Frequently Asked Questions in Cleveland OH

Chiropractic is about helping your body work the way it was designed to. When your spine is in alignment, your nervous system can do what is supposed to do without any interference. This allows us to live with less pain, better movement, and a clearer mind.

Chiropractors work with a wide range of conditions, all with the goal of supporting the body’s natural ability to heal. Neck and back pain, headaches, and general joint discomfort are most common in a chiropractor's office. But chiropractic can also help with issues you might not immediately think of, like sciatica, migraines, even some kinds of dizziness, and much more!

A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, focused, and hands-on technique done to the spine or different joints of the body, to restore proper movement and alignment. The goal of an adjustment is to gently correct the misalignment, relieve tension from the nervous system and help the body feel and heal better.

Yes, chiropractic care is generally very safe, especially when provided by a trained and licensed chiropractor. Chiropractors are skilled in assessing each patient’s unique needs and choosing techniques that match their condition, age, and comfort level. Adjustments are typically low-risk, non-invasive, and tailored to avoid unnecessary strain.

Many people feel relief or improved mobility after adjustments and serious side effects are rare. For those concerned, chiropractors can use gentler techniques, like activator or drop-table adjustments, which can be just as effective but with minimal pressure. Like any form of healthcare, it’s always best to communicate with your provider about any concerns so they can ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.

The number of chiropractic treatments you might need really depends on your specific situation, goals, and how your body responds. For some people, a few visits can be enough to feel significant relief, especially if it's a newer or mild issue. For others with more chronic or complex conditions, or if they are looking for long-term wellness benefits, regular visits might be helpful over a few weeks or months, or even years.

Many people start with a series of visits to address their immediate concerns, then taper down as they start to feel better, moving to a maintenance schedule if that feels right for them. Ultimately, it’s a conversation we’d have together based on your progress, lifestyle, and what you are hoping to achieve.

The benefits go beyond the traditional relief of back and neck pain, headaches, or general body aches. That is more of the physical stuff that patients come in for. When your nervous system is firing better signals as it should, you tend to sleep better, feel less stressed, and have more energy to keep up with work, family, and just life! It’s about helping you stay well without needing a ton of meds or invasive treatments, so you can keep up with everything and feel good while you are doing it.

There is a very low risk associated with chiropractic treatment. The most common side effects are mild soreness or stiffness in the area that was adjusted, which typically won’t last more than a day or two. Rarely, there may be some fatigue following an adjustment. If someone has specific conditions, like severe osteoporosis, bone fractures, or certain types of spinal instability, we might avoid or adapt certain techniques to best fit the patient.

The key is a tailored approach, and chiropractors are trained to evaluate each patient’s health history and needs to ensure that the treatment is both safe and effective. If you are ever concerned, a good chiropractor will take the time to answer questions and discuss any potential risks in greater detail.

Chiropractic adjustments aren’t typically painful. Most people actually feel a sense of relief or lightness afterward. The adjustment itself is usually quick, and while you might feel a bit of pressure or hear a popping sound (that’s just gas being released from your joint), it generally isn’t uncomfortable.

If you are sore after an adjustment, it’s usually mild and goes away within a day or two, similar to the feeling after a good workout. Always let your chiropractor know if you have any soreness following an adjustment and they can tailor their technique/pressure to make you feel more comfortable.

I bring a unique blend of experience, skill, and a patient-centered approach that is hard to find. I have 6 years of experience working with families, pediatrics, geriatrics, pre/postnatal, and athletes. I am not just focused on cracking your back, I want to take the time to understand what you want and what's best for your body.

I love to incorporate lifestyle modifications into your daily life to save you trips to my office.

I will not force you to come in for a bunch of visits either. Together, we will come up with a plan to get you the relief that you need.

I am all about efficiency; that is why I chose to practice in the heart of downtown Cleveland. I want to be available for you during your busy work week (probably when you need it the most).

Your first/initial visit will be a little bit longer so we can set up the time needed to assess what might be going on properly and to determine what the best and safest course of treatment is. This visit is usually 20-30 minutes long. After that, your visits moving forward will be anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on how much of a rush you are in. We never pre-determine visit times because there might be days when you have a new injury or need to discuss other topics, but an adjustment takes no more than 5 minutes.

Chiropractors go through a rigorous education and training process. After completing a bachelor’s degree with a strong focus on sciences like biology, anatomy, and physiology, they attend an accredited chiropractic college for about 4 years. Chiropractic school is intense, with thousands of hours of coursework in subjects like anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, nutrition, and biomechanics, along with hands-on training in chiropractic techniques and patient care.

In addition to classroom learning, chiropractors complete clinical internships, where they work directly with patients under the supervision of licensed chiropractors. This gives them real-world experience before they graduate. After school, they must pass a series of national board exams to get licensed, and in most states, they’re also required to complete continuing education each year to stay up-to-date on the latest practices and techniques. This extensive education prepares chiropractors to deliver safe and effective care.

Yes, pregnant women can absolutely see a chiropractor, and many find it incredibly beneficial! Chiropractic care during pregnancy is generally very safe and can help manage the common discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as lower back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care use specific techniques and equipment designed to accommodate a growing belly and ensure both mom and baby are safe and comfortable.

Beyond pain relief, chiropractic care can also help improve alignment and balance, which is especially helpful as the body undergoes so many changes. By keeping the pelvis aligned, chiropractic care may also support optimal positioning for the baby, which can potentially contribute to an easier, more comfortable labor and delivery.

If you’re pregnant and considering chiropractic care, just make sure to choose a chiropractor who has experience and training in prenatal techniques - they will know how to adjust treatment specifically for you and your baby’s needs.

Chiropractic care isn’t addictive, but many people choose to keep coming back because they enjoy the benefits and how it makes them feel. After experiencing relief from pain, increased mobility, or simply feeling more balanced, some patients decide to incorporate chiropractic adjustments into their regular wellness routine.

The frequency of visits is always up to the patient. For some, a few sessions are enough to address a specific issue, while others prefer periodic visits as part of maintaining overall health. Chiropractic care is about supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and function well, but there shouldn’t be any pushy tactics from the doctor for continued care unless it’s something you feel benefits your life.

The “crack” sound during a chiropractic adjustment is simply gas being released from the joint. Within each joint, there’s fluid that contains gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. When we apply gentle pressure to a joint, it can create a change in pressure within the joint space, causing these gases to release suddenly — that’s the sound you hear!

This release of gas doesn’t mean anything’s breaking or being damaged. The sound isn’t necessary for a successful adjustment either; some techniques don’t produce any sound at all. The goal of the adjustment is simply to improve movement and relieve tension, whether there’s a pop or not.

Pops or cracks can naturally happen when we stretch or move in certain ways, and that’s usually harmless. However, people shouldn’t actively try to forcefully adjust themselves, especially not repetitively or with significant pressure. Self-adjusting can put unnecessary strain on joints and ligaments, and because it’s not targeted, it might actually end up affecting areas that don’t need it while leaving problem areas untreated.

Chiropractors are trained to adjust specific joints safely and accurately based on what each person’s body needs. When people try to do it themselves, they can end up over-stretching or loosening areas, leading to instability or even more discomfort over time. If someone feels the urge to adjust frequently, it could actually signal an underlying issue that might benefit from a professional evaluation.

Traditionally, most major insurance policies do cover chiropractic care. However, not taking insurance allows us to focus directly on providing quality and personalized care without the restrictions or limitations often placed by insurance companies. When we don’t have to navigate insurance approvals or wait for reimbursements, we can spend more time with each patient, tailor treatments specifically to their needs, and use the techniques that are best suited for them - without worrying about what insurance will or won’t cover.

It also keeps the practice’s costs more transparent, so there are no unexpected bills or hidden fees after a visit. Instead, patients know exactly what they are paying for, allowing them to focus on their health and wellness without dealing with the complexities and delays of insurance. Ultimately, it lets us provide more flexible and accessible care, with patients able to work directly with us to find a plan that fits both their goals and their budget.

Yes, chiropractic care can be highly effective for managing back pain. Chiropractors specialize in identifying and addressing the root causes of back pain, whether it’s due to misalignments, muscle tension, or even posture-related issues. Through adjustments, we work to restore proper movement and alignment to the spine, which can relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce inflammation.

Beyond adjustments, chiropractors often provide guidance on lifestyle changes, stretches, and exercises that can support long-term relief and help prevent future pain. Since chiropractic care is natural and non-invasive, many people find it an excellent alternative or complement to other approaches, such as physical therapy or, in some cases, medication. It’s all about supporting the body’s natural ability to heal, so you can get back to living life comfortably and actively.

Yes, chiropractors can be really effective at treating neck pain. Neck pain often comes from things like poor posture, muscle strain, or misalignment in the spine — things we’re trained to address. Through gentle adjustments, we work to improve the alignment of the neck and relieve any pressure on the nerves, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

We also look at what might be contributing to the pain, like your work setup or how you’re sleeping, and we’ll share exercises or stretches to support the neck and keep it feeling good. For a lot of people, this natural, hands-on approach not only helps with pain relief but also with keeping that pain from coming back.

Yes, chiropractic care can be really helpful for managing certain types of headaches, especially tension headaches and some migraines. Headaches often stem from tension or misalignment in the neck, shoulders, or spine, which can put pressure on nerves and affect blood flow. By using gentle adjustments to improve alignment and relieve tension in these areas, chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

We can also look at lifestyle factors, like posture or stress, that might be contributing to the headaches. Plus, we’ll suggest stretches and simple adjustments to your daily routine that can keep that tension at bay. Chiropractic care takes a natural, holistic approach to headache relief, targeting the root cause rather than just treating the symptoms, which a lot of people find really effective for long-term relief.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy share some similarities, as both aim to improve movement, relieve pain, and support overall