Services: Chiropractic

At MHSI, chiropractic care is available as a non-surgical approach to pain resolution. Click on the topics below to find out more about chiropractic care at MHSI and to schedule your appointment:

What is chiropractic medicine?

If you’ve never been to a chiropractor, it’s natural to wonder what this growing medical specialty is all about. Last year, more than 22 million people visited chiropractors for a variety of conditions. A chiropractor is trained to enhance overall health and well-being without using drugs or surgery. Back, neck, shoulder and joint pain, headaches, migraines and stress can be relieved through chiropractic treatment.

“About three years ago I started to have terrible neck and back problems as a result of a car accident. I was looking for a natural solution for my pain. Now, I’m virtually pain free, and I am able to go for an adjustment only when I need it.” – Rebecca

The focus of chiropractic care is on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, which can cause pain and affect general health. It’s a holistic, hands-on approach to care, most commonly involving spinal manipulation or adjustment. This measured, exact pressure on joints can restore mobility, relieve pain and improve function. Lifestyle modifications, prevention strategies, and exercise and nutrition are also part of a chiropractor’s expertise.
At the Michigan Head & Spine Institute, Doctor of Chiropractic Thomas Neuner, M.D., works closely with the entire team of physicians at MHSI. Patients benefit from the combined expertise of neurologists, neurosurgeons, a physiatrist, and physical medicine, rehabilitation and pain management specialists.

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When to seek chiropractic care

"Every time I put my leg up I experienced sharp shooting pains. As an electrician, I spend a lot of time walking on hard surfaces, and I sit for long periods of time while driving from job to job. My pain was making my life extremely difficult. Now I’m back to 100 percent, and I have Dr. Neuner to thank.” – Jim
 
Consult Dr. Neuner if you are experiencing:
•      Back pain
•      Headaches or migraines
•      Neck, shoulder, arm or hand pain
•      Stress resulting in generalized or specific pain
•      Sciatica (lower back, buttock and leg pain)
•      Pain from a pinched nerve
•      Sacroiliac pain
•      A herniated, bulging or “slipped” disc

Or

•      If anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Advil, Tylenol), prescription pain medication or steroids are no longer effective in relieving your pain.
For an appointment with Dr. Neuner at MHSI’s Novi – Keystone Medical Center or New Baltimore Center, call 1-877-784-3667. A physician referral is not necessary for a chiropractic appointment.

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How Chiropractic works

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Meet Thomas J. Neuner, Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

“I had seen two other chiropractors before going to Dr. Neuner at the Michigan Head and Spine Institute, and he has ‘magic hands.’ Not only does he help to manage my pain, he listens to me.” – Jon

Dr. Neuner emphasizes the diagnosis and conservative management, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine without the use of medications or surgery.  He has been a chiropractic physician for 25 years and has a keen interest in the integration and coordination of varied health care practitioners in the field of spine care in order to better meet the needs of patients with back and neck pain. He is also a licensed attorney and is skilled in assisting patients with workers’ compensation issues.

Specialties
Low Back Pain
Sciatica
Sacroiliac pain
Neck pain
Shoulder-Arm-Hand pain
Headache and migraines

Education
Doctor of Chiropractic, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Il., 1984
Internship, Phase two, Chicago General chiropractic Center, Chicago, Ill., 1984
Internship, Phase one, Janse Chiropractic Center, Chicago, Ill., 1984
Bachelor of Science, Human Anatomy, National College of Chiropractic, Lombard, Illinois, 1984
Associate of Science, Human Anatomy, St. Clair, Michigan, 1980
Juris Doctor, Detroit College of Law, Michigan State University, Detroit, 1996

Certifications
Michigan Licensed Chiropractor
Independent Chiropractic Examiner Certificate, National College of Chiropractic,
Lombard, Illinois, 1987
Michigan Bar Association

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Qualifications of Chiropractors

Educational requirements for doctors of chiropractic are among the most stringent of any of the health care professions. Chiropractic colleges seek students with four years of pre-medical undergraduate college education, including courses in biology, inorganic and organic chemistry, physics, psychology and related lab work. Once accepted into an accredited chiropractic college, the requirements become even more demanding — four to five academic years of professional study are the standard.

Because of the hands-on nature of chiropractic, and the intricate adjusting techniques, a significant portion of time is spent in clinical training. In some areas, such as anatomy, physiology, and rehabilitation, chiropractors receive more intensive education than most medical doctors or physical therapists. Before they are allowed to practice, doctors of chiropractic must pass national board examinations and become state-licensed. 

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What to expect on your first chiropractic visit

“After my first visit, I felt a noticeable difference throughout my entire body. Now I’m back to doing the things I love, without pain.” - Autumn

Dr. Neuner uses a range of diagnostic tools to assess your condition. A clinical exam, lab tests, and MRI, CT scans or X-rays may be used to pinpoint the cause of your pain. Diagnostics are available at convenient locations. Dr. Neuner and the MHSI team work closely with experienced MRI, CT and physical therapy providers.

Based on these results, you’ll receive a plan for treatment, which can include office visits for spinal manipulation, therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Neuner’s treatment approach involves treating the whole person, restoring function and improving quality of life.

If chiropractic care is not appropriate for your condition, Dr. Neuner can co-manage your case with one or more of the Michigan Head and Spine Institute’s team of specialists. The MSHI team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, a physiatrist, and physical medicine, rehabilitation and pain management specialists. The team approach offered at MHSI results in seamless, comprehensive care, because your physicians are in direct contact with one other and with you, the patient.

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Spinal Manipulation 

“After years of physical stress, my hips were uneven and I started to have lower back pain that wouldn’t go away. Just walking was painful. I wasn’t able to take medication because I’ve had bad reactions in the past. For me, seeing a chiropractor was the best long-term solution for my pain relief.” – Valerie
 
Spinal manipulation, or adjustment, is a safe and effective treatment for pain that has been used by doctors of chiropractic for the last 100 years. Using specialized techniques and carefully measured pressure, Dr. Neuner manipulates affected joints and tissues to restore mobility and relieve pain and muscle tightness. This allows the body to heal and recovery to occur.

Spinal manipulation rarely causes discomfort and often results in immediate relief of symptoms. Treatment can decrease or eliminate the need for medication and enhances physical therapy.
 
A government research organization, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, conducted an extensive study of all currently available care for low back problems, and recommended spinal manipulation as a conservative, safe and effective form of treatment.

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Back Pain

Back pain is a common reason patients seek chiropractic care. In fact:
•      Half of all working Americans have back pain symptoms.
•      Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work and the second most common reason for doctor visits.
•      Up to 80 percent of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their lives.

What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can be caused by:
•      Sprained ligaments
•      Strained muscles
•      Ruptured discs
•      Irritated joints
•      Scoliosis
•      Stress
•      Sports injuries
•      Accidents
•      Poorly designed work or computer stations
 
How to prevent back pain:
•      Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
•      Remain active and follow your chiropractor’s guidelines for physical activity.
•      Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
•      Warm up or stretch before exercise or physical activity.
•      Practice good posture.
•      Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
•      Sleep on a newer, quality mattress of medium firmness.
•      When lifting, use your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist.
•      Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
•      Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.

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Non-surgical care for back pain

“I had back surgery about 20 years ago, and then a car accident. Both left me with neck and back pain.  I knew I had to do something to get back to a normal life, but I really wanted to avoid surgery.” – Mary

 
In 2004, the California Chiropractic Association surveyed injured workers treated by doctors of chiropractic as part of an effort to provide information to California’s workers compensation system about back pain and the effect of chiropractic treatment. Results of the study, which surveyed 1,600 patients, were:
 
• 90 percent of injured workers reported that chiropractic care was the most effective treatment for their injuries. The same number report that chiropractic care improved their injury.
• More than one-third of chiropractic patients reported that they were able to avoid surgery recommended by a medical doctor.
• Almost 60 of those who received chiropractic care reported being able to successfully return to their jobs after receiving chiropractic treatment.
 
Should a patient’s condition not respond to chiropractic treatment or warrant the opinion of another medical specialist, Dr. Neuner can co-manage your case with one or more physicians who are part of the Michigan Head and Spine Institute team of specialists.

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Insurance

The majority of all insured American workers have coverage for chiropractic services in their health care plans.  Many federal employers, including members of the armed forces and postal workers, have chiropractic coverage. There is also a chiropractic benefit in Federal Workers’ Compensation. Payments plans are available for patients who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover chiropractic care.
 
If you need assistance determining your level of coverage, please ask when you call for an appointment. To schedule your appointment, call 1-877-784-3667.

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Locations

How to schedule a chiropractic appointment

Simply call 1-877-784-3667 to schedule your appointment. Referral from a physician is not needed. Or, contact MHSI via email.
 

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