Whether you’ve been suffering from a chronic condition or your pain, injury, or problem just recently began, a chiropractic physician is the ideal first healthcare practitioner to consult. Unless you have an HMO insurance plan, there is no need for a referral to see a doctor of chiropractic, and our doctors can make an accurate diagnosis and provide you with a wide range of comprehensive treatment that will solve the underlying cause of your health problem. Our chiropractors are uniquely trained to offer a “one-stop-shop” boutique healthcare experience, by performing all of the following:
Our chiropractic physicians are highly skilled in the art and science of diagnosis of all human ailments and can determine the underlying cause or causes of your problem which may be primarily muscular, joint-related or skeletal, neurologic, or systemic in nature. The doctor will take a detailed history and perform a physical, neurologic, and orthopedic examination tailored to your specific symptoms. Depending on the specifics of your condition, the doctor may order additional diagnostic testing including bloodwork, X-Rays and/or MRI studies, or other specialized testing. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your chiropractic physician will discuss with you your various treatment options, which may include some combination of the many natural treatments that we offer such as:
Or if you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider. If your condition would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider, a prompt referral would be made. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
Progressive is defined as an inclination to advance forward, improve, and evolve – to innovate.
We are not the average chiropractic practice.
Since 1996, we have practiced progressively, always striving to be a cut above the rest. We have listened to each and every one of our patients and learned what they need most to get the best results. Through this experience, we have identified 6 core principles which define our unique approach to patient care and why patients choose us:
Patient-focused Care:
Patients need and deserve customized care.
A one-size-fits-all model of care is outdated, inappropriate and ineffective. Whether you are suffering from back pain, an acute sports injury, or a chronic disease, we will create an individualized treatment plan which is customized to suit your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals in order to solve your specific health problem.
Comprehensive Care:
Patients should be able to choose from a wide variety of treatment options.
We go way beyond the scope of most other chiropractors in Chicago. More than just another Chicago back pain clinic, our practice offers a unique blend of spine & sports medicine for optimal performance and pain relief, as well as a variety of natural therapies to promote optimal health and wellness. We offer truly comprehensive natural health care so that we are better able to treat patients with a wide range of even the most painful, stubborn, chronic, and complicated health problems. Because of our success with these patients, we receive numerous referrals from other Chicago chiropractors, medical doctors, and other health care professionals.
As chiropractors, of course we see excellent results in the treatment of patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches. But because of our additional training in physical therapy techniques and sports medicine, we also treat patients with a wide variety of sports injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions including pain and injuries involving the ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. And because we also offer homeopathy & natural medicine as well as acupuncture, we are also able to provide effective treatment to patients suffering from many other conditions including: disc problems & sciatica, chronic pain, allergies & asthma, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, GI complaints, skin conditions, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, infertility, pediatric & women’s health issues, and much more.
We will discuss which therapy or combination of therapies is right for you, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options. Learn more about our treatments.
Treating the Cause:
Effective treatment should be holistic and solve the underlying cause of the problem.
In order to achieve true long-lasting cure, we must identify and solve the root causes of your problem, and not merely suppress your symptoms. Illness does not occur without cause. Symptoms are expressions of your body's attempt to heal, but are not the cause of disease. Health problems tend to be caused by a combination of factors including: physical injury, ergonomics, biomechanical & structural problems, muscle imbalance & instability, dietary choices & nutritional status, genetic predisposition, mental & emotional stress, and a wide variety of other environmental & lifestyle factors. As physicians, we must first investigate the fundamental causes of disease, and then direct treatment at these root causes rather than at the symptoms. So we treat you as a whole person - not merely your symptoms or disease. This is a holistic concept that recognizes your body as an integrated whole.
Practical Self-treatment Advice:
Patients should be taught techniques to become self-reliant and prevent future problems.
We believe that if we educate you about your condition and teach you effective self-treatment techniques, you will recover faster and prevent future relapse or re-injury. We strive to encourage and motivate you to assume responsibility for your own health. This is why we have created and continue to update our Patient Resources pages and our Self-Treatment Advice page, which provides useful advice regarding prevention, self-treatment, home exercises, nutritional recommendations, and health-promoting recipes. Once armed with this knowledge, we hope that you will be empowered to take control of your health, and not become over-dependent on the doctor. While some of our patients with chronic, recurring conditions choose to receive ongoing care, most of our patients recover within several weeks or months, with no need for further treatment.
First Do No Harm:
The most gentle, safe, and least-invasive treatment option should always be considered first.
Once we arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we will explain all of your various treatment options. These may include natural options (chiropractic, homeopathy & natural medicine, physical therapy services, acupuncture, massage, cold laser & low level light therapy, etc.) as well as conventional medical approaches such as drugs or surgery. At our Chicago wellness center, we utilize methods and natural medicinal substances which address the root cause of your problem and minimize the risk of harmful side effects. We believe that if a safer alternative without side effects is a viable option, then it should be considered first. If, on the other hand, your condition is beyond the scope of our practice, or if you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider.
