Chiropractic

Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions involving the muscles, joints, spine, and nervous system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, soft-tissue care, therapeutic exercises, and other conservative treatments to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support overall function.

Chiropractors help patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic care is commonly used for:

* Back pain

* Neck pain

* Headaches 

* Joint pain and stiffness

* Muscle strains and sprains

* Auto-accident injuries

* Sports and work-related injuries

* Sciatica and certain nerve-related symptoms

* Postural and movement-related problems

A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled treatment in which the chiropractor applies a gentle, targeted force to a joint that is restricted or not moving normally.  The goal is to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, relieve pain, and help you move more comfortably. Adjustments may be performed by hand or with a specialized chiropractic instrument.

Chiropractic care works by addressing problems involving joint movement, muscle tension, posture, and physical function.  When joints are stiff or surrounding muscles are irritated, movement may become painful or limited. Chiropractic treatment may help restore mobility, decrease discomfort, and improve the way your body moves.  Care may include adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercises, stretching, and recommendations you can follow at home.

Chiropractic treatment is generally comfortable, but each patient responds differently. You may feel mild pressure or brief discomfort during certain techniques, particularly when an area is already sensitive or inflamed. Some patients experience temporary soreness after treatment, similar to what may occur after exercise. This usually improves within a short period of time.

Please tell us if you are nervous, sensitive to pressure, or have had an uncomfortable experience in the past. We can modify your treatment and use gentler alternatives when appropriate.

A chiropractic adjustment may produce a popping or cracking sound. This is caused by a change in pressure within the joint and the release of gas bubbles from the joint fluid. It is similar to the sound that may occur when you crack your knuckles.  The sound is not a bone cracking, and an adjustment does not need to make a sound to be effective.

For patients who prefer to avoid traditional manual adjustments, we offer gentler techniques and instrument-assisted options that may produce little or no popping sound.

Chiropractic care is generally considered a conservative form of treatment when it is provided by a licensed chiropractor and appropriately matched to the patient.  As with any healthcare treatment, chiropractic care has potential risks and may not be appropriate for every condition. Before beginning treatment, the doctor will review your health history, perform an examination, and discuss any concerns or precautions with you.

When necessary, you may be referred for imaging, medical evaluation, or another type of care.

Becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic typically requires seven to eight years of college and professional education. Most chiropractors complete three to four years of undergraduate coursework, followed by approximately four years in an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program.  Their training includes classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical education in anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, clinical diagnosis, chiropractic techniques, rehabilitation, exercise, and nutrition.  Before practicing, chiropractors must also pass national board examinations and meet state licensing requirements.

Many health insurance plans provide chiropractic benefits, but coverage varies by policy.  Chiropractic care may be covered through private health insurance, Medicare, Workers’ Compensation, and New York No-Fault insurance. Some plans limit the number of visits, require a copayment or deductible, or require prior authorization.