Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractic care commonly includes evaluation, manual therapies such as spinal manipulation or mobilization, and recommendations intended to improve function and reduce musculoskeletal pain.

Chiropractic care uses examination and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine and its joints. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, mobilization, soft-tissue techniques, exercise, and other approaches intended to improve mobility and function and reduce pain.

Spinal manipulation is generally considered safe when appropriately performed for suitable patients, but no treatment is completely without risk. Temporary soreness, stiffness, discomfort, or headache can occur. Before treatment, the chiropractor evaluates the patient’s history and condition to determine whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate and whether modifications or referral are needed.

No. The doctor evaluates each patient’s history, examination findings, age, health, and individual condition before recommending care. Techniques and treatment recommendations are selected for the individual patient.

Possibly. A history of spinal surgery does not automatically rule out chiropractic care, but it can affect which treatments are appropriate. The type of surgery, current symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and other medical factors should be reviewed before treatment. In some cases, consultation with the patient’s surgeon or another specialist may be appropriate.

Trying to reproduce a chiropractic adjustment yourself is not the same as receiving an examination and a specifically selected treatment from a trained clinician. Twisting or forcing a joint simply to produce a popping sound may not address the underlying problem and may aggravate some conditions.

Symptoms alone do not always identify the source of a spinal or musculoskeletal problem. Pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and restricted movement can have many possible causes. An appropriate history and physical examination are used to determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.

Some children receive chiropractic care, particularly for musculoskeletal complaints. Children require age-appropriate examination and treatment, and techniques should be modified for the child’s age, size, development, and condition. Symptoms that may indicate an underlying medical problem require appropriate evaluation and referral.

Pregnancy does not automatically rule out chiropractic care, but treatment should be adapted to the individual patient and stage of pregnancy. Back and pelvic pain are common during pregnancy, and some symptoms can also indicate pregnancy complications. Pregnant patients should tell their chiropractor about their pregnancy and relevant medical or obstetric conditions so that appropriate care, modification, or referral can be determined.

Spinal and other joint manipulations sometimes produce a popping or cracking sound, although an effective treatment does not require a sound. The sound is associated with pressure changes within the joint and does not mean that a bone has been put back into place.

No. Chiropractic treatment is not physiologically addictive. The appropriate frequency and duration of care depend on the patient’s condition, response to treatment, goals, and clinical findings.