Before We Speak, We Listen:
We take the time to provide compassionate, empathetic, respectful, and non-judgmental care.
We have created a comprehensive natural health care practice that we would want to visit ourselves. We treat our patients the way we would want to be treated if we were the patient. We take the extra time needed to truly listen to our patients, so you will have all the time you need to explain your problem in detail, and have all of your questions answered and concerns or fears addressed. You will never be rushed. This helps us to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis, and formulate an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs and solve your unique health problem.
Other reasons why patients choose us:
We Work Closely With Other Doctors and Specialists So You Receive Complete Care.
If your condition is beyond the scope of our practice, or if you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider. We are used to working closely with medical doctors including a wide variety of specialists, and have a well-established professional referral network, throughout the city of Chicago and beyond.
We Provide Great Customer Service.
You will receive friendly, professional, efficient, and personalized service. When you call during business hours, you will be greeted by a real person (Julie, our Chiropractic Assistant) who is ready to help you with all of your scheduling and billing questions. Our office phone is a cell phone, so you can communicate with Julie by voice or text.
We Do Not Use Any High-pressure “Sales” Tactics
We believe in educating you about your condition and your treatment options, so that you can make an informed decision about the type and frequency of care that you receive. We do not believe in pressuring our patients to receive excessive treatment or selling pre-paid plans of care that may not be necessary. All of our treatment plans are individualized to meet your specific needs. We only recommend tests and procedures that we believe are medically necessary, evidence-based, and in your best interest.
You Won’t Need To Keep Coming To Us “Forever”
Several factors are considered when formulating your treatment plan, including: the nature and severity of condition, when your initial symptoms first began, your diet & lifestyle, and your level of stress. Every case is different, but most patients begin to respond favorably within the initial week or two of care. We make every attempt to solve your health problem once and for all. And because we emphasize patient education, you will become as self-reliant as possible. Some of our patients with chronic, recurring conditions choose to receive ongoing care, and some will choose to receive periodic “tune-ups” and follow-up visits, most of our patients recover within several weeks or months, with no need for further treatment.
We Accept and Bill Your Insurance For You.
We are in network with many PPO and HMO plans. Even if we are out of network with your particular plan, we can still bill your insurance company on your behalf, and await payment from them. Our Chiropractic Assistant, Julie, will verify your benefits before your first visit, so that you will know in advance exactly what your share of each visit will cost. If you have a high deductible plan or do not have insurance that covers our services, she will be happy to discuss how we can make our care affordable for you.
You Will Not Be Kept Waiting To See the Doctor.
We respect our patients’ schedules and do not double-book appointments. As strange as it sounds for a doctor’s office, we almost always run exactly on time. Of course emergencies do arise, but it is highly unusual for you to ever wait for more than 5-10 minutes.
You Will Not Be Subjected To Any Unnecessary X-Rays, Tests, or Procedures.
All of our treatment plans are individualized to meet your specific needs. We only recommend tests and procedures that are necessary and evidence-based. We do not routinely order X-rays on every patient. We will order any additional diagnostic studies (lab tests, X-rays, MRI, CT scan, etc.) from the best facilities in Chicago, when appropriate.
Your Phone Calls and Emails Will Be Responded To Promptly.
Most phone calls and emails to the doctors and our staff are returned within a few hours, and always within 24 hours. We encourage you to ask the doctor anytime you have a question or concern.
We Offer A Free Initial Consultation.
This no-obligation free consultation gives you the opportunity to meet with the doctor before deciding to schedule your first visit. During this twenty-minute consultation, all of your questions will be answered. The doctor will also discuss your options for further diagnosis and treatment, which may include treatment at our office and/or referral to another healthcare provider. The consultation may be scheduled in the office or over the telephone, and does not include examination or treatment. These would only be performed if you decide to schedule your first visit.
We Offer Gentle “Low Force” Adjustments.
Although most patients receive traditional manual (“hands-on”) adjustments (spinal manipulation), we also offer “low force” adjustments, preformed with a highly advanced instrument. Some patients are familiar with these instrument adjustment techniques, which are often referred to as “activator”, “pro-adjustor”, or “impulse adjusting”. These low-force adjustments are extremely gentle and precise. Experience has shown us that instrument adjusting can be especially effective when used in combination with manual adjusting. In other instances, instrument adjusting may be used as an alternative to manual adjusting. As with all of our treatment options, the doctor will be happy to discuss with you which adjusting techniques would be best for your particular condition.
We Offer Evening Hours, as late as 7PM Monday-Thursday.
We Have Free Valet Parking In the Parking Lot Adjacent To Our Building.
At Progressive Chiropractic Wellness Center, we are firmly committed to practicing progressively in a manner consistent with the principles discussed above. Through continuing education & research and by implementing evidence-based practices and cutting-edge techniques, we constantly strive to improve our patients’ outcomes and ultimately provide you with the fastest relief and longest-lasting results.
