Back pain, neck stiffness, and other injuries can affect almost every part of your day. Work becomes harder, sleep may be uncomfortable, and activities you normally enjoy can start to feel out of reach.
At Zurek Chiropractic, Dr. Bruce Zurek provides chiropractic care for patients in West Omaha and nearby communities. The goal is to understand what is causing your discomfort, explain your options clearly, and help you move more comfortably.
Every patient has a different health history and set of goals. That is why care begins with a conversation and an examination rather than a standard treatment plan.
The Zurek Chiropractic Approach
Visiting a chiropractor should not feel confusing or rushed. Dr. Zurek takes time to learn where you are hurting, when the symptoms began, and how they affect your work, sleep, exercise, and family life.
He also explains what he finds in plain language. You should understand why a treatment is being recommended and what it is meant to accomplish before care begins.
Chiropractic treatment may help when joint stiffness, muscle tension, posture, or an injury is contributing to pain and limited movement. It may be used on its own or as part of a broader care plan involving a medical doctor, physical therapist, or another provider.
Care Based on Your Needs
There is no single chiropractic plan that works for everyone. A person recovering from a recent accident may need a different approach than someone dealing with years of lower-back stiffness.
Your treatment plan may depend on:
- Where you feel pain
- How long the symptoms have been present
- Whether pain travels into an arm or leg
- Your range of motion and strength
- Past accidents or injuries
- Your work and exercise habits
- How your condition responds to care
Dr. Zurek monitors your progress and can change the plan when needed. If your symptoms require imaging or medical treatment, he may recommend that you see another provider.
Clear Information Without Pressure
Choosing a healthcare provider is a personal decision. You should feel comfortable asking questions about the examination, proposed care, expected costs, and possible alternatives.
If you are still comparing providers, read our guide on how to find a good chiropractor in Omaha.
Conditions Treated at Zurek Chiropractic
Zurek Chiropractic works with patients experiencing several types of muscle and joint discomfort. An evaluation is needed to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition.
Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain may begin after lifting, prolonged sitting, repetitive work, exercise, or an accident. It may involve the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves of the spine.
When symptoms travel from the lower back or buttock into the leg, the problem may involve sciatica. Other possible symptoms include tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Chiropractic care may help improve joint movement and reduce some of the muscle tension that occurs with certain types of back pain. Severe or worsening nerve symptoms may require medical testing.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Neck discomfort can develop after a sudden injury or from everyday habits such as computer work, driving, and looking down at a phone.
Some patients also experience headaches along with neck stiffness or tight shoulders. Headaches have many possible causes, so an examination is important before assuming the neck is responsible.
Car Accident Injuries
Even a lower-speed collision can place sudden strain on the neck, back, shoulders, and surrounding muscles. Symptoms may begin immediately or become more noticeable during the hours and days after the accident.
Common concerns include:
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder discomfort
- Reduced movement
- Muscle soreness
Dr. Zurek evaluates car accident injuries and can explain whether chiropractic care may be useful. Serious symptoms after a collision should be evaluated by a medical provider promptly.
Sports and Activity-Related Injuries
Sports injuries do not only affect competitive athletes. Pain can also begin after running, weightlifting, recreational leagues, yard work, or other physical activities.
Care may focus on restoring comfortable movement and helping you return to activity at a safe pace. Treatment recommendations depend on the type and severity of the injury.
Chiropractic Techniques Used in the Office
A chiropractic adjustment uses a controlled movement to improve how a joint moves. Adjustments may be performed by hand or with an instrument, depending on the patient and the area being treated.
Some people hear a popping sound during an adjustment. This is usually caused by gas being released from the joint. The sound is not the goal of treatment and does not need to happen for an adjustment to be useful.
Dr. Zurek chooses from different chiropractic techniques based on your age, symptoms, examination findings, and comfort level.
Chiropractic care cannot guarantee a cure or eliminate the need for surgery in every case. Its purpose is to improve movement and address certain muscle and joint problems without medication or an operation.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your first appointment begins with a discussion about your symptoms and health history. You may be asked when the problem started, which movements make it worse, and whether you have had previous injuries.
