Patient FAQs on Chiropractic Care
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions through precise spinal adjustments and manual therapies to restore alignment, reduce pain, and improve overall nervous system function.
When should I see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic care is worth considering for persistent back or neck pain, headaches, joint stiffness, limited mobility, posture issues, or recovery from an injury or accident.
Do I need a physician referral for undergoing chiropractic treatments?
No. Chiropractors are licensed primary contact healthcare providers, which means you can schedule an appointment directly. However, if you have a complex medical condition or insurance requirements, coordination with your physician may be recommended.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Yes. The majority of major insurance plans include chiropractic coverage. Reach out to our office and we will help determine whether we accept your plan.
How is chiropractic care different from just treating symptoms?
Rather than focusing only on where pain is felt, chiropractors evaluate how the body is moving as a whole. They address the root cause of pain by correcting spinal misalignments and improving nervous system function so your body heals naturally.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
When performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor, adjustments are widely regarded as safe. Serious complications are rare and well-documented in clinical literature.
Are spinal adjustments painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. Mild soreness may follow an adjustment, much like post-exercise fatigue, and typically resolves within one to two days.
Can I perform an adjustment myself?
Self-adjustment is not recommended and can be dangerous. Chiropractic care requires specialized training in spinal biomechanics and precise technique that cannot be safely replicated without professional expertise.
How many spinal adjustments will I need?
Treatment frequency is individualized based on your condition, its severity, and your health goals. Some patients respond quickly, while others benefit from a structured corrective or long-term maintenance care plan.
What conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions, including back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint dysfunction, herniated discs, sports injuries, and nerve-related conditions.
What is sciatica?
Sciatica refers to pain, numbness, tingling, or burning that travels from the lower back into the leg. While many people think sciatica comes only from the sciatic nerve itself, Dr. Grossman explains that symptoms often originate from irritation of spinal nerves in the lower back that later form the sciatic nerve.
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain often develops over time due to altered movement, posture, or alignment rather than a single incident. Everyday stressors, past injuries, repetitive motion, and even early life events can contribute to instability that eventually results in pain.
Can a chiropractor treat scoliosis?
Chiropractic care can support scoliosis management by improving spinal mobility, relieving discomfort, and addressing muscular imbalances, though it does not correct underlying structural curvature.
Is chiropractic treatment safe for pregnant women?
Yes. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care utilize gentle, specialized techniques designed to promote spinal alignment, pelvic balance, and overall comfort throughout each trimester of pregnancy.
What is the success rate of the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique has demonstrated strong effectiveness in optimizing pelvic alignment and encouraging ideal fetal positioning, particularly when administered by a certified practitioner.
Can chiropractors treat infants or babies?
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic care uses extremely gentle, low-force techniques adapted specifically for infants to support proper spinal alignment and healthy neurological development.
Do I need approval from my OB-GYN before starting chiropractic care?
A formal referral is not always required, but consulting your OB-GYN beforehand is strongly advisable, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any pre-existing medical conditions.
What is laser therapy?
Laser therapy in chiropractic is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused light energy to reduce pain and support healing. The laser targets injured tissues and helps improve blood flow and cell repair.
Can spinal decompression be done without surgery?
Yes, spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment. It provides an effective alternative for relieving spinal pain and pressure without the need for invasive procedures like laminectomy.