FAQ
 
What is causing the problem I am experiencing?
The cause of your problem stems from the history of life.  For example:  the birth process, toddler bike wrecks, falling, and accidents such as automobile, work related injuries, sports & recreational injuries.  Believe it or not, the worst cause of your problem is STRESS!  Physical and emotional stress can cause long-term damage to your body. Because of these stresses that you have encountered throughout your life, your spine heals incorrectly.  This improper healing causes your spinal bones, called vertebrae, to put pressure on your nerves.  This incorrect positioning is called a subluxation.  

Subluxations are the cause of most problems.  The nerves that exit our vertebrae have designated parts of the body (muscles, organs, tissue, etc) that they send information to.  If the bones are compressing these nerves, the information is not getting to its destination.  This can lead to pain, weakness, numbness, and internal organ deterioration.  These subluxations that have caused you to seek help have probably been in there for a long time.  It is just recently that the damage they have caused has created the symptoms that you are now feeling.  That is why we frequently say, “Just because you don’t have pain, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are healthy.”  

Chiropractic can locate and remove your subluxation so that your body can begin functioning normally again.  It is important for you to understand however that chiropractic is the only treatment that will remove subluxations.  DRUGS, ACUPUNCTURE, NUTRITION, HERBS, EXERCISE, PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND EVEN SURGERY-do not remove subluxations.  However, chiropractic care complimented with those above treatments provides you with the maximum healing potential.  The above treatments at best only eliminate your pain; they don’t fix the underlying cause.
 
 
Can chiropractic help me?
Absolutely!    

Chiropractors care is for the tiniest babies to the elderly, and everyone in between with a gentle touch and effective technique.  

DuPage Chiropractic is here to serve you and restore your health.  

Not all chiropractic offices are the same.  We have witnessed great results through many years of practice with a wide variety of health concerns
 
 
What are my options with chiropractic care other than pain relief?

A.   PATCH CARE: The only expectation this type of patient has of me is to relieve their pain. Once the pain is gone, so are they.  This type of care I call “Patch Care”.  We patch the problem temporarily, but just because the pain is gone doesn’t mean that the problem is.  Unfortunately, pain is very inconsistent and it fools us in believing that we are better when ‘silently’ the condition is only worsening.  With this type of patient the pain always returns sooner than later.   A “Patch Care” patient will end up spending more money in the long run.  This is not the best use of chiropractic, but nonetheless, it’s a use.

B.  FIX CARE:  This program allows the patient an opportunity to fix the underlying problem that is causing them to be in pain or not allowing them to live their life to the fullest.  This patient follows the recommended “Fix Care” treatment plan lasting anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks.  They follow this treatment plan and once they see their final x-rays revealing their maximum improvement, they discontinue care.  This is an excellent use of chiropractic care when followed by “Wellness Care”.

C.  WELLNESS CARE: Our office is made up of 90% of these types of patients.  Wellness care patients follow the “Fix Care” treatment plan for the restorative phase and once they see their final improvement on their x-rays, they choose to continue, less frequently, to maintain the improvement that they worked so hard to achieve.   For example: To increase the life value of your automobile-you need to change the oil every 3,000 miles and rotate the tires every 5,000 miles.  Your body works the same way, if you maintain it and take care of it, it will last longer than if you only care for it after breakdowns and or accidents.

The benefits of “Wellness Care” are:

  • Maintain normal function
  • Improves overall health
  • Extends your life
  • Improves immunity
  • Slows the aging process
  • Enhances your mood
  • Corrects the cause rather than treating the symptoms
  • Slows, stops, and reverses spinal degeneration
  • Restores normal nerve supply
  • More energy
  • Natural, painless, completely safe
  • Improves athletic performance
  • Allows better sleep
  • Relieves stress
  • Restores normal spinal mobility
  • Improves posture
  • Makes spinal discs healthier
  • Quicker recovery
  • Back to work faster
  • Usually prevents surgery
  • Often instant relief from pain, no drugs and no needles
  • Affordable health care
  • Relieves many symptoms
  • Prevents many health problem
  • Add years to your life and adds life to your years!
We want you to understand that all three types of patients are welcome in our practice.
 
