Back pain, neck stiffness, and injuries can make normal routines harder. Work may become uncomfortable, sleep can suffer, and activities you usually enjoy may start to feel more difficult.
At Zurek Chiropractic, Dr. Bruce Zurek works with patients in West Omaha and surrounding communities. Care begins by understanding what is bothering you, how it affects your day, and what you would like to improve.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan. Every patient has a different history, different symptoms, and different goals.
What to Expect From Dr. Zurek
A chiropractic visit should not feel rushed or confusing.
Dr. Zurek takes time to learn where you are hurting, when the problem started, and what seems to make it better or worse. He also explains his findings so you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
If chiropractic care is appropriate, he will talk with you about the treatment options available and why they may help.
Your care may depend on factors such as:
- Where you are experiencing pain
- How long the problem has been present
- Whether symptoms travel into an arm or leg
- Your movement and range of motion
- Previous injuries or accidents
- Your work and exercise habits
- How you respond to treatment
If your symptoms suggest that imaging or another type of medical care is needed, Dr. Zurek may recommend that you see another provider.
A Straightforward Approach to Care
You should feel comfortable asking questions about your examination, treatment recommendations, costs, and other options.
There should never be pressure to begin care before you understand what is being recommended.
If you are still comparing providers, our guide on how to find a good chiropractor in Omaha can help you know what to look for.
Common Reasons Patients Visit Our Office
People come to Zurek Chiropractic for many different reasons. Some are dealing with a recent injury, while others have had pain or stiffness for months or years.
An examination helps determine what may be contributing to the problem and whether chiropractic care is a reasonable option.
Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain can develop after lifting, sitting for long periods, repetitive work, exercise, or an injury.
When pain travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg, it may involve sciatica. Tingling, numbness, or weakness may also occur.
Chiropractic care may help improve movement and reduce stiffness associated with some types of back pain. More serious or worsening nerve symptoms may require additional medical evaluation.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Neck pain can follow an injury, but it can also develop gradually from computer work, driving, poor posture, or spending long periods looking down at a phone.
Some people also experience headaches and migraines along with neck stiffness or tight shoulders. Because headaches can have many causes, an examination is important before deciding on a treatment approach.
Car Accident Injuries
A car accident can strain the muscles and joints of the neck, back, and shoulders. Symptoms may appear right away or become more noticeable over the next several hours or days.
Common complaints after a collision include:
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder pain
- Muscle soreness
- Limited movement
Dr. Zurek evaluates car accident injuries and can determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Severe or unusual symptoms after an accident should be evaluated promptly.
Sports and Activity Injuries
You do not have to be a competitive athlete to develop a sports-related injury.
Pain can start after running, weightlifting, recreational sports, yard work, or other physical activity. Sports injury care may focus on improving movement, reducing irritation, and helping you return to activity safely.
Chiropractic Techniques
A chiropractic adjustment uses a controlled movement to improve the way a joint moves. Depending on the patient and the area being treated, an adjustment may be performed by hand or with an instrument.
Some adjustments produce a popping sound. This usually comes from gas being released within the joint and is not the goal of the treatment.
Dr. Zurek uses different chiropractic techniques based on your symptoms, examination findings, age, and comfort level.
Your First Visit
Your first appointment starts with a conversation about your symptoms and health history.
Dr. Zurek may ask when the problem began, which activities make it worse, and whether you have experienced similar symptoms before.
The examination may include checking:
- Posture
- Range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Reflexes
- Balance
- Tender areas
- Movements that reproduce your symptoms
Not everyone needs an X-ray. Imaging may be recommended when your history or examination shows that more information is necessary.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment and bring information about previous injuries, current medications, or treatments you have already tried.
You can also read our guide to preparing for a chiropractic appointment in Omaha.
What You Do Between Visits Matters
Treatment in the office is only part of the picture.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Zurek may recommend simple changes to your workstation, sleep position, exercise routine, or lifting habits.
Recommendations may include:
- Taking regular movement breaks
- Doing gentle stretches or exercises
- Improving lifting technique
- Returning to activity gradually
- Avoiding positions that increase numbness or pain
- Adjusting your chair, desk, or computer monitor
Follow-up care should depend on your symptoms, goals, and progress rather than following the same schedule for every patient.
Chiropractic Care for Children
Children have different needs than adults, so their care should be based on their age, health history, development, and symptoms.
Dr. Zurek uses age-appropriate methods when providing chiropractic care for children. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and understand the reason for any recommended care.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can change posture, balance, and the way the body carries weight. These changes can contribute to discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvis.
Chiropractic techniques can be modified for pregnant patients. Chiropractic care should also be used alongside regular prenatal care from the patient’s obstetric provider.
When You May Need Other Medical Care
Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every type of pain or injury.
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden or increasing weakness
- Numbness around the groin or inner thighs
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Severe pain after a major accident or fall
- Fever with severe back or neck pain
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- A sudden, unusually severe headache
- Symptoms that continue to get worse
Dr. Zurek may also recommend another healthcare provider when a condition requires testing or treatment outside the scope of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Care Just for You
Zurek Chiropractic provides care for people dealing with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, accident injuries, sports-related problems, and other conditions that affect movement and comfort.
The office serves patients from West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Chalco, and nearby communities.
If pain or stiffness is getting in the way of your normal routine, contact Zurek Chiropractic to schedule a consultation and find out whether chiropractic care may be a good fit for you.
Article by
Dr. Bruce Zurek
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.