What to Expect When
Seeing a Chiropractor
And other frequently asked questions
What to Expect When
Achieve wellness and pain relief
Your health is important, and you should always choose treatments and providers you are comfortable with. Whether you are experienced with chiropractic care or receiving treatment for the first time, our office strives to provide safe, quality care and transparency.
Safe, Non-invasive
Care
Chiropractic uses hands-on
adjustments to provide pain relief.
adjustments to provide pain relief.
Personalized
Treatment Plans
Each patient is treated with techniques
safe for their health condition and lifestyle.
safe for their health condition and lifestyle.
Qualified Health
Care Professionals
A doctor of chiropractic receives
extensive education, similar to an MD.
extensive education, similar to an MD.
Your first visit to our office
It is our goal to make you feel comfortable and cared for each time you visit our office. During your first visit, you will complete medical history paperwork and meet with your chiropractor for a physical exam and consultation. We may utilize x-rays or other imaging to assess your condition.
To best determine your individual treatment plan, you may be asked about previous injuries, postural habits, physical strains, sports, medication usage, repetitive stressors, and more. An overall picture of your health helps us determine the underlying source of your pain and the best treatment options.
If your chiropractor feels your condition is best treated by a different doctor or other licensed health professional, we will refer you to the appropriate provider.
To best determine your individual treatment plan, you may be asked about previous injuries, postural habits, physical strains, sports, medication usage, repetitive stressors, and more. An overall picture of your health helps us determine the underlying source of your pain and the best treatment options.
If your chiropractor feels your condition is best treated by a different doctor or other licensed health professional, we will refer you to the appropriate provider.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Receiving an adjustment
A chiropractor uses a special table made specifically for chiropractic adjustments. You will remain fully clothed during the process, so we encourage you to wear something comfortable. Your adjustment may be performed either while you lay face down, on your back, on your side, or sitting up on the table.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Similar to primary care doctors and specialists, a doctor of chiropractic (DC) must complete undergraduate and postgraduate studies, as well as a clinical internship. Post-graduate studies are completed at a chiropractic college, not medical school.
Chiropractic colleges are four-year programs with specific training regarding the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. To view the standard courses to achieve a doctor of chiropractic degree, visit the Association of Chiropractic Colleges here.
All states require that chiropractors obtain their degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited college. The CCE is overseen by the U.S. Board of Education. After completing their education, chiropractors must pass national board exams and complete continuing education requirements to maintain their license at the national level.
Yes, chiropractors are doctors. No, they are not doctors of medicine (MD).
Are chiropractors safe?
Chiropractic care is one of the first doctor-recommended treatments for low back pain (Source). It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to expensive surgeries and potentially-addictive prescription medications. A variety of techniques makes chiropractic care safe for all ages and most health conditions.
If chiropractic treatment puts you at risk due to a pre-existing condition, your doctor of chiropractic will refer you to the appropriate medical provider.
Are all patients given the same type of care?
No, your chiropractic treatment plan is specific to you. A young athlete with low back pain from sports will not be treated the same by a chiropractor as an older man with arthritis. We offer a variety of techniques that can be adjusted based on your age, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions.
We are committed to offering safe, quality care, and we feel this is only achieved by closely evaluating the needs of each patient and offering personalized treatment methods.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Spinal adjustment done by a chiropractor is a controlled thrust delivered to a joint in your spine. "Controlled" means a specific amount of force in a specific direction. Because this adjustive technique is precise and controlled, it is not painful.
Will I be sore after a chiropractic adjustment?
After receiving an adjustment from a chiropractor, you may feel mild soreness like you would after starting a new exercise routine. This is normal and should resolve itself quickly. Your doctor of chiropractic may recommend ice treatments or light stretching as a follow-up to your appointment to reduce soreness.
Do I need a referral from my general physician?
No, you do not need a referral from a doctor to receive chiropractic treatment.
What is the popping noise during an adjustment?
Any popping or cracking heard during a manual adjustment is not coming from your bones. This sound occurs when your joints release tiny pockets of gas. A chiropractic adjustment affects the connective tissue holding your joints together, not the bones themselves.
How long will a visit take?
Your first visit will take the most time as your doctor of chiropractic gets to know your condition and health history. In general, it takes less than an hour. Follow-up visits can be as short as 10 minutes.
How often do I need to see a chiropractor?
Depending on your condition and treatment goals, your doctor of chiropractic will recommend the appropriate frequency for follow-up visits. Just as you visit the doctor and dentist for preventative care, regular chiropractic adjustments can contribute to your overall wellness and prevent injury.