General Questions About Chiropractic Care

1. What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the nervous system located within the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other techniques to restore proper alignment, relieve pain, and support overall wellness.

2. How does chiropractic care work?
Chiropractic care works by addressing misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations. These misalignments can interfere with the nervous system's function. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors aim to restore alignment, improve nerve function, and promote the body’s natural ability to heal itself.

3. Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. It is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to pain relief and wellness. However, like any medical treatment, there may be rare risks or side effects, which your chiropractor will discuss with you.

4. What conditions can chiropractic care help with?
Chiropractic care is effective for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, vertigo, sciatica, joint pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and car accidents. It can also support better posture, reduce stress, and improve mobility and overall wellness.

5. Will chiropractic care hurt?
Most chiropractic adjustments are painless, and many patients feel immediate relief. Some patients may experience mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise program, but this usually subsides quickly.

6. How does a chiropractor differ from a physical therapist or a medical doctor?
Chiropractors focus on spinal alignment, nervous system function, and holistic wellness. Physical therapists concentrate on rehabilitation and strengthening exercises. Doctors (MDs) provide medical diagnoses and may use medications or surgery, while chiropractic care offers a drug-free, non-surgical approach.

7. Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a chiropractor. However, certain insurance plans (typically HMO plans) may require one, so it's a good idea to check with your insurance provider.

Questions for New Patients

8. What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit, the chiropractor will take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. If necessary, imaging such as X-rays may be recommended. You may receive your first adjustment or treatment during this visit.

9. Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
Yes, please bring any relevant medical records, a list of current medications, and your insurance card if applicable. Comfortable clothing is also recommended for easy movement during the evaluation.

10. How long does a typical appointment take?
The first visit usually takes approximately 30-45 minutes, while follow-up appointments are typically 15-30 minutes, depending on the individualized treatment plan.

11. Will I need X-rays or imaging before treatment?
It depends on your condition. X-rays or other imaging may be recommended if the chiropractor needs more information about your injury, spine, or musculoskeletal system to develop a safe and effective treatment plan.

12. How many sessions will I need before I see results?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and goals. Some patients experience relief after just one visit, while others may need several sessions to achieve optimal results.

13. Are there any age restrictions for chiropractic care?
No, chiropractic care is suitable for all ages, from newborn infants for torticollis treatment, to seniors for arthritis relief. Treatments are tailored to the individual’s needs and physical condition.

14. Can children or seniors benefit from chiropractic care?
Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care for issues like poor posture, tech neck, sports injuries, or general wellness. Seniors often find relief from arthritis, joint pain, and mobility challenges through gentle chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic care.

Treatment-Specific Questions

15. What types of techniques or treatments do you offer?
We offer a variety of techniques, including manual adjustments, instrument-assisted adjustments, drop table adjustments, activator method, spinal traction/decompression, therapeutic rehabilitative exercises, active release muscle therapy, cupping therapy, muscle scraping/gua sha, and lifestyle/nutrition counseling to support your overall wellness for a more comfortable life.

16. Can chiropractic care help with back pain, neck pain, or headaches?
Yes, chiropractic care is highly effective for managing back pain, neck pain, and tension or migraine headaches by addressing underlying spinal misalignments and reducing nerve irritation through spinal decompression and adjustments.

17. Does chiropractic care treat injuries from car accidents or sports?
Absolutely. Chiropractic care is commonly used to treat whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and joint pain resulting from car accidents or sports activities. 

18. Can a chiropractor help with posture issues?
Yes, chiropractors can identify and correct poor posture through adjustments, exercises, and ergonomic advice to help you maintain proper alignment and reduce strain on your body.

19. Does chiropractic care work for chronic pain?
Yes, chiropractic care can be an effective part of managing chronic pain by addressing the root cause, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility.

Practical and Insurance-Related Questions

20. Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage limits can vary. We recommend contacting your insurance provider or our office to verify your benefits.

21. What are the costs of chiropractic treatments without insurance?
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment. We offer competitive pricing and can provide a detailed estimate during your consultation. Please visit our "Service" tab for pricing.

22. Do you accept health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs)?
Yes, we accept HSAs and FSAs as payment for chiropractic treatments.

23. How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling our office, booking online, or visiting us in person. Same-day appointments may be available.

24. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, credit/debit cards, Apple/Samsung Pay, and most insurance plans. Please contact us for details about payment options.

25. Do you offer any payment plans or discounts?
Yes, we offer flexible payment plans and discounts for prepaid treatment packages or family plans. Please ask our staff for details.

Lifestyle and Preventative Care Questions

26. Can chiropractic care help with stress or improve sleep?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments can reduce tension, improve nervous system function, and promote relaxation, which may help with stress management and better sleep.

27. How does chiropractic care improve overall wellness?
Chiropractic care supports overall wellness by enhancing spinal alignment, improving posture, reducing pain, and promoting better nervous system function, which can positively impact your physical and mental health.

28. Do I need to make lifestyle or exercise changes to enhance my results?
Your chiropractor may recommend exercises, stretches, or lifestyle adjustments to complement your care and maximize your results.

29. How often should I see a chiropractor?
The frequency of visits depends on your specific needs and goals. Some patients benefit from weekly or biweekly visits, while others may only need occasional maintenance care.

Safety and Concerns

30. Are there any risks or side effects of chiropractic adjustments?
While rare, some patients may experience mild soreness or fatigue after an adjustment. Serious complications are extremely uncommon, and chiropractors take precautions to ensure your safety.

31. Can pregnant women receive chiropractic care?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for pregnant women. It can help alleviate back pain, sciatica, improve pelvic alignment, and promote comfort during pregnancy.

32. Can I still see a chiropractor if I’ve had surgery or have pre-existing conditions?
Yes, chiropractic care can often be adapted to accommodate pre-existing conditions or post-surgical recovery. Always inform your chiropractor about your medical history so they can tailor treatments to your needs.

33. What if I’m nervous about getting an adjustment?
It’s normal to feel nervous if you’ve never had an adjustment before. Chiropractors are trained to make you feel comfortable and will explain every step of the process to ensure your confidence and relaxation.