We value our patients' experience at Nova Spinal Care. If you are currently a patient, please feel free to complete the following Client Experience Questionnaire. The Questionnaire is in Adobe Acrobat format, and requires the free Acrobat Reader to view.
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Dr. Andrew Gard
I have been a patient of Nova Care for over a year. I have been seeing Dr. Andrew for minor aches on my middle and lower back. Aches that have been attended by stretches, stem, and minor adjustments.
Lately (Maybe about 4-6 months ago) I have been feeling a weird feeling on my left leg and both of my hands. Kind of a numbness feeling, like stabbing pins, kind of a lite electric shock feeling that in time has gotten worse and very uncomfortable. I seen my family doctor and he did a full exam on me as well as a complete health physical. I trusted my older sister and took her advise to get checked up in case this was some form of diabetics, or high blood pressure. I seen my doctor and passed the physical, he said I was the healthiest person in my age (39) that he has seen in a long time. He couldn't explain what the cause of my numbness was so he told me to exercise assuming it was my weight. Granted when I went to see him I weighed 212 lbs. same weight I've had for several years. I've been over 200 for the past 12 years.
Well I came back to Dr. Andrew and informed him of what I have done,informed him of my physical and informed him of what my doctor stated about my weight. Dr. Andrew did a complete check up on me, asked me several questions and came to the conclusion that what I had was a or several pinched nerves. So we started to attack these pinch nerves,through stretches, adjustments and mild therapy. Although the stretches and therapy was feeling good, the feeling was no different, not better or worse. So Dr. Andrew insisted on getting a MRI done to find these pinch nerves and try to attack them. Once the results from the MRI came back, it was more serious than anyone had imagine. It seems I have a Syndrome called Klippel Feil.
Well now I needed real treatment. Dr. Andrew than refered me to see a Neuro Surgeon Dr. Michel Malek, who is a specialist and very familiar with these types of procedures and syndromes. When I went to see Dr. Malek and he looked over my MRI, he said I needed surgery and needed it right away. He informed me that the cervical break was so severe that I could be paralyzed and day by the slightest incident. That any fall,and whip-lash, and accident that I have could paralyzed me for life, worse yet possibly kill me.
Dr. Andrew wanted another expert opinion along with Dr. Maleks decision and wanted me to see another Chiropractic specialist before starting the surgery. Dr. Andrew referred me to Dr. Kruez, who after a complete exam also insisted for me to go ahead with the surgery.
The reason for this letter is, as I am going through my recovery at home, I want to thank Dr. Andrew and his staff for taking the time to find my problem, try treating it as best and as quick as possible and for going through all the steps to have not only save my life, but stopped me from being paralyzed.
As I am going through my recovery, I am thankful that I can still play and be with my family and can enjoy every minute of walking, talking, eating and maybe one day soon, running and being back to work. Thank you Dr. Andrew and I hope you continue to save others out there the way you saved me.
On October 9,2009 I go back to Dr. Malek for a follow up and he will than schedule me for therapy which will be with Dr. Andrew and the Nova Spinal Care Team. Looking forward to seeing you all again and go through my therapy and final stages of recovery. Thanks you and God Bless you all.. – W. T.
What is Klippel-Feil Syndrome
Klippel-Feil Syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by the congenital fusion of any 2 of the 7 cervical (neck) vertebrae. It is caused by a failure in the normal segmentation or division of the cervical vertebrae during the early weeks of fetal development. The most common signs of the disorder are short neck, low hairline at the back of the head, and restricted mobility of the upper spine. Associated abnormalities may include scoliosis (curvature of the spine), spina bifida (a birth defect of the spine), anomalies of the kidneys and the ribs, cleft palate, respiratory problems, and heart malformations. The disorder also may be associated with abnormalities of the head and face, skeleton, sex organs, muscles, brain and spinal cord, arms, legs, and fingers.
Is there any treatment?
Treatment for Klippel-Feil Syndrome is symptomatic and may include surgery to relieve cervical or craniocervical instability and constriction of the spinal cord, and to correct scoliosis. Physical therapy may also be useful.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for most individuals with Klippel-Feil Syndrome is good if the disorder is treated early and appropriately. Activities that can injure the neck should be avoided.
What research is being done?
Research supported by the NINDS includes studies to understand how the brain and nervous system normally develop and function and how they are affected by disease and trauma. These studies contribute to a greater understanding of birth defects such as Klippel-Feil Syndrome and open promising new avenues for treatment
Before going to Nova Spinal Care I was getting 3-4 migraines per week. They had been getting increasingly more frequent and severe for the last 5 years. Since starting treatment at Nova, my migraines have virtually gone away. They have been reduced to 1 or 2 a month, but they don’t last long and aren’t severe enough to interrupt my day anymore. My emergency medicine from my medical doctor has worked 100% of the time compared to 75% of the time before chiropractic care. I no longer need to take my daily preventative medicine, which didn’t help much anyways. I had been on anti-depressants, anti-convolusants, and blood pressure medications over the last 5 years. With chiropractic care, and no longer needing to take these because of my improvements, I feel better and more energetic. I highly recommend Nova Spinal Care for migraines! – E. M.
I came to Nova Spinal Care with low back and leg pain. Dr. Andrew not only helped me feel better, but now I can be more active and working is easier. I can actually stretch and move with no pain. – I.A.
I had upper and lower back pain, foot pain, and occasional neck pain. Now I have less pain in general with greater mobility. Also during treatment, I realized my foot pain was serious and Dr. Andrew recommended orthotics which have made an incredible difference. I have little to no pain in my feet and use the orthotic consistently. The staff is always looking for new ways to help me to achieve my health goals. They are friendly, professional and genuinely concerned with increasing my health. Nova is a great place to heal and create health. – K. K.
I have been going to Dr. Andrew’s office for the last 6 months. He has been helping me with my migraines and headaches during my pregnancy. One of the things that helped me most is the myo-therapy/massage treatments. Prior to discovering his office, I shopped around for a chiropractor in the
This place is very easily missed, but it’s a gem. The chiropractor is really awesome guy. He’s always willing to help patients out with payment options for treatment. He’s easy to talk to, very knowledgeable and cares about his job. – C. D.
OMG, I found this office by chance on a google search…Today was my first visit and it was nothing short of AMAZING. Thank you Dr. Andrew! YOU ROCK!! – M.V.