We welcome you to discover all that we have to offer to help you eliminate your pain, improve your physical performance, and restore your optimal physical, mental, and emotional health – in short, to bring about total wellness.
We look forward to partnering with you to help you reach all of your health & wellness goals.
Whether used in conjunction with conventional medicine, or as a natural alternative, homeopathy is often the treatment of choice to recover one’s health most safely, efficiently, completely, and permanently. Dr. Ezgur has seen excellent results, and often cure, in the homeopathic treatment of patients with a wide variety of health problems including but not limited to: chronic pain, infections, allergies and asthma, skin conditions, arthritis, headaches, disc herniations, sciatica, back pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, infertility & women’s health issues, anxiety, depression, and a wide range of gastointenstinal (GI) problems. It is becoming increasingly popular as more people are discovering homeopathy’s far-reaching effects, and looking for true alternatives to conventional medicine. Homeopathic remedies are natural, completely non-toxic, free of harmful side effects, and safe even for infants and pregnant women. Homeopathic medicine works by triggering a reaction of the body to heal itself. It optimizes the body’s ability to heal, so that a complete cure is often achieved (even in the most serious acute and chronic diseases) and further treatment becomes no longer necessary. Because of its great success, homeopathy is gaining increased popularity in Chicago and other major cities throughout the world.
Benefits of Homeopathy:
What homeopathy is, and how it works is a rather detailed topic. For more information, we recommend reading the entire document: “Homeopathy: What It Is and How It Works”
Chicago Homeopathy Study Group with Dr. Richard Ezgur From 2009 – 2010, Dr. Ezgur offered this class to the public, at our office in Chicago, so that they would have a deeper understanding of what homeopathy is, how it works, and how it can be used to treat a variety of conditions.
What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is safe and effective treatment for many types of neuromusculoskeletal (relating to the nerves, muscles, and joints) and other conditions. It is based on the scientific fact that your body is under the control of your brain and nervous system. When spinal or extremity joints become restricted, or misaligned your nerves become irritated, causing pain and other health problems. Chiropractic involves the science of detecting these abnormal joint restrictions (or subluxations), and restoring proper joint motion & neurologic functioning through manipulation or the adjustment. The cornerstone of chiropractic health treatment is spinal and extremity joint manipulation, often called the “adjustment”. In our practices, we assess & treat many other contributing factors of your problem including the muscles and other soft tissues, as well as your lifestyle, diet/nutrition, exercise, ergonomics, and posture. Since chiropractic physicians also receive extensive diagnostic training, we can help you to decide if you would be likely to benefit from chiropractic care, or if you should consult a medical doctor or another health care provider.
What Are Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, & Subluxations?
A joint is the functional moving unit made up of two or more neighboring bones. There are two types of joints in your body: spinal joints (made up of 2 neighboring vertebrae) and extremity joints (wrist, ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, jaw, etc). Just like your knee joint is made up of its neighboring bones (the tibia and fibula moving with the femur), spinal joints are also made up of neighboring bones (your vertebrae moving in relation to each other). The spinal bones are grouped into three regions: neck, or “cervical”, middle back or “thoracic, and low back or “lumbar”. The spinal regions are abbreviated “C” for cervical, “T” for thoracic, and “L” for lumbar. They are then numbered from top to bottom: C1-C7, T1-T12, and L1-L5. So, the L4-L5 spinal joint is made up of the 4th lumbar vertebra moving relative to the 5th lumbar vertebra. The extremity or spinal joint “complex” includes not only the two or more neighboring bones, but also the other structures nearby that affect that joint’s function. These structures include the nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, other soft tissues like fascia, and also the intervertebral discs in the case of spinal joints.
When a joint anywhere in the body (spinal or extremity) becomes misaligned (out of its normal position) or restricted (“tight” “locked up”, or loses its normal motion) then the entire joint complex and all of its related structures become affected. Sometimes referred to as subluxations, these joint misalignments and restrictions have both biomechanical and neurologic effects, which are often the underlying cause of a wide range of health problems.
Biomechanical Effects of Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, Subluxations:
When spinal or extremity joints become restricted or misaligned, tension and inflammation are created in the body. This can lead to biomechanical problems including pain, tension, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Furthermore, when one joint is restricted or “hypomobile”, the neighboring joints above and below it tend to move excessively to compensate and become “hypermobile” and unstable. This excessive motion and instability can cause more pain and excessive wear & tear on those hypermobile joints. Over time, the excessive wear & tear can lead to accelerated degeneration of the joint and ultimately osteoarthritis.
