FAQ
Questions, answered plainly.
If yours is not here, call (913) 355-5998. A real person answers during office hours.
FAQ
Everything people ask
What does Axis Spine & Disc treat?
Spine, disc and nerve-related problems: herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc problems, low back pain, neck pain, and numbness or tingling that traces back to the spine. We also see expecting mothers with pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. Every patient starts with an evaluation to determine whether our nonsurgical approach is appropriate.
What happens during my first visit?
Three things. We talk about your symptoms, your history and what you have already tried. We examine your spine and the nerves that leave it, and review any imaging you bring. Then, if you are a candidate, you begin treatment the same day. Plan on about 45 minutes.
How much does the initial visit cost?
$149. That covers the evaluation and three treatment visits. If we determine you are not a candidate, you are refunded in full. Anything beyond those visits is discussed with you in person, in writing, after we know how you respond.
How does the treatment work?
It is nonsurgical, and you are seated and reclined for it — not face-down and not in a harness. The system gently separates the vertebrae to take pressure off a disc and the nerve beside it, then releases, in a controlled cycle. Treatment can be directed at the low back or the neck, and the settings are set for you. Whether it is appropriate for you depends on your evaluation. How we treat, in plain English.
Do you treat herniated discs?
Yes, when the evaluation shows the herniation is the source of your symptoms and the pattern is one our approach suits. Many herniated discs improve without surgery. About herniated discs.
Do you treat sciatica?
Yes. Sciatica is a symptom with several possible causes, and the evaluation identifies yours. When a disc is compressing the nerve root, nonsurgical treatment is often appropriate. About sciatica.
Do you treat bulging discs?
Yes, when the bulge is actually the reason you hurt. Bulging discs are common on MRI and are often painless, so the evaluation matters. About bulging discs.
Do you treat spinal stenosis?
Some patients with spinal stenosis are appropriate for nonsurgical treatment and some are not. We are careful about the difference, and the evaluation is where we tell you honestly which group you are in. About spinal stenosis.
Do I need an MRI?
Not to be evaluated. The examination comes first, and many patients are treated on the basis of the examination alone. If your findings warrant imaging, we will say so and help you arrange it.
Can I bring my MRI?
Please do. Bring the report and, if you have it, the disc or a link to the images. We read your imaging alongside the examination rather than instead of it.
Do you accept insurance?
The evaluation and treatment visits are self-pay at the price listed on this site, and we can provide an itemized receipt for a health savings or flexible spending account. Call (913) 355-5998 with questions about your situation.
How long does treatment take?
The first visit is about 45 minutes. A treatment visit after that is short — most people are in and out in well under half an hour. How long a course of care lasts depends on your condition and your response, which is exactly what the evaluation and first treatment visits are for.
How many visits will I need?
We do not know until we have evaluated you and seen how you respond to the first treatment visits. Any recommendation beyond those is made in person, in writing, and you decide.
Do I have to commit to a long-term treatment plan?
No. The first step is the evaluation and three treatment visits. There is no obligation beyond that, and no recommendation is made before we have examined you and measured your response.
What if I'm not a candidate?
We tell you, you are refunded in full, and we point you to the right next step — a physician, a specialist, a physical therapist or imaging. Telling people the truth at the first visit is the whole point of starting with an evaluation.
Is the treatment painful?
Most patients describe it as comfortable — some fall asleep. You are seated and reclined, not face-down, and the force is gradual and individualized. If anything is uncomfortable, the settings change.
What makes your treatment different?
Focus and measurement. We do one thing, we evaluate before we recommend, and we track how you respond rather than prescribing a fixed number of visits and hoping. Dr. Matt Metcalf has supervised more than 65,000 nonsurgical spine treatment visits over 25 years in practice.
The first step
Start with an evaluation.
Evaluation + 3 treatment visits
$149
Your first step is simple. We evaluate your condition, determine whether you are an appropriate candidate, and begin treatment if appropriate.
Schedule Your EvaluationIf we determine you are not a candidate, you are refunded in full.
What's included
- A one-on-one consultation about your symptoms, history and what you have already tried
- A focused spine and nerve examination
- Review of any imaging you already have (MRI, CT or X-ray)
- A clear answer on whether our nonsurgical approach is appropriate for you
- Three treatment visits, if you are a candidate
- A written summary of what we found and what we recommend
No long-term commitment. Anything beyond these visits is discussed with you in person, in writing, after we know how you respond.
Find out whether we can help.
If you're dealing with spine, disc or nerve pain that hasn't gone away, start with an evaluation.
1011 E 151st St, Suite A, Olathe, KS · Mon – Wed 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Thu 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM