Special Populations
Chiari Malformation
A medical condition requiring specialist care — support only, within scope.
Chiari malformation is a structural condition at the base of the skull that is diagnosed and managed by medical specialists. Chiropractic care does not treat it, and upper-neck techniques are not appropriate without specialist clearance.
People with this diagnosis may still have general musculoskeletal symptoms that exist alongside it, and these can be discussed openly in terms of what does and does not fall within chiropractic scope.
Why this matters
Where musculoskeletal symptoms exist alongside a Chiari diagnosis, we will be explicit about what is and is not within our scope, so expectations are clear from the outset.
Coordinating with the specialist medical team managing the condition is essential to make sure any additional care offered is appropriate.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The junction between the skull and neck is directly involved in this condition, which is why caution is absolute and upper-neck techniques are not used without specialist guidance.
Any evaluation offered focuses on general movement and comfort rather than addressing the structural finding itself, which remains a specialist medical matter.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Specialist medical management is required. We refer rather than manage.
- Worsening headache, especially with coughing or straining
- New weakness, numbness, or coordination changes
- Difficulty swallowing or changes in speech
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Family Wellness — Care for children and adults is individualized in technique and force.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — A medically diagnosed connective tissue condition that changes how care is delivered.
- Growing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Aching in growing children, which should first be medically evaluated.
- Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder — Greater than average joint movement, with symptoms that come with it.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.