Neurologic Effects of Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, Subluxations:
Because nerves are a crucial part of the joint complex, the tension, inflammation and biomechanical problems described above may also create nerve irritation and/or nerve compression (pressure on the nerve, as in a “pinched nerve”). Nerve compression tends to cause numbness, weakness, tingling, and “pins & needles” sensations. Nerve irritation can also cause these symptoms, but most commonly causes pain. Nerve irritation and compression caused by joint misalignments and restrictions trigger altered signals including pain signals to bombard the central nervous system or “CNS”. The CNS (made up of brain, spinal cord, and spinal nerves) is a highly sensitive “stimulus-response” system, and tends to react rather dramatically to this nerve irritation or compression stimulus in a wide variety of ways:
What Causes Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, & Subluxations?
Many factors of modern living can cause your joints and muscles to become tense, restricted, and misaligned. Some common causes include any type of old or recent injury including: sports injuries, car accidents, whiplash syndrome, ankle sprains, and falls. Other causes include: stress, poor posture, repetitive motions, prolonged sitting & standing without breaks, poor sleep habits, improper lifting, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and poor form during exercise and at the gym.
What Is An Adjustment?
Although we provide many other services, the cornerstone of chiropractic health treatment is spinal and extremity joint manipulation, often called the adjustment. This may involve either gentle pressure, or a quick, precise thrust to restore normal motion and alignment to joints that have become misaligned, stiff, restricted, or “locked up”.
The adjustment is an effective treatment for joint misalignments & restrictions, which are often the underlying cause of a wide range of health problems, as described above. Joint manipulation or “adjustment” is a highly technical orthopedic procedure that may be performed by your chiropractic physician on all joints of the body including:
While manipulation may be performed by other physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic have the most extensive experience and education in specific joint manipulation, performing 94% of the spinal manipulations in the United States. Numerous scientific studies have proven the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and high levels of patient satisfaction of spinal manipulation. As a result, it is one of only two treatment protocols given the highest recommendation for the treatment of low back pain by the Agency for Health Care and Policy Research (AHCPR), an arm of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Although most patients receive traditional manual (“hands-on”) adjustments, we also offer “low force” adjustments, performed with a highly advanced instrument. Some patients are familiar with these instrument adjustment techniques, which are often referred to as “activator”, “pro-adjustor”, or “impulse adjusting”. These low-force adjustments are extremely gentle and precise, and are not associated with any “cracking” or “popping” sounds. Experience has shown us that instrument adjusting can be especially effective when used in combination with manual adjusting. In other instances, instrument adjusting may be used as an alternative to manual adjusting. As with all of our treatment options, the doctor will be happy to discuss with you which adjusting techniques would be best for your particular condition.
A joint is the functional moving unit made up of two or more neighboring bones. There are two types of joints in your body: spinal joints (made up of 2 neighboring vertebrae) and extremity joints (wrist, ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder, jaw, etc). Just like your knee joint is made up of its neighboring bones (the tibia and fibula moving with the femur), spinal joints are also made up of neighboring bones (your vertebrae moving in relation to each other). The spinal bones are grouped into three regions: neck, or “cervical”, middle back or “thoracic, and low back or “lumbar”. The spinal regions are abbreviated “C” for cervical, “T” for thoracic, and “L” for lumbar. They are then numbered from top to bottom: C1-C7, T1-T12, and L1-L5. So, the L4-L5 spinal joint is made up of the 4th lumbar vertebra moving relative to the 5th lumbar vertebra. The extremity or spinal joint “complex” includes not only the two or more neighboring bones, but also the other structures nearby that affect that joint’s function. These structures include the nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, other soft tissues like fascia, and also the intervertebral discs in the case of spinal joints.
When a joint anywhere in the body (spinal or extremity) becomes misaligned (out of its normal position) or restricted (“tight” “locked up”, or loses its normal motion) then the entire joint complex and all of its related structures become affected. Sometimes referred to as subluxations, these joint misalignments and restrictions have both biomechanical and neurologic effects, which are often the underlying cause of a wide range of health problems.
Biomechanical Effects of Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, Subluxations:
When spinal or extremity joints become restricted or misaligned, tension and inflammation are created in the body. This can lead to biomechanical problems including pain, tension, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Furthermore, when one joint is restricted or “hypomobile”, the neighboring joints above and below it tend to move excessively to compensate and become “hypermobile” and unstable. This excessive motion and instability can cause more pain and excessive wear & tear on those hypermobile joints. Over time, the excessive wear & tear can lead to accelerated degeneration of the joint and ultimately osteoarthritis.
Neurologic Effects of Joint Misalignments, Restrictions, Subluxations:
Because nerves are a crucial part of the joint complex, the tension, inflammation and biomechanical problems described above may also create nerve irritation and/or nerve compression (pressure on the nerve, as in a “pinched nerve”). Nerve compression tends to cause numbness, weakness, tingling, and “pins & needles” sensations. Nerve irritation can also cause these symptoms, but most commonly causes pain. Nerve irritation and compression caused by joint misalignments and restrictions trigger altered signals including pain signals to bombard the central nervous system or “CNS”. The CNS (made up of brain, spinal cord, and spinal nerves) is a highly sensitive “stimulus-response” system, and tends to react rather dramatically to this nerve irritation or compression stimulus in a wide variety of ways:
Many factors of modern living can cause your joints and muscles to become tense, restricted, and misaligned. Some common causes include any type of old or recent injury including: sports injuries, car accidents, whiplash syndrome, ankle sprains, and falls. Other causes include: stress, poor posture, repetitive motions, prolonged sitting & standing without breaks, poor sleep habits, improper lifting, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and poor form during exercise and at the gym.
