How do I get over the fear of going to a chiropractor?

Sometimes, people are resistant to going to chiropractors because they are scared of the sounds their joints make when being adjusted. These generally sound like “pops” and are just gases being released from the joints. Nothing is breaking or cracking. Usually, after one or two visits, people get used to the sound and it is no longer an issue.

Other times, people are scared that the adjustments will hurt. However, adjustments almost never hurt. Occasionally, there will be some soreness to the joint, much like the soreness after a hard workout. But the soreness is almost always tolerable, quickly fades, and often patients feel better.

Will I have to keep going to the chiropractor?

Of course not. The number of visits depends on your treatment goals. If you have a straight-forward problem and just want to get out of pain, this can usually be accomplished within 4-6 visits.

If you have a complex, long-standing problem and want to resolve underlying structural issues, then treatment will take longer.

My neck and back hurt. Why should I go to a chiropractor instead of a medical doctor?

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal specialists. Neck and back pain are our bread and butter, the most common conditions we treat all day long. We can differentiate among various types of neck and back pain and utilize different therapies accordingly.

In addition, medical doctors will often prescribe medication as a pain-management tool; unfortunately, the side effects of many medications are not sustainable for people over the long term and do not address the underlying issue.

My medical doctor says I need surgery. Why should I go to a chiropractor?

For most conditions, surgery should be viewed as a last resort because it is more invasive, costly, and requires a longer recovery period than most other forms of treatment. At a minimum, chiropractors can usually provide sufficient pain relief to at least put off surgery for some time. More often, through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehabilitation, pain can be managed indefinitely such that surgery is never necessary.

Disc decompression therapy in particular is a very successful alternative to surgery for patients with vertebral disc issues.