Interview with Dr. Moore

We realize that not all Chiropractors work alike. The Chiropractic profession has developed nearly a hundred different methods used to analyze the spine for subluxations and adjust the subluxations. These methods are referred to as "techniques". Each Chiropractor usually has a favorite one that he or she employs for the majority of patients.

I, Dr. Moore, use ‘traditional’ and ‘light force’ techniques most often. However, since each patient is truly an individual, I use the techniques that will help each patient be free of subluxations. No matter what techniques are used, all Chiropractors have the same goal in common–the elimination or reduction of the subluxation.

Some might think that taking care of the same families week after week and month after month is boring. But give me a family who chooses to get adjusted on a regular basis and that excites me. Some might think that taking care for people, who haven’t had a symptom in so long that they forgot the ache or pain that first brought them into our office, is monotonous. I think that is ‘spine tingling.’ Being around responsible people who take care of themselves because they are not always dealing with health emergencies is very rewarding. These people become part of our family. I don’t see them as a dis-ease. I see them reaching optimum health. And when all of the factors line up and I can show them an inside-out way of taking care of their life expression, in those moments, I am proud to be Chiropractor!

If you have any questions about our practice, Dr. Moore, or the Staff, please ask. We want you to understand why we believe in and live the Chiropractic Lifestyle.

Doctor’s Questions:

Where did you go to school?

Dr. Moore: Augustana College; National College of Chiropractic

When did you first see a Chiropractor?

Dr. Moore: My mother has always gone to Chiropractors and when I was a baby I would crawl around the room when she would get adjusted. My medical physician as I grew up was a Chiropractor before he went to medical school. He actually gave me my first adjustments.

Why did you choose to become a Chiropractor?

Dr. Moore: I liked biology & anatomy and I wanted to help people by doing something in the health field where I could work for myself. The idea of death and dying did not appeal to me so I did not pursue medicine. Chiropractic seemed like the right fit and after more in- depth study I decided to go to Chiropractic college.

What does being a Chiropractor mean to me?

Dr. Moore: To me, being a Chiropractor gives me the ability to help people have a more happy, healthy, and fulfilling life experience. I get to assist people to be more of who they are and to express their full potential.

How many years have you been in practice?

Dr. Moore: I graduated Chiropractic college in 1983 came to South Elgin Chiropractic shortly after that and practiced with Dr. John Kellenberger for 2 years.

Do you have a specialty?

Dr. Moore: I have spent the last 25 years studying and utilizing cutting edge techniques of spinal adjusting specializing in subluxation detection and correction.

What technique do you use? Why?

Dr. Moore: I use several different techniques because I have found that patients have many varied types of conditions and presentations that would change what would work best for that individual at that point in time. The most frequently used techniques include upper cervical specific, drop table, low force instrument adjusting techniques, diversified manipulation, and the Gonstead method.

How do you keep informed and current on new information regarding Chiropractic and Medicine in general?

Dr. Moore: I spend several hours per week reading and listening to presenters of a variety of research articles as well as consulting with colleagues on difficult cases.

What seminars have you attended?

Dr. Moore: On an annual basis I will have attended courses on Chiropractic technique, philosophy, nutrition, and practice management.

Do you have good relationships with Drs in other fields of medicine?

I make referrals to area health professionals as needed, usually orthopedists, neurosurgeons, pain specialists, gynecologists, general practitioners, psychotherapists, and acupuncturists. The referrals are made based on the care that will best impact both the patient’s health and working relationship with a caring professional.

Do you personally adjust medical doctors, dentists, etc?

I am open to evaluate and adjust any health professional that presents. I have had the pleasure to work with nurses, physical therapists, athletic trainers, massage therapists, Chiropractors, naturopaths, and dental professionals.

Do you get adjusted? How often?

Dr. Moore: I receive regular adjustments on a minimum schedule of one time per week. I also receive regular massage therapy.

Who adjusts you?

Dr. Moore: Other colleagues.

Do you adjust your family?

Dr. Moore: I check my family at least once a week and they receive regular Chiropractic adjustments as necessary.

Does the office staff get adjusted?

Our staff each receives regular spinal check ups at a minimum schedule of once a week and are adjusted as needed.