 
How long will it take?
This depends on what type of care program you choose.
 
 
How much will it cost?
Once again that depends on what type of care plan you choose as explained in question number 3.   
 
 
Does insurance cover this?
It depends on what type of coverage you have on your policy.  We have a full time, highly efficient billing department that will take care of all of your insurance needs and questions.  If you do not have assistance from your insurance company, we offer several very affordable payment options that will allow you to continue care at a reasonable price.  Our policy is to offer affordable chiropractic care so that you can obtain your health care goals.  

If you’re insurance company contacts you with confusing questions or forms, please bring them into us so that we can take this stress away from you.  Your job is to work on getting healthy, leave the complications of insurance up to us.
 
 
What are your office hours?
  • Monday:       9:45-6:30
  • Tuesday:      9:45-6:30
  • Wednesday: 9:45-6:30
  • Closed:        Thursday
  • Friday:          9:45-6:30
  • Closed:        Saturday/Sunday
  • Closed for lunch 12-3
 
Will I always see Dr. Pepping?
No.  Because DuPage Chiropractic Centre believes that consist treatments yield the best results, we have expanded our hours to accommodate even the busiest lifestyle.  These increased hours require our associate doctors to work on those days.  In addition, we feel so strongly about reaching out to help others to help them understand that they can become pain free and have a better quality life, we are often asked to go into our community to talk to the public and educate them on the benefits of chiropractic care.  Therefore, on those days you will have the pleasure of seeing one of our highly trained associates. These doctors bring their own unique styles and warmth to their treatments. 
 
 
What can I do to help my care?
This is a frequently asked question.  The most important thing you can do is to keep your appointments and stay on track with the treatment plan that you have chosen.  Consistent appointments three times a week is going to allow you to reach your goals as quickly as possible.  Follow through on the exercise or stretching recommendations we have provided for you.  At times we may even recommend other services such as massage therapy or nutritional counseling.  If we do recommend Massage therapy it is still important for you to receive physical therapy on the same day. Be an active participant in your care.  If you have questions regarding your care or about how chiropractic works- please ask us to explain it to you. Tell your friends and family about what you are doing.  Get the positive support you need.  This will help you get to the optimal level of health you want.  Refer your friends and family to the office so they may receive the health benefits that you are receiving.  Lastly, surround yourself with positive people and read positive material daily.  This is what we call adjusting your attitude and living the chiropractic life.
 
 
Why is stretching so important in the office?

You may notice that at DuPage Chiropractic Centre we are very big on stretching whether it is giving you stretching booklets that you can do at home, stretching in your massage sessions, or during your adjustment. We feel very strongly that the benefits of stretching will increase the healing process and provide longer lasting results.  In addition, we know how busy your life can be and too often our “good intentions” are just not enough. 

Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy from stretching…

  • Reduce muscle tension and pain
  • Increased range of movement in the joints
  • Longer lasting treatment by helping to reduce subluxations
  • Increased circulation to various parts of the body
  • Increased energy levels (resulting from increased circulation)
  • Increased immunity by pushing toxins through the body
  • Injury prevention

Stretching comes naturally to all of us; you might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously.  It feels good!! In addition, a consistent stretching program with chiropractic adjustments will not only allow you to reach your goals faster, but will also allow you to reap the benefits when you don’t have time to do them at home.  Be kind to your body.   Come enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care and stretching.   Sit back and relax while we stretch your muscles for you!!
 
 
What if I need more than Chiropractic?
When you choose care at our office you become much more than just a patient.  We are committed to your whole health.  Although we outline treatment plans that have a certain amount of visits, we like to take each treatment one day at a time.  If Dr. Pepping or Dr. Mertes don’t like the progress that you are showing they will talk to you about more aggressive options.  DuPage Chiropractic Centre has acquired over the years, professional relationships with neurologists and orthopedic doctors in the area.  This allows you the opportunity to continue treating with our office as we “hold your hand” as you consult with these other health care specialists that we associate with.
 
