Dr. Emmerich with a young boy on the adjusting table at Central Health

Meet Dr. Lucas Emmerich, D.C.

Dr. Lucas Emmerich

Most people who come in have been dealing with it far longer than they should have.

Why I opened Central Health

I opened Central Health in Altoona to practice the way I would want to be treated: listened to first, examined carefully, and never rushed.

Most people who come in with back pain, headaches, or numb feet have been dealing with it far longer than they should have, usually because they were told to wait it out or take something for it. That never sat right with me, and it is a big part of why this practice exists.

My training is in structural chiropractic. Instead of chasing the sore spot, I look at how the spine is sitting and moving as a whole, because that is usually where the problem started. Adjustments are precise and gentle, and every plan starts with an exam and a plain explanation of what I found.

I see families, athletes, expecting mothers, and a lot of people over sixty. Neuropathy and knee pain became a focus after I kept meeting patients who had run out of options, and the free seminars at the senior center grew out of the same thing.

Dr. Emmerich with his family

When I'm not in the office I'm usually outside somewhere in Wisconsin with my family.

What I see most

The problems people bring in, and how I go at them.

A thermal imaging camera held over a bare foot

Feet that burn, tingle, or feel like nothing

Peripheral neuropathy, most often from diabetes, and usually ignored until balance starts to go. I test for the kind of nerve involvement first, then work on circulation and nerve function.

Read more about neuropathy
Dr. Emmerich with a patient on the Knee on Trac

Knees that hurt on stairs

A lot of knee pain has more to do with how the hips, ankles, and the knee itself are moving than with anything that needs surgery. The exam looks at all of it before anyone talks about the knee alone.

Read more about knee pain
Dr. Emmerich checking a young girl's neck

Backs and necks, at every age

From a newborn to a grandparent, most of what walks in is a spine that has stopped moving well somewhere. Care is specific and gentle, and parents stay in the room.

Read more about what I treat

Inside the office

1451 Bluestem Blvd Suite C
Altoona, WI 54720

Just off River Prairie Drive, with parking right out front.

Get directions
Consult room
Consult room
Exam room
Exam room
Adjusting room
Adjusting room
Decompression room
Decompression room
Knee on Trac room
Knee on Trac room
Dr. Emmerich greeting a patient at the front deskWatch the tour
The lobby at Central Health

Who you'll meet

Dr. Britney Hattamer

Dr. Britney Hattamer

Chiropractor

Hi! I'm Dr. Britney Hattamer, a born and raised Wisconsinite, and I'm passionate about helping patients reduce pain, improve movement, and return to activities they enjoy by providing hands-on chiropractic care. No matter what your goals are, I'm here to help support your health journey!

I studied at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI before heading to Logan University in St. Louis, MO to earn my chiropractic degree. I started my career in Tennessee where I spent time working in private practice as well as on the field with Division 1 athletes and USL soccer. I currently reside in Holcombe, Wisconsin, where I enjoy spending time with my family, my dog Cotton, and all the wonderful outdoor activities Wisconsin has to offer.

Jessica Sather

Jessica Sather

Office Manager

Jessica is an Eau Claire native that brings over 20 years of customer service experience, including 18 years in the hospitality and tourism industry. With a degree in Marketing, she loves connecting with people, creating memorable experiences and making others feel welcome and valued.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors, spending quality time with family, and making the most of life's little moments. Her greatest joy is being a mom- her son is her everything and her biggest source of inspiration.

Free seminars at the L.E. Phillips Senior Center

Every quarter I host a free workshop in Eau Claire on neuropathy, balance and fall prevention, chronic knee pain, and keeping your independence.

It is education first: plain language, real options, and time for questions. Anyone is welcome, and family members and caregivers often come along.

Where: L.E. Phillips Senior Center, 1616 Bellinger St, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Next date: call the office or check the senior center's site. Spots can be limited, so register early.

On WQOW 18. Dr. Emmerich has talked on the local news about neuropathy and what people can do about it.

Training and memberships

  • Doctor of Chiropractic
  • Member, International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
  • Member, Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
  • Member, Wisconsin Chiropractic Association
  • Published in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health Chiropractic

5.0 on Google from 144 reviews

In their words, straight from Google.

Dr Emmerich is very personable. He makes me feel at ease with my adjustments. He listens to what I'm struggling with and addresses the issues as they come up.
Sarah G. Google review
Dr. Lucas has helped me tremendously throughout my pregnancy. He listens to my needs and takes the time to explain his approach each time I visit.
Kayla T. Google review
Dr Lucas is awesome, what a great chiropractor. I have been having pain in my lower back for a while and I just couldn't find someone that was able to help me relieve my pain.
Nathan W. Google review
Dr Lucas is so kind, efficient, and knowledgeable! He treated both myself and my newborn with equal expertise. Can't recommend him enough!
Alexa K. Google review
I get excellent care and results at Central Health from Dr. Emmerich!
Diane L. Google review
If you are on the fence about visiting a chiro, this is your sign to do it!! I am SO glad I found Central Health.
Alayna S. Google review
I have been struggling with neuropathy for about 2 years and looking for something other than meds to cope with foot numbness and pain. I was happy to find a doctor who knew about neuropathy and offered a different path.
Margaret K. Google review
Kind, caring, and compassionate. Lucas is an awesome doctor who truly cares about each of his patients' health goals. I would recommend him to anyone living with pain or trying to achieve optimal wellness.
Justin S. Google review
Always greeted with a smile when entering. Dr. Lucas thoroughly explains his plan of treatment and how he will help his patients with their pain management. Highly recommended!!
Trevor A. Google review
Dr Lucas is fantastic and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend him for chiropractic care.
Laura D. Google review
I started seeing Dr Emmerich for neuropathy. I was in constant pain even though I had very little feeling in my feet. In just 3 months the pain is gone and I have feeling in my feet.
Sue M. Google review
Exceeded expectations! Dr Lucas is smart, thoughtful, careful, experienced, and a good listener as he joins with his patients to support greater quality of life.
Heidi W. Google review

Ready when you are

A free consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.

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