Preparing for Your First Appointment

We ask that you wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. Please wear minimal to no jewelry. Be sure that your clothing has no metal zippers, buckles or metal buttons and that it doesn’t require a belt.

If applicable, do not wear a bra with underwire or metal fastenings as well as any metal hair clips. Pants with an elastic waistband is preferred. No worries, however. If this isn’t possible, we’ll have you change into a gown if it’s necessary.

Your First Visit

Appointment Duration: 45 to 60 minutes

As you enter the office, you’ll be warmly greeted by one of our team members. They’ll invite you to have a seat so that you can complete any necessary new patient paperwork. Before seeing the doctor, you will take a quick tour of the office. This will help familiarize you with the upcoming examination and assessment.

Patients are switched into bowling shoes during each visit. The shoes provide an accurate and consistent assessment for both the leg length testing and orthospinology hip caliper check.

Dr. Ryan will then conduct an in-depth assessment, including:

  • A detailed consultation
  • Leg length testing
  • Orthospinology hip caliper measurements
  • Postural and range-of-motion analysis
  • Orthopedic and neurological testing
  • Cranial nerve evaluation (if applicable)
  • 3-D x-ray imaging and analysis
Reviewing patient x-rays at Ball Ground Upper Cervical

Initial Intensive Care Plan

Plan Duration: 90 Days; ranging from 6-12 Visits

All patients must go through an initial intensive care plan. It’s important to understand that your initial care plan will include 90 days of precise care on an intermittent basis. Although we commonly see instantaneous relief after the second visit, time is required for the spine and connective tissues to strengthen and stabilize leading to a full recovery.

Patient being evaluated by Doctor Ryan

Dr. Ryan will give you the individualized course of treatment he feels will best fit your needs. Your treatment plan will be based on:

  • Your detailed medical history
  • The state and condition of your spine
  • The size and complexity of your misalignment
  • Physical activity level, age, and gender
  • Your response to the initial correction procedure

During this 90-day period, your spine will continue to strengthen and stabilize further. You can expect to experience many positive health changes as we bring you and your body back to optimal balance and function.

We also understand that we are not able to provide resolution to every condition that walks through our doors. You may have a condition that is not directly related to what we treat in our office. However, if this is the case and we are not able to solve your problem, we will do our best to find someone who can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive at Georgia Upper Cervical Chiropractic:

No; our office is strictly a cash practice. However, we will provide you with a health insurance claim form that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Our relationship is with you, not your insurance company.

No. This belief is a myth. Our goal is to provide you with excellent spinal correction with the least number of visits.

Everyone is different. Factors such as age, previous injury, work activities and general health all make a difference in how long you can “hold” your spinal correction. Many patients find that they can maintain their correction for six months to a year. We recommend a quarterly checkup to keep things in tune. Why? Because your body is a dynamic structure. However, that choice is entirely your decision.

The best surgeon isn’t the one who makes the most incisions. The same is true of chiropractors. We want you to get well quickly and efficiently, and help you stay that way with a minimum of visits.

No. We use a state-of-the-art technique called chiropractic orthospinology. This approach requires no twisting of the neck, no popping and no cracking. Your neck will never be placed in an uncomfortable position.

Our techniques allow you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your time with the doctor.

Chiropractic care is exceeding safe. Most chiropractic offices successfully treat everyone from babies to those in their golden years. Our treatments require no manipulation and rotation of the neck, so any type of adverse effect is next to impossible.

If you’d like to read some additional information about the safety of the chiropractic adjustment, we encourage you on our chiropractic care page.