. I never felt rushed while being treated unlike at another chiropractor in the Vons shopping center. I will definitely go back to Dr White for all my chiropractic needs." - John L.

"Dr. White treated me for a knee injury in February 2010. I fell during running, kept running and ignored my injury until my knee inflated like a balloon (That part happened overnight. Stupid, I know). I never would have thought to see a chiropractor for a knee injury but coworkers suggested Dr. White. He nudged my MCL back into place, broke up the scar tissue and worked through exercises with me repeatedly, ensuring I could continue the proper techniques myself at home. I was running again within a month; a year later and I haven't had any knee issues Of course I fell and hit my hip at the end of February 2011, and I'm about to visit Dr. White again. I confess, I visited another chiropractor last week. This clinic was more convenient to my office and has tons of online accolades and autographed photos of Olympians. But it felt very rushed and I felt there wasn't much interest in my case since I am not an Olympian, Team in Training member or even a very impressive weekend warrior." - Beti A.