Holten Back & Neck Ctr

11/04/09

Do not go here for immediate relief from back pain.

by buskyman at Citysearch

My back had slipped out of place the night before & my regular chiropractor was out of the office. That is how I arrived at Holten. How I wish I had never walked through that door. They told me they could see me at 11a. After the initial new patient paperwork, I was still in the waiting room at 11:45a. Finally, my name was called. Just as I thought I would be taken back to meet the treating chiropractor, I was taken on a tour of the facility, complete with an introduction to the staff via wall photograph. At last, I was led to the examination room. Time to meet the chiropractor? Nope. First, I was to watch what I can only describe as an infomercial, chock full of testimonials. Each "authentic patient" praised the staff & the treatment. I partially expected to see a 1-800 number flashing across the bottom of the screen. At long last, I was to meet the chiropractor. When he walked in, I could have been looking at my Cheesecake Factory greeter from the night before. He did not look a day over 23. And, to be honest, nothing he said or did convinced me he was, either. I told him about the pain I was feeling & that it was caused by my back being out of place. I asked if I could get an adjustment to relieve the pain. He explained to me that he would first have to do a physical examination. Next, he told me I would have to have x-rays done. They did not take x-rays there, so I would have to go someplace else for that. He assured me they would be the least expensive x-rays I could find anywhere. They send so many patients that they get an extra-special deal. I explained to him that I had a high deductible & every payment I made would be coming out of my pocket. He again told me these were the cheapest x-rays I could find anywhere. (As it turned out, they were to cost well over $100.) Next, he assured me he would like to relieve the pain I was feeling. Naturally, he could not do any adjustments without x-rays. So, I ended up in a dark room, laying face-up on a "wave bed" with electrodes & an icepack on my back. After 10 minutes of this, I was introduced to the receptionist. My back was still in pain & I only owed them $80 for the wasted 2 hours of my life that I will never get back. Do not go to this "wellness center" seeking immediate relief of pain. I you would like to take a tour, to watch an infomercial, & to waste half of your afternoon, give them a call. They will get you right in.

• Pros: location
• Cons: everything else