Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) How does chiropractic work?

Improper motion or positioning of the bones in the spine can irritate the surrounding nerves, joints, muscles, and ligaments. This causes joint fixation, inflammation, swelling, and spasm of these structures. Pain typically ensues to alert one that something is wrong. Chiropractors restore proper biomechanics allowing the body to heal itself by reducing or removing the source of the problem.

2) What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors can help those who suffer from a variety of conditions, especially neuromusculoskeletal injuries (low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, etc.). Newborns and children can also be treated for various complaints or injuries . Those who have previously gone through back surgery are also excellent candidates for care, especially when facing further surgeries following a failed procedure. Click on Common Conditions to find out more.

3) What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a specific, safe, controlled thrust restoring motion and alignment to a fixated joint. Chiropractors are trained in a variety of techniques, including traditional osseous adjusting and low force instrument adjusting. While most beneficial for all who seek care, low force adjustments are especially useful when treating children and/or geriatrics/seniors. Many people feel calm and relaxed after an adjustment.

4) Will the treatment hurt?

Chiropractic care is very safe. Occasionally, if there are sore and/or inflamed muscles and ligaments, there may be some minor discomfort, which will not typically last long. Most of the time adjustments are painless and feel good.

5) How long until I feel better?

Most people feel relief after their first visit and substantial relief after 6-8 visits. While acute/sudden injuries typically respond to care quickly, chronic or severe cases usually take longer to respond.

6) How much time do I need to schedule for visits?

On your first visit you will be in the office roughly 1-½ hours. Subsequent visits will take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the level of care needed.

7) How long do I have to go?

How long you go or how often you visit your chiropractor is completely up to you. Some choose to seek care on an as needed basis, scheduling visits and receiving care only when something hurts or they're in pain. Others, recognizing the importance of maintenance and prevention, may visit their chiropractor regularly, aware that many of their conditions may be underlying or occurring even before the pain/symptoms begin. Whether you want short term relief from pain or long term resolution/correction, your chiropractor will always recommend what is best in order to help you reach your goal(s).

8) Will my visits be covered by insurance?

While most insurances cover chiropractic, we encourage you to contact our office so we can verify your insurance benefits before your initial appointment.

9) What is the training for a chiropractic physician?

After undergraduate training, a 4-year chiropractic program must be completed before a doctorate in chiropractic is received. Throughout the education program, emphasis is placed on specific chiropractic adjusting techniques. Course work, is very similar to that of medical school, and includes Gross Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Biochemistry. The last two years focus on training in physical and imaging diagnosis, physical therapy, nutrition and exercise rehabilitation. Finally, an internship program is completed before graduation. At this time, supervised student clinicians treat patients at outpatient clinics. Prior to receiving a state license from the board of medicine or governing chiropractic board, your chiropractor must complete rigorous National Board exams (Parts 1-4).

10) Do chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgery?

No, chiropractic physicians do not dispense drugs or perform surgery. We rely on natural, non-invasive methods to help the body heal itself. However, we understand that there is a point where medication and surgery may be necessary.