Although we provide many other services, the cornerstone of chiropractic health treatment is spinal and extremity joint manipulation, often called the adjustment. This may involve either gentle pressure, or a quick, precise thrust to restore normal motion and alignment to joints that have become misaligned, stiff, restricted, or “locked up”.
The adjustment is an effective treatment for joint misalignments & restrictions, which are often the underlying cause of a wide range of health problems, as described above. Joint manipulation or “adjustment” is a highly technical orthopedic procedure that may be performed by your chiropractic physician on all joints of the body including:
While manipulation may be performed by other physicians, Doctors of Chiropractic have the most extensive experience and education in specific joint manipulation, performing 94% of the spinal manipulations in the United States. Numerous scientific studies have proven the efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and high levels of patient satisfaction of spinal manipulation. As a result, it is one of only two treatment protocols given the highest recommendation for the treatment of low back pain by the Agency for Health Care and Policy Research (AHCPR), an arm of the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Although most patients receive traditional manual (“hands-on”) adjustments, we also offer “low force” adjustments, performed with a highly advanced instrument. Some patients are familiar with these instrument adjustment techniques, which are often referred to as “activator”, “pro-adjustor”, or “impulse adjusting”. These low-force adjustments are extremely gentle and precise, and are not associated with any “cracking” or “popping” sounds. Experience has shown us that instrument adjusting can be especially effective when used in combination with manual adjusting. In other instances, instrument adjusting may be used as an alternative to manual adjusting. As with all of our treatment options, the doctor will be happy to discuss with you which adjusting techniques would be best for your particular condition.
Many people turn to chiropractic care for safe, effective treatment of “pinched nerves.” While a pinched nerve usually responds very well to chiropractic care, it is actually a relatively rare condition. In true cases of pinched nerve, you will feel tingling, numbness, and possibly even weakness due to pressure and inflammation on a nerve from bulging discs or bone spurs along the spine. Pressure on these pinched nerves can cause your symptoms to travel away from the spine, along the course of the nerve. The nerves of the neck travel down the shoulder and extend into the arm, hand, and fingers. This is why so many neck problems cause symptoms to radiate into the arm and hand. The nerves of the low back join to form the sciatic nerve, which travels down the leg into the foot. This is why a pinched nerve of the low back with symptoms radiating down the leg is often called “sciatica.” More common than nerves being “pinched” by bone spurs or discs, nerves can very often become irritated by restricted and misaligned joints and/or trigger points. These nerve irritations can cause pain, and even numbness and tingling as well.
A thorough examination including orthopedic and neurologic testing and X-ray or MRI studies, if necessary, will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Manipulation or adjustment of the spinal and extremity joints is very effective in restoring normal function to the joints, as well as to the surrounding muscles and nerves. This usually leads to a decrease in pain and faster recovery. In order to get faster pain relief and longer-lasting results, part of your treatment may also include some combination of the following: physical therapy services, homeopathy, cold laser therapy, acupuncture, and massage, myofascial, & manual therapies. Also, the doctor may arrange for on-site evaluation of your workout routine and/or workplace to correct improper ergonomic conditions, which may be aggravating your condition.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of pinched nerve described above, we recommend that you contact us to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible. If you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider. If your condition would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider, a prompt referral would be made. However, surgery is rarely needed and should only be considered if conservative therapy fails.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a muscle-related pain or condition, a chiropractic physician is an ideal first healthcare practitioner to consult. While massage therapy alone can be beneficial, faster relief and longer-lasting results are typically achieved by utilizing a more comprehensive treatment approach which may include some combination of the following: chiropractic adjustments, ART (active release therapy), Graston Technique, physical therapy techniques, acupuncture, cold laser therapy, and homeopathy & natural medicine. There are many types of muscular and myofascial conditions, as well as other serious diseases and nutritional disorders that can mimic muscle-related problems. One of the most common is myofascial pain syndrome caused by trigger points. These trigger points, commonly referred to as “knots”, are focal areas of increased muscle tension which can cause local or referred pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, and “pins & needles” sensations. Sometimes muscular pain is the direct result of injury to the muscle, as in the case of a muscle pull, tear, or rupture. Other times, tendinitis or tendinosis may develop when the muscular attachment to the bone (called the “tendon”) becomes strained or inflamed from a specific injury, or as the result of repetitive strain. Examples of repetitive strain to the muscle or tendon include prolonged and/or poor sitting postures, repetitive motions, and improper lifting. Another muscle-related condition is called muscle imbalance, in which specific groups of muscles become weak and/or inhibited while their related counterparts (antagonist muscles) are tight and/or overactive. This muscle imbalance commonly leads to poor muscle function & athletic performance, joint instability, and pain. Other muscle-related conditions include fibromyalgia, tension headaches, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff syndrome, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, and muscular & myofascial adhesions. Most people don’t realize that by the time they actually feel muscular pain, the surrounding joints and nerves have also become affected. This is why the care we offer is so effective in treating muscular pain: because it is comprehensive care that addresses not only the muscles, but also the wide range of underlying causes including spinal & extremity joint misalignments & restrictions, nerve problems, and dietary and lifestyle contributing factors.