 
What is the Spinal Care Class?
The spinal care class is a mandatory class that all new patients must attend.  This class is given because it allows me an opportunity to explain important concepts about chiropractic to you that we were unable to discuss during your report of findings.  It is important to all of us at DuPage Chiropractic Centre that our patients are educated and active participants in their health care.  By attending your spinal care class, you will be more knowledgeable about what we are accomplishing at each of your visits.  This will allow you to ask more questions and to get more involved in your own health care.

Spinal care classes only need to be attended one time during the first 2 weeks of your care.  I will teach them every other Monday night at 7:00pm in the office waiting room.  They will be no longer than 30 minutes long.

*   We strongly recommend that you take this opportunity to invite your spouse, significant other, or family member to attend with you.  It is important that they are also a part of your health care decision so that they can support you during this healing time.
 
 
What if I can’t make my appointment?
As discussed during your report of findings, three times a week is recommended, but sometimes our busy schedules can’t allow for that.  Try your hardest to be as frequent as you can.  However, sometimes our schedules take control.  If you miss one or two appointments your body will accommodate.  However, if you begin missing repetitive appointments you are only hurting yourself by delaying your recovery.   

We do ask though that if you are unable to make your appointment that you kindly call 24 hours prior to your appointment to let us know.  This will allow us an opportunity to give others your time slot, especially the scheduled times slots for our busy massage therapist. 
 
 
How should I feel after an adjustment?
Because the adjustment is restoring communication between the brain and the body, there are a few reactions you may feel after an adjustment.  The most common three are: muscle soreness, relief of your symptoms, or an increase in your energy.  Because we are changing damaged tissue to a more normal and healthier positioning, you will probably experience these symptoms any where between your first and twelfth visits.  These reactions are actually a good sign that your body is responding to the changes.  After your first adjustment we give you the “How should I feel after an adjustment” brochure.  This brochure will explain these reactions in more detail. 
 
 
What is massage therapy?
Our massage therapy sessions are much more than what you might get at a salon.  These are individual sessions with our licensed, certified therapists who are trained in all different techniques.  Your sessions will include stretching, range of motion, and trigger point therapy. 

Massage can help loosen contracted, shortened muscles and can stimulate weak and damaged muscles. This muscle "balancing" can help posture and promote more efficient movement to help speed recovery. 

Massage therapy may be a recommended treatment option for you.  Massage therapy offers many benefits to help you regain proper spinal alignment.  Most importantly, it can re-educate damaged muscles to hold the changes that we are making through your adjustments. 

Massage appointments are made separately from your chiropractic appointments.  Please make these appointments in advance because there are limited hours and our therapist books up quickly.

Massage therapy is available Monday through Saturday during business hours. 

If you would like to recommend massage therapy to a friend or family member or would like to treat them to a gift certificate, they are welcome to come in for a massage only.  They do not need to be a patient of DuPage Chiropractic Centre  to enjoy the wonderful benefits it has to offer.
 
 
What is the best way to refer a friend or family member to DuPage Chiropractic Centre?
If you would like to introduce the many benefits of chiropractic care to a friend or loved one, just have them call the office to set up an appointment.  They are welcome to use the enclosed health pass that we will provide to you; if made mention.  If they have insurance that will cover their first visit, we will be happy to take care of the verifying of their insurance benefits for them.  If they are not sure and have questions, we will be happy to give them a call to answer their questions or concerns over the phone.  Otherwise, we have a referral packet that can provide your friend or family member with information on most conditions and our office policy, just ask the staff for this information.
 
We hope that we have answered most of your questions and concerns.  As always, we want to empower you to make the best decision when it cones to your health and your body.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call us.  You can reach our office at 630-858-9780.  If we are not available, please leave a message and we will return it promptly.