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Dr. Phillip McCary, D.C.

Chiropractor

Dr. Phillip McCary is a Chiropractor practicing in Portland, OR. Dr. McCary specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions associated with the neuromusculoskeletal system, while improving each patients functionality and quality of life. Conditions treated include sciatica, neck pain, and arthritis pain, among many others. Dr. McCary seeks to reduce pain and discomfort through manipulation and adjustment of the spine.
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18 years Experience
Dr. Phillip McCary, D.C.
  • Portland, OR
  • University of Washington
  • Accepting new patients

Can chiropractic help with food allergies?

Spinal adjustments are unlikely to help with food allergies. There are many anecdotes of chiropractic care helping improve organic symptoms like constipation, bed wetting and allergies, READ MORE
Spinal adjustments are unlikely to help with food allergies. There are many anecdotes of chiropractic care helping improve organic symptoms like constipation, bed wetting and allergies, but it has not been validated by studies. In most states chiropractors are able to advise on diet and nutrition which could have more of an impact.

Can chiropractic adjustments harm you?

Just about every medical intervention has the potential risk for harm. The key is to weigh the risk of harm vs the benefit of treatment. Chiropractic care has an enviable safety READ MORE
Just about every medical intervention has the potential risk for harm. The key is to weigh the risk of harm vs the benefit of treatment. Chiropractic care has an enviable safety record when compared to other medical interventions, but it is not without risk. The most common harmful side effect is transitory muscle soreness. More serious harmful side effects could include, fracture, pneumothorax, and stroke. Fortunately all of these are exceedingly rare with chiropractic care! You should discuss your particular condition with your chiropractor and together you can choose treatments that have the best chance to help you with minimal risk for harm.

Should I go to a chiropractor for legs pain?

You sure could! Chiropractors tend to be quite good at musculoskeletal diagnosis. They should perform a thorough medical history and examination to determine the cause of your READ MORE
You sure could! Chiropractors tend to be quite good at musculoskeletal diagnosis. They should perform a thorough medical history and examination to determine the cause of your leg pain. From there they should either form a treatment plan or make the appropriate referrals if the cause is not something they can treat.

Can you massage a bulging disc back into place?

No, massage can help with muscle pain and spasm, but normally will not be deep enough to affect the disc. Many disc herniations will resolve over time, so massage could help you READ MORE
No, massage can help with muscle pain and spasm, but normally will not be deep enough to affect the disc. Many disc herniations will resolve over time, so massage could help you manage the pain while your body heals. Chiropractic care, and physical therapy both have various techniques that aim to bring back the herniated disc and could be good options for you.

Can apple cider vinegar help with nerve pain?

Not that I am aware of.

Can a neck adjustment help vertigo?

There are several causes of vertigo and what you have will depend on how much a chiropractor may be able to help. One cause is called "cervicogenic vertigo". That type will often READ MORE
There are several causes of vertigo and what you have will depend on how much a chiropractor may be able to help. One cause is called "cervicogenic vertigo". That type will often respond well to manual treatments including chiropractic adjustments to the spine. Another type we see often is Benign paraxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). That will often respond well to a procedure called the Epley Maneuver. An examination and diagnosis would be required to determine what is causing your symptoms.

Neck Pain

My first thought is, "Go see a chiropractor!" It sounds like the muscle in your neck may be in spasm and there are likely joints that are restricted in your neck. A good chiropractor READ MORE
My first thought is, "Go see a chiropractor!" It sounds like the muscle in your neck may be in spasm and there are likely joints that are restricted in your neck. A good chiropractor can help with this but you could also consider massage or physical therapy. Some things you can try on your own are heat (hot pack, warm shower or Epsom salt bath). Gentle stretches could help as well, but be sure to let pain be your guide when to stop.

What could be the cause of back pain after sleeping?

It could be the position you are sleeping in or the mattress itself. Either of those things can cause excess pressure on different parts of your spine and lead to pain.

Is it too late to fix my posture?

Absolutely not! Posture is mostly about how we hold ourselves which can always be improved.

What activities should you avoid with a herniated disc?

Heavy lifting is an obvious one, anything where your spine is loaded. Extended sitting is also hard on your lumbar discs.

Does chiropractic care soothe heartbreak?

Chiropractic care can help with many physical aches and pains, but in my experience time and other healthy relationships are the best cures for a broken heart.

Should your back hurt after chiropractic?

Not typically. Some patients will feel sore after an adjustment, but that should only last about 24 hours. Make sure you let your chiropractor know how you responded to the treatment READ MORE
Not typically. Some patients will feel sore after an adjustment, but that should only last about 24 hours. Make sure you let your chiropractor know how you responded to the treatment and they can recommend things to help with the soreness and maybe alter your treatment at the next appointment.

Why do chiropractors check leg length?

Good question! One of the main reasons is it gives us a clue if your pelvis may be out of alignment. There are other possible causes as well.

Can I take tramadol after ankle surgery?

This is an important question for you to follow up with your surgeon about.

I have lower abdominal pain?

It sounds like something that needs more investigation. I would suggest you follow up with your doctor again and let them know how you responded to the medication. Imaging, like READ MORE
It sounds like something that needs more investigation. I would suggest you follow up with your doctor again and let them know how you responded to the medication. Imaging, like an ultrasound or CT scan may be necessary.

Is going to the chiropractor 3 times a week too much?

Not necessarily. It really depends on your condition and the treatment plan your doctor thinks is best for you. There is research that suggests going more frequently (2-3 times READ MORE
Not necessarily. It really depends on your condition and the treatment plan your doctor thinks is best for you. There is research that suggests going more frequently (2-3 times per week for the first 2-4 weeks) actually gets the best results for neck pain and low back pain. That being said 3 times per week beyond that initial 30 day phase is more than we typically recommend in our office.

Can you see a chiropractor for wrist pain?

Absolutely! Chiropractors can treat the entire musculoskeletal system. Some may specialize in extremities more than others, but in most states it is well within a chiropractor READ MORE
Absolutely! Chiropractors can treat the entire musculoskeletal system. Some may specialize in extremities more than others, but in most states it is well within a chiropractor scope and skill set.

Can hanging straighten your spine?

I would most likely not recommend that for someone. I think there are other stretches and exercises that will be safer and get better results.

Can a chiropractor adjust your sinuses?

I'll say yes with some qualifications: There are techniques that treat the cranial bones that may have a more direct effect, like craniosacral and sacro-occipital technique. I READ MORE
I'll say yes with some qualifications: There are techniques that treat the cranial bones that may have a more direct effect, like craniosacral and sacro-occipital technique. I have also used an activator adjusting tool to help relieve sinus pressure.

Why do chiropractors recommend ice?

Ice is commonly recommended in the acute phase (first 72 hours) of an injury as a way to decrease swelling and numb pain.