Aside from the wide variety of muscle-related conditions, there are also more serious diseases that can mimic muscle-related problems. Our doctors of chiropractic are highly skilled in diagnosing the condition, identifying the underlying causes, and determining which treatments would be most effective. Your chiropractor will take a detailed history and perform a physical, neurologic, and orthopedic examination tailored to your specific symptoms. Depending on the specifics of your condition, the doctor may order additional diagnostic testing including blood work, X-Rays and/or MRI studies, or other specialized testing. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your chiropractic physician will discuss with you your various treatment options, which may include some combination of the many natural treatments that we offer such as:
Or if you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider. If your condition would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider, a prompt referral would be made.
Trigger Points Defined
Trigger points are a very common cause of pain, but also very commonly overlooked by many healthcare providers. Commonly referred to as a “knot” in a muscle, a trigger point is a localized area of hyperirritability and tightness in a muscle that is painful and tender to pressure. The increased tension within trigger points tends to cause a reduction of blood flow through the affected muscle. This reduced circulation leads to an accumulation of toxins and inflammatory chemicals that irritate the local nerves. This triggers a “snowball effect” of nerve irritation & pain which triggers more tension, less circulation, more irritation & pain, etc. The pain and symptoms that trigger points cause is commonly referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.
Myofascial pain syndrome tends to cause stiffness, weakness, and local pain in the region near the trigger point. But because of the interconnected relationships that muscles, nerves, and joints share, a more severe trigger point will cause pain, numbness, and/or tingling to radiate (referred pain) to different parts of the body often far away from the trigger point. Every individual trigger point has a referred pain pattern that is characteristic to each muscle. So trigger points located far away from where you are feeling your pain can often be the source of that pain. For example, a trigger point in the piriformis muscle located near your hip can be the source of the pain, numbness, and/or tingling you may be feeling in your foot. This condition is called piriformis syndrome, and can mimic or contribute to symptoms of sciatica or lumbar disc bulge. Trigger points in various muscles can mimic, contribute to, or cause a variety of symptoms and conditions including but not limited to: “pinched nerve”, carpal tunnel syndrome, headache, sinusitis, rotator cuff & shoulder pain, tennis elbow, and dizziness & vertigo.
Causes of Trigger Points
Joint restriction & misalignments are one of the most common causes of myofascial pain syndrome. Also, many of the same factors that cause joint restrictions & misalignments can also cause trigger points. Some of these common causes include any type of old or recent injury including: sports injuries, car accidents, whiplash syndrome, ankle sprains, and falls. Other causes of trigger points include: stress, poor posture, repetitive motions, prolonged sitting & standing without breaks, poor sleep habits, improper lifting, lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and poor form during exercise and at the gym.
Differential Diagnosis of Trigger Points
Aside from the wide variety of symptoms that trigger points can cause, there are also more serious diseases that can mimic myofascial pain syndrome. Our doctors of chiropractic are highly skilled in diagnosing the condition, identifying the underlying causes, and determining which treatments would be most effective. Your chiropractor will take a detailed history and perform a physical, neurologic, and orthopedic examination tailored to your specific symptoms. Depending on the specifics of your condition, the doctor may order additional diagnostic testing including blood work, X-Rays and/or MRI studies, or other specialized testing.
Treatment of Trigger Points
Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your chiropractic physician will discuss with you your various treatment options. Trigger point therapy is a massage technique in which a specialized type of deep pressure called “ischemic compression” is applied. For fast pain relief and long-lasting results, trigger point therapy is typically performed along with some combination of the many other natural treatments that we offer such as:
Or if you prefer an integrated approach utilizing both natural and conventional medical treatment, then we will be happy to refer you to and/or co-manage your condition with the appropriate medical specialist or other health care provider. If your condition would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider, a prompt referral would be made.
Many people are not sure when to use heat and when to use ice in the self-treatment of pain and injuries. As a rule, any treatment should be individualized to the unique needs of the patient. That said, the advice that follows will serve as useful general guidelines on the proper use of heat & ice. This advice is given with the recommendation that you also seek out care from your chiropractic physician or other qualified health care provider.
