Atlas Orthogonal is a gentle, precise technique that focuses on the alignment of the top vertebra (Atlas) in your spine, which can have a powerful impact throughout the body. Unlike traditional adjustments, this approach requires no popping, cracking, or twisting of the neck. Dr. McDonald uses specialized instruments to deliver precise, gentle corrections that can have profound effects throughout the entire spine and nervous system.

Yes, chiropractic care is extremely safe when performed by a licensed professional. Dr. McDonald's Atlas Orthogonal technique is particularly gentle and safe, requiring no forceful manipulation, and he utilizes many other chiropractic techniques when necessary, all of which are safe and gentle. With over 15 years of experience and Board Certification, Dr. McDonald maintains the highest safety standards.

Treatment plans vary based on your specific condition, how long you've had the problem, and your individual healing response. Dr. McDonald will discuss realistic expectations during your initial consultation and adjust your care plan based on your progress. Many patients experience improvement within the first few visits.

Initial assessment and examinations typically last 45-60 minutes and include a comprehensive health history, examination, and discussion of your specific concerns. Dr. McDonald will explain his findings and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Follow-up appointments are generally 15-30 minutes.

Yes, Dr. McDonald has experience treating patients from infants to seniors over 100 years old. Some of the gentle techniques that Dr. McDonald uses are particularly well-suited for pediatric and geriatric patients who may not tolerate traditional adjustments.

Dr. McDonald sees patients at the Pullman, WA location Monday 9am-6pm and Wednesday 9am-6pm. Patients are seen by appoitment only, and appointments can be made over the phone, or by scheduling online via one of the many links provided.

You can call our office directly or book an appointment online through our website. For urgent conditions, please call and Dr. McDonald will personally review our earliest available appointments with you.

For routine appointments, we typically have availability within 1-2 weeks. For urgent conditions, please call our office and Dr. McDonald will personally review our earliest available appointments with you. You can also book appointments online through our website.

Please bring a list of your current medications, any recent imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), and information about your health history. If you're coming for an auto accident injury, bring any accident reports or insurance information you have. If an attorney is representing you for an auto accident case, or a personal injury case please bring their contact information.

We offer free consultations for patients who have specific questions or want to meet Dr. McDonald before scheduling a full examination. This allows you to learn about our approach, meet Dr. McDonald, see some of the equipment he uses, and determine if our care is right for you.

Absolutely. We welcome family members or friends to accompany you to your appointments. Having support can be helpful, especially during your initial consultation when we're discussing your treatment plan, or answering any other questions you have.

We operate as a cash-pay practice and do not directly bill insurance companies. We provide transparent pricing and can provide documentation for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. Many patients find that our specialized care provides lasting results that reduce their overall healthcare costs.

We offer free consultations. New patient exams are $150, and cover the examination, and your second visit where we typically review any imaging that was taken after your first visit, and perform the first or second adjustment depending on your case. Adjustments are $65 per visit plus tax, but we also offer a four-pack of adjustments, which brings the cost of each adjustment down to $55 per visit, inlcuding tax. Many patients find that our specialized approach reduces their need for ongoing treatment, making it a valuable investment in their long-term health.

Yes, we accept Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) payments. Chiropractic care is typically a qualified medical expense for these accounts, but we recommend checking with your HSA/FSA administrator to confirm.

We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. All patients are required to keep a credit card on file, for a quick and easy payment option when you are in the office, but you are also welcome to pay with cahs or check if you prefer. We also accept HSA and FSA payments. Payment is expected at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made.

Yes, we provide detailed receipts and documentation that include all necessary information for insurance reimbursement submissions. We can also provide additional documentation if required by your insurance company. They typically ask for additional information the first few times you submit your documentation for reimbursement.

Yes, Dr. McDonald is one of the only chiropractors in the Pullman, WA area that treats patients that were involved in auto accidents. Dr. McDonald has specialized training in treating auto accident injuries and extensive experience helping patients recover from car accidents. We understand the complexities of auto accident cases and can provide proper documentation for legal and insurance purposes.

It's important to be evaluated as soon as possible after an auto accident, even if you don't feel immediate pain. Some injuries, particularly to the neck and spine, may not cause symptoms for days or weeks. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.

Yes, we have experience working with personal injury attorneys and can provide detailed documentation of your injuries and treatment. While we don't bill insurance directly, we can provide all necessary reports and documentation for your case.

We provide comprehensive documentation including detailed examination findings, treatment records, progress notes, and professional opinions regarding your injuries and their relationship to your accident. All documentation meets legal and medical standards required for personal injury cases.

Yes, back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. Back pn is the most common cause of missing work in the United States, and Dr. McDonald has extensive experience helping patients recover from this issue.

Absolutely. Neck pain often responds very well to Atlas Orthogonal treatment. Because this technique focuses on the upper cervical spine, it's especially effective for neck pain, stiffness, and related headaches. We will also evaluate you during your initial exam to determine if you need any other types of chiropractic treatment - Dr. McDonald practices a wide variety of chiropractic techniques. See Treatment Methods below.

