Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the spine and other joints of the body, their connection to the nervous system, and overall patient health. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support function through manual therapy, spinal decompression, soft-tissue therapies, lifestyle recommendations, and fitness coaching.
WHAT TRAINING AND CREDENTIALS DO CHIROPRACTORS HAVE?
A chiropractor has completed a Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) degree. This postgraduate program typically takes four years of graduate-level study in anatomy, physiology, neurology, microbiology, radiology, functional kinesiology, and chiropractic care principles and philosophy. Upon completion of a Doctor of Chiropractic, graduates must take and pass a series of exams to become licensed.
WHAT CONDITIONS DO CHIROPRACTORS TREAT?
Conditions that chiropractic helps treat include: neck pain, tension headaches, migraines, midback pain, low back pain, sciatica, small disc protrusions, pelvis and sacrum alignment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
During your first visit, the doctor will take a detailed health history, including questions about your current symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health. Any X-ray or MRI imaging you bring will be reviewed at this time. A physical examination will then be performed, which may include an assessment of posture, range of motion, spinal and pelvic alignment, and palpation of the spine and surrounding muscles to identify areas of pain, tension, or imbalance. All findings will be clearly explained to you, and treatment will typically begin during the first visit.
WHAT DOES TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?
Treatment is individualized for each patient based on reported symptoms, examination findings, and any available X-ray or MRI imaging. Care may include Cox® flexion–distraction therapy, chiropractic adjustments, and soft-tissue techniques such as gua sha, massage, trigger point therapy, or spinal decompression techniques (including Y-strap–assisted traction / "Ring Dinger" when appropriate). The force and techniques used are carefully tailored to each patient to ensure comfort and safety. At the end of the first visit, patients are provided with a personalized home exercise program, including stretches and corrective exercises.
DO I NEED AN X-RAY OR MRI BEFORE BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT?
In most cases, imaging is not required before your first visit. However, if you are experiencing severe or worsening spinal pain (neck or low back) accompanied by persistent radiating pain, numbness, or tingling into the arms or legs lasting longer than one month, an MRI may be recommended prior to your appointment. Patients who have undergone previous treatment with other healthcare providers without improvement, or who have complex or longstanding symptoms, are also encouraged to bring any existing imaging for review.
DOES A CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT HURT?
No, the manipulation does not hurt. In some cases, the muscles may be sore similar to the feeling of soreness after a workout.
CAN I SEE A CHIROPRACTOR IF I HAD SPINAL SURGERY?
Yes, in most cases, it is very safe to receive chiropractic adjustments once the spine is healed from the surgery.
HOW MANY VISITS WILL I NEED TO FEEL BETTER?
It depends on the severity and cause of the problem, so this will vary from person to person. Generally, after 3-4 visits, there will be significant improvements for most people.
DO I NEED TO GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?
It is recommended to have a regular chiropractic maintenance program. We see our dentists often to take care of our teeth, let us also take care of our spines with regular chiropractic care. Some people are comfortable with chiropractic care 4 times per year, while others benefit from more frequent visits.