Cold Therapy
Ice therapy or cryotherapy is often thought of as the therapy of choice for acute injuries. If you are having pain as the result of an identifiable injury (from a fall, or a blow, or a sprain, strain, sports injury, car accident, etc.) then it is usually best to use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes (not longer), and repeat at least three times per day, or up to once every hour if pain is severe. Also, it is important that you do not apply the ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap the ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a paper towel or thin damp cloth prior to applying to the injured area. The ice will reduce pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and decrease tissue damage.
Ice Massage
If a small joint or area (ankle, knee, shoulder, elbow, etc.) is recently injured and/or swollen, then ice massage can be even more effective than the cold therapy described above. To do ice massage, first prepare by freezing water in several plastic cups. Once completely frozen, remove the chunk of ice from the cup by running it under warm water for a few seconds. Hold the chunk of ice with a towel or using gloves, and rub the ice in a slow motion directly on the skin of the affected area, for 3-6 minutes, until it becomes numb. The acronym to remember for this is C.B.A.N.:
If the sensations become too intense or unbearable, then just stop the massage for a few seconds, and then resume again. You can interrupt the massage as many times as you need to in order to complete the process, ultimately reaching the numb phase. To avoid frostbite, it is very important that you stop the massage as soon as the area stops aching, and feels relatively numb. You’ve reached the numb stage when the ice no longer feels extremely cold anymore. If for some reason you fail to reach the numb stage, discontinue the massage after 5 minutes. Do not use this technique on broken skin.
Heat/Cold Contrast Therapy
If your pain is not the direct result of an actual injury, or if the pain has persisted for more than 48 hours, it is usually best to use moist heat followed by cold. This technique is also especially useful in treating various non-traumatic, inflammatory forms of joint and muscle pain, including arthritis, chronic tendonitis, and swelling. The best way to do this is to apply moist heat for 3-5 minutes, followed by an ice pack or very cold water (50-60 degrees) for 30-60 seconds. Just one single repetition of this therapy, performed 1-3 times per day (depending upon the severity of your symptoms) is usually all you need to do.
Important details to keep in mind:
The heat needs to be moist – not dry. Dry heat will dehydrate the soft tissues and interfere with the healing process, so you should never use a dry heating pad. Moist heat can be applied by letting the hot water from a hot shower directly heat the affected area for 3-5 full uninterrupted minutes, or by soaking in a bath, or by applying a specially designed hot moist pack that stays hot. Note that a hot wet towel will not retain the heat long enough to be effective. Do not apply heat for longer than 5 minutes. If you want to apply the heat longer because, for example, you’d like to take a long bath, then be sure to interrupt your bath every 3-5 minutes to apply cold to the painful area for 30-60 seconds. You should also never apply heat without following it with ice. Applying dry heat, or heat not followed by ice, or heat longer than 5 minutes will result in temporary pain relief, but at the expense of decreased circulation which will lead to increased pain and swelling minutes or hours later. However, when used correctly, the combination of heat & ice recommended above will increase circulation, thereby reducing pain & inflammation, relax tight muscles, as well as dramatically accelerate tissue repair and recovery.
To summarize, follow the rules below when using heat therapy:
If you’ve suffered a recent sprain, strain, or sports injury, you should contact us to schedule an appointment within the first 24 – 48 hours, if possible. A thorough exam and other tests, if necessary, will be performed to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Before your visit, the following self-care advice (R.I.C.E.) is crucial to decrease pain and swelling and to speed the healing process:
Spinal Injuries
During an acute attack of back and neck pain, you can usually:
If your pain is more severe, you may need some rest for a few days. Applying ice, or lying down might help as well. More specifically, many people find relief by lying flat on your back with the knees bent and supported by pillows under the knees. When applying ice, place a thin, damp cloth between the ice and your skin. Leave the ice on for 10 – 20 minutes. Repeat up to one application each hour, for no longer than 20 minutes at a time. But, only do this for a day or two; DO NOT think of this as treatment. The faster you get going, the sooner your back will feel better.
Build up your activities and your exercise tolerance over a few days or weeks. Even if you have pain and restrictions, get back to work and activities as soon as possible. If you have a labor-intensive job, do not be afraid to ask for help or alert your boss of your condition. Seeking out chiropractic care at this stage will help you recover and get back into your usual activities more quickly.
Several factors are considered when formulating your treatment plan, including: the nature and severity of condition, when your initial symptoms first began, your diet & lifestyle, and your level of stress. Every case is different, but most patients begin to respond favorably within the initial week or two of care. We make every attempt to solve your health problem once and for all. We believe in educating you about your condition and your treatment options, so that you can make an informed decision about the type and frequency of care that you receive. We do not believe in pressuring our patients to receive excessive treatment or selling pre-paid plans of care that may not be necessary. All of our treatment plans are individualized to meet your specific needs. We only recommend tests and procedures that we believe are medically necessary, evidence-based, and in your best interest.