Yes, many headaches and migraines are related to spinal misalignments, particularly in the upper cervical region. Dr. McDonald's Atlas Orthogonal specialization makes him uniquely qualified to address these types of headaches by correcting the underlying spinal and muscular issues.

Yes, sciatica often responds well to chiropractic care. Dr. McDonald evaluates the underlying cause of your sciatic nerve irritation and develops a treatment plan to address both the symptoms and the root cause of the problem.

Absolutely. Poor posture often stems from spinal misalignments and weakness in the postural muscles that support the spine. Dr. McDonald practices many techniques that help correct spinal misalignments and he also provides guidance on ergonomics and exercises to help maintain proper posture. He has trained for many years with thousands of patients, helping them resolve postural issues.

Yes, Dr. McDonald treats various disc conditions. The gentle Atlas Orthogonal approach can help reduce pressure on affected discs and improve overall spinal function, often providing relief from disc-related symptoms. Flexion-Distraction, a form of spinal decompression performed with special equipment, often provides immediate relief from disc-related issues. In some cases, traditional chiropractic adjustments can also be effective. Dr. McDonald offers all of these options and will evaluate which treatments are most likely to benefit you throughout your recovery process.

While chiropractic care cannot cure arthritis, it can help manage symptoms and improve joint function. Proper spinal alignment and other chiropractic techniques can reduce stress on arthritic joints, helping to maintain mobility and comfort. Dr. McDonald will work with you to understand your specific concerns and develop a plan to help improve your condition as quickly as possible

Yes, many cases of vertigo and dizziness are related to upper cervical spine problems. Dr. McDonald's specialization in Atlas Orthogonal technique makes him particularly qualified to address these conditions, as the upper cervical spine directly affects balance and spatial orientation.

No, Dr. McDonald prides himself on being a very careful and gentle adjuster. Atlas Orthogonal and Activator Methods adjustments are both very gentle and typically painless. There is no forceful manipulation involved, and most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing.

There are many chiropractic techniques, ranging from traditional manual adjustments to instrument-assisted methods. Dr. McDonald practices a wide variety of techniques and is Board Certified as an Atlas Orthogonal doctor. He is also certified in Activator Methods and has trained in and practiced many other techniques for over 15 years, treating thousands of patients. Atlas Orthogonal, Orthospinology, and Activator Methods are unique because they use precise, gentle corrections without any forceful manipulation or neck rotation.

Both. Dr. McDonald is well trained in many techniques and will use the methods he believes will help you the most. He will review his recommended techniques with you, ensuring you are comfortable with the approach. Some patients prefer to avoid traditional manual adjustments, and if that is the case for you, Dr. McDonald will tailor your treatment to your preferred adjusting style. He is uniquely qualified in this regard - very few chiropractors are as extensively trained as Dr. McDonald in such a wide range of highly skilled techniques.

Yes, Dr. McDonald often recommends specific exercises and stretches as part of your treatment plan. These help support your recovery, maintain improvements, and prevent future problems. All exercises are tailored to your specific condition and abilities.

Many patients experience some improvement within the first few visits, though this varies based on your condition, how long you've had it, and your body's healing response, including how much inflammation you have. Dr. McDonald will discuss realistic timelines during your appointments.

Most patients start noticing a difference in their symptoms within the first few visits. If this is the case, the remaining symptoms usually resolve soon after. If you do not see the expected improvement, Dr. McDonald will reassess your condition and may adjust your treatment plan. If necessary, he will refer you to other specialists to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your specific situation.

Results vary depending on your condition and lifestyle factors. Many patients experience long-lasting relief, especially when they follow through with recommended treatments, exercises and lifestyle modifications. Some conditions may require periodic maintenance care.

Chiropractic care focuses on optimizing your body's natural healing ability by improving spinal function. While we can't promise to "cure" any condition, many patients experience significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms.

Treatment needs vary by individual. Some patients require only a few visits for acute problems, while others with chronic conditions may benefit from ongoing treatment with periodic maintenance care. Dr. McDonald will discuss your specific needs and develop a plan that works for your situation.

Dr. McDonald provides specific recommendations for each patient, which may include exercises, posture modifications, ergonomic improvements, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes that support your healing and prevent future problems.

Absolutely. Dr. McDonald believes in proactive healthcare and welcomes patients who want to maintain optimal spinal health and prevent problems before they start. Regular wellness care can help you perform at your best and avoid future injuries. This applies to both adults and children. Receiving chiropractic care at a young age can give children a better understanding of their bodies, helping them grow and maintain lifelong health.

Dr. McDonald is not limited by the requirements of healthcare insurance in this regard. Offices that accept healthcare insurance are typically not allowed to bill for maintenance or wellness services.

Yes, Dr. McDonald works with professional athletes, WSU students, and recreational athletes to optimize performance and prevent injuries. Proper spinal alignment is crucial for peak athletic performance and injury prevention.