What is the most frustrating aspect of your job?

Not being able to help a patient to heal. It is also frustrating to see people give up on care long before a healing can take place and many times it is based on whether their insurance policy covers or not. This is frustrating because they are letting a corporation who does not care about them dictate their health care choices and move them to a chemical, surgical type solution which can be detrimental to their health and longevity.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Dr. Moore: Seeing people under care become healthier and gain the belief in themselves that being healthy and living more is possible and attainable.

Does adjusting person after person ever become boring?

Dr. Moore: No, in fact it is interesting that on a very busy day when there are many patients scheduled one after the other, I actually have more energy at the end of the day. The only stress that I have when there are a lot of patients scheduled is when I run behind and others have to wait too long.

How has your diagnostic testing changed over the years?

We have added the surface EMG and thermal scanning equipment to evaluate the nervous system. This has been a tremendous improvement in the ability to measure how the nervous system is functioning. We have also utilized more MRI and testing by other health professionals. This helps to give the patient more information to make better decisions on care choices with the especially difficult cases.

Why did you choose the EMG and thermal scan testing?

Because it measures really what we are looking at, the nervous system. The testing has only been available in an office setting in the past 20 years and we have had it for the past 15.

What did you use before you had the computerized paraspinal surface EMG and thermal scanning to assess monitor spinal nerve function?

Posture analysis, and x-rays as well as the palpation and leg check techniques. We continue to use these techniques as part of our analysis.

Did you & the staff receive training to use the EMG equipment?

Yes, we completed a course on the use of the equipment and have had further study on the interpretation of the scans. Our staff is individually trained and tested on how to perform the scans.

Why do you have different tables in your office?

I use several different methods in the care of the variety of patients and conditions that present to me. I have a motorized table that can lay someone down if they have difficulty laying and moving positions on the flat table. This table also has a drop away stomach section that helps me in working with pregnant women. I have a table that has a drop mechanism that is used for some of our specific techniques, and I have a chair and flat bench for utilizing the Gonstead method that is used on some patients.

Office Questions:

Can I come in whenever I feel like it, & not stick to a regular schedule?

The best results are attained when you follow a prescribed series of visits in a pattern. The Doctor will set up the program of care designed to meet your specific needs. Once the initial program of care is completed, it is possible for patients to come in as they feel they need to. We have flexibility in our system to accommodate those that need extra visits.

Can I just drop in without a scheduled appointment?

The best approach is to call in advance for an appointment. In most circumstances, appointments can be made from weeks to minutes in advance of the visit. Drop-ins are always accepted as long as they understand that scheduled appointments have priority.

General Questions:

Can you adjust patients through sweaters and other heavy clothing?

Our patients are seen for their regular adjustment visits fully clothed. The optimal clothing for getting an adjustment would be loose fitting clothes that you can be moved and bent in. The heaviest of clothes would not be the best; however, basic sweaters and sweatshirts work fine. For women, dresses especially short ones make it difficult to move around in and can make them feel uncomfortable or unclothed. Tight fitting jeans can prevent us from getting you in the best position for the best adjustment. For the initial examinations as well as physiotherapy there may be a need to remove the clothes and appropriate cloth gowns and shorts are provided.

When a patient comes to see you should they tell you any information regarding their health in general (such as accidents, illnesses)?

A thorough history is taken at the initial examination and at the re-exams. It is always best to tell us everything and let the Doctor judge what is important or not. For regular visits we are most interested in whether you are better, the same, or worse, and of course if there were any new injuries or aggravations.

How can we, as patients, help you do your job better?

It is important that everyone understand that it is not the Doctor who is doing the healing. It is the patient. Therefore, it is important for the patient to do all of the home care that is prescribed, avoid aggravation of their condition until a healing has taken place, and make sure that they are here for all of their care by avoiding missed appointments. Exercising regularly, eating healthier, and getting plenty of rest also aids in achieving optimum health.

Dr. Moore believes in the Chiropractic Lifestyle. We, Dr. Moore and the Staff, not only practice it ourselves, we want to encourage each of you to make the choice of living a healthier life. To our Chiropractic family, we thank you for maintaining the Lifestyle