And because we emphasize patient education, you will become as self-reliant as possible. We believe that if we educate you about your condition and explain how to treat it yourself, you will recover faster and prevent future relapse or re-injury. We strive to encourage and motivate you to assume responsibility for your own health. This is why we have created and continue to update our Patient Resource Library, which provides useful advice regarding prevention, self-treatment, home exercises, nutritional recommendations, and health-promoting recipes. Once armed with this knowledge, you will be empowered to take control of your health, and not become over-dependent on the doctor.
Some of our patients with chronic, recurring conditions choose to receive ongoing care, and some will choose to receive periodic “tune-ups” and follow-up wellness visits, but most of our patients recover within several weeks or months, with no need for further treatment. Contact us if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
YOUR COST:
The amount you will pay for treatment will vary depending upon the specifics of your condition & treatment plan, as well as whether or not you have insurance, and if so, your specific insurance plan. Since we are in-network with most PPO plans, many patients only have to pay a small co-pay of $10-$20 per visit. HSA and flex plans also typically provide reimbursement for our services. If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, then you may need to expect to pay directly for some of your treatment. Payment plans are also available upon request. Please call our office at (773) 377-8789 for more information.
TRANSPARENCY:
Almost all plans include some coverage for chiropractic care and physical therapy services. Before your first visit, our billing service will call your insurance company to obtain a very detailed verification of your benefits. By doing this, we will know in advance exactly what is covered and what is not, minimizing any unexpected “surprises” from your insurance company. Whether we are in or out-of-network with your particular insurance plan, we will bill your insurance claims for you and await payment from your insurance company. You will only be charged initially for your co-pay, deductible, or the percentage of your share of your services provided.
QUALITY OF CARE – THE BEST VALUE
We are not the average chiropractic practice. While we may not be the least expensive option, we believe we offer the best value for your hard-earned time & money. We offer a patient-focused concierge/boutique style of customer service and health care, including:
Click here to see the many other reasons patients choose us
Yes. Almost all plans include some coverage for chiropractic care and physical therapy services. Before your first visit, we will call your insurance company to obtain a very detailed verification of your benefits. By doing this, we will know in advance exactly what is covered and what is not, minimizing any unexpected “surprises” from your insurance company. Whether we are in or out-of-network with your particular insurance plan, we will bill your insurance claims for you and await payment from your insurance company. You will only be charged initially for your co-pay, deductible, or the percentage of your share of your services provided.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, we will be happy to work with your attorney and/or auto insurance company to get your claims paid. We will also work with your employer and insurance company to handle any worker’s compensation claims if you have been injured at work.
Dr. Ezgur is in-network with the following insurance plans:
At this time, Dr. Ezgur is not in-network with Premera Blue Cross, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO’s through Advocate, Optum Health, or Family Medical.
*If you have an HMO plan, please contact your primary care provider’s office to obtain a referral. We realize that dealing with insurance companies can be time-consuming, confusing, and at times stressful. We make every attempt to make this process as easy as possible for you, so that you can focus on getting well again. If your policy does not cover chiropractic, or we are an out-of-network provider of your plan, contact us to find out how we can make your care affordable for you.
Headaches and migraines are common symptoms that can occur as a result of whiplash injuries or any type of motor vehicle injury. Headaches may appear when specific vertebrae in your neck are restricted and out of position due to the impact of an accident. Sprained neck muscles can cause pain to radiate to your head. Any injuries or traumas to your head can cause headaches and migraines. If you are experiencing headaches after your car accident, then you should get treated as soon as possible so that your headache pain does not become permanent. At Progressive Chiropractic Wellness Center we treat whiplash injuries so that you can become functional and return to normal.
Government inquiries have affirmed that today’s chiropractic academic training is of equivalent standard to medical training in all preclinical subjects. Chiropractic education includes special emphasis on anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, pathology, biomechanics, radiology, spinal manipulation, physical therapy techniques, clinical nutrition and natural medicine.
The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) and its Commission on Accreditation, as recognized by the US Department of Education, maintain high standards in chiropractic education. Stringent academic standards must be met to become a licensed chiropractic physician. Currently an individual must complete the following four steps in order to become a licensed doctor of chiropractic (DC):
Continuing postdoctoral education is also required to maintain current licensure and keep abreast of the current scientific literature.
Additional postdoctoral training is also available through various councils and accredited colleges. Postgraduate programs can include the following: Acupuncture, Applied Chiropractic Sciences, Family Practice, Industrial Consulting, Neurology, Nutrition, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Radiology, and Rehabilitation. Dr. Ezgur and Dr. Bruene’s postgraduate education includes advanced training in sports & spinal rehabilitation, manual medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, and many other courses of study.
Ancient Chinese techniques are still considered some of the best in alternative pain relief medicine. Acupuncture will help accelerate your bodies own immune and repair systems.
Learn More
Cupping Therapy can treat a range of conditions such as joint pain, muscle soreness, low back pain, upper back and neck pain, shoulder pain, fatigue, and even anxiety and stress.
Learn More
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, however physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by hand, by elbow, or with various devices instead of using needles.
Learn More