Dr. Charles B Lerner: FACTS

Here are a few answers to the most frequently asked questions received by this office. I hope that these will be helpful to you, but if you have a question that is not answered here, please do not hesitate to call me – I will happily answer any question you may have about acupuncture, chiropractic or spinal decompression care.

Q1 - Do I need a referral from my GP in order to see Dr. Lerner?

No. Chiropractors, acupuncturists and spinal decompression therapists are primary health care practitioners and can provide any of these alternative health care services independently. This means that you can set up an appointment without first consulting your GP.  However, your Doctor may suggest that you see a chiropractor, acupuncturist or spinal decompression specialist if he or she feels that these treatment methods may be of help to you. Another point to note is that acupuncture and spinal decompression are often not covered by insurance.

Q2 - Could alternative healthcare methods make my condition worse?

Alternative healthcare methods are safe, non-intrusive procedures that will not worsen your condition as long as care is provided by a certified and well qualified practitioner. Complications of acupuncture, spinal decompression or chiropractic care are extremely rare and not nearly as likely as they are with surgery or other forms of treatment.

Q3 - If I start alternative health care, will I have to continue these treatments for life?

Many people think that once acupuncture, chiropractic or spinal decompression care starts, it has to continue. I do, however, recommend that patients keep periodic appointments in order to ensure their condition remains stable and can be monitored. It is not the care you receive from your practitioner that makes you need to continue with appointments, but rather the condition you had before starting alternative health care treatment. Some conditions can be successfully treated so that the patient does not need to continue with treatment, but most chronic conditions require some kind of continuous care.

Q4 - I have had back surgery. Can I still benefit from some form of alternative health care?

Yes, you can. It is an unfortunate fact that many people who have undergone back surgery see symptoms of their original problem (often in the form of pain or reduced flexibility) come back after a number of years. Acupuncture, chiropractic or spinal decompression care are safe and often an efficient way of alleviating the pain and other symptoms associated with your condition.

Dr. Charles B. Lerner has been helping patients in the greater Litchfield area for many years. I understand how frustrating your pain can be and strive to offer each and every one of my patients personalized and attentive care.