Common Chiropractic Questions

Chiropractic care is an increasingly popular form of healthcare that is effective and safe for musculoskeletal conditions. However, the field as a whole can be obscure and inconsistent.

Here are some of the most common questions that I get about chiropractic care.

What kind of education is required to become a chiropractor?

After receiving our undergraduate degree, we go to chiropractic college for another 3-4 years. The total amount of post-secondary schooling adds up to 7-8 years. Unlike medical doctors, we do not go through a residency program, however, we start working as interns in our last year of school.

What is chiropractic care, and how does it work?

Chiropractic care includes the use of chiropractic manipulations, other soft tissue therapies and rehab exercises to treat musculoskeletal conditions. It works by decreasing pain, decreasing stiffness and tightness, improving range of motion, and allowing the body to heal itself.

What conditions can chiropractic care treat?

Although we specialize in back and neck pain, we also treat the rest of the body, including headaches, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, hip pain, knee pain, and plantar fasciitis.

Is chiropractic care safe, and are there any potential risks or side effects?

Chiropractic care is very safe. The most common side effect is soreness after treatment that may last a couple of days. Minor soft tissue injuries can occur if the chiropractor is too aggressive or if the patient “fights” the adjustment. It is very difficult to cause serious injury to a person with chiropractic adjustments.

Is a chiropractic adjustment painful?

Generally, chiropractic adjustments are not painful. In rare cases, they can be uncomfortable if the patient resists the adjustment or if the patient is already in severe pain.

How long does a chiropractic session last?

This also varies within the profession. Our initial appointments are 40 minutes. We will discuss what your main complaints are, perform a physical assessment, and then end with treatment. Subsequent visits are 20 minutes. We will do a quick check-in and then spend the majority of the time with treatment.

How many chiropractic sessions will I need, and how long will it take to see results?

More often than not patients notice results after the first session. The total number of sessions needed depends on a large number of factors, including the specific condition, the severity, the duration, and your personal response to treatment. In general, 4-6 sessions will set you on a good path. Some also may require ongoing maintenance care due to employment or lifestyle habits.

Have any more questions? Feel free to reach out to us!