The examination may include checking:
- Posture
- Range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Reflexes
- Balance
- Areas of tenderness
- Movements that reproduce your symptoms
Not every patient needs an X-ray. Imaging may be recommended when your symptoms, health history, or examination suggest that more information is needed.
Before your appointment, wear clothing that allows you to move comfortably. You may also want to bring information about previous injuries, current medications, and treatments you have already tried.
For more information, review our guide to preparing for a chiropractic appointment in Omaha.
Supporting Your Progress Between Appointments
What you do outside the office can affect your progress. Depending on your condition, Dr. Zurek may suggest changes to your work setup, sleep position, exercise routine, or lifting habits.
Your recommendations may include:
- Taking movement breaks during long periods of sitting
- Performing gentle stretches or strengthening exercises
- Using safer lifting techniques
- Returning to exercise gradually
- Changing positions that increase pain or numbness
- Adjusting your desk, chair, or computer monitor
Not every patient needs ongoing chiropractic care after the original problem improves. Follow-up recommendations should be based on your condition, goals, and response to treatment.
Chiropractic Care for Different Stages of Life
Chiropractic techniques can be modified for people of different ages and physical needs. However, children, pregnant patients, older adults, and people with certain medical conditions require careful evaluation before treatment.
Chiropractic Care for Children
Children are not simply smaller adults. Their care should be based on their age, symptoms, development, and health history.
Dr. Zurek uses age-appropriate methods when providing chiropractic care for children. Parents should be told why treatment is being considered and what other options may be available.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can lead to changes in posture, balance, and the way the lower back and pelvis carry weight. Some pregnant patients seek chiropractic care for muscle and joint discomfort.
Treatment should be modified for the stage of pregnancy and the patient’s health. Pregnant patients should also continue receiving regular prenatal care from their obstetric provider.
When Chiropractic Care Is Not Enough
Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every type of pain or injury. Some symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Seek medical care if you experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden or increasing muscle weakness
- Numbness around the groin or inner thighs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Severe pain after a major accident or fall
- Fever along with severe neck or back pain
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- A sudden, unusually severe headache
- Symptoms that continue to get worse
Dr. Zurek may also refer you to another healthcare provider when your condition falls outside the scope of chiropractic care.
Serving West Omaha and Nearby Communities
Zurek Chiropractic serves patients from West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Chalco, and surrounding areas.
The practice provides chiropractic care for people dealing with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, accident injuries, sports-related discomfort, and limited movement.
Contact Zurek Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and learn whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does Zurek Chiropractic serve?
Zurek Chiropractic is located in West Omaha and serves patients from Millard, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Chalco, and nearby communities. Visit the contact page for the current address, directions, and office information.
Does Dr. Zurek treat car accident injuries?
Dr. Zurek evaluates patients with neck pain, back pain, stiffness, headaches, and other muscle or joint symptoms following car accidents. The recommended care depends on your examination and the severity of the injury. Emergency symptoms should be evaluated by a medical provider immediately.
What happens during my first chiropractic appointment?
Your first visit includes a discussion of your symptoms and health history, followed by an examination. Dr. Zurek will explain what he finds and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate. An adjustment may be performed when it is safe and suitable, but treatment does not automatically begin for every patient.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Chiropractic techniques can be modified for children, but care should only be recommended after an age-appropriate evaluation. Parents should understand the reason for treatment, the methods being considered, and any available alternatives.
Can pregnant women receive chiropractic care?
Some pregnant patients receive chiropractic care for muscle and joint discomfort. Techniques should be modified for pregnancy, and treatment should not replace regular prenatal care. Patients with pregnancy complications should speak with their obstetric provider before beginning care.
Will chiropractic care keep me from needing surgery?
Some people improve with conservative treatment and do not need surgery. However, chiropractic care cannot guarantee that an operation will be avoided. Serious injuries, severe nerve compression, increasing weakness, and other medical conditions may still require surgical treatment.
Article by
Dr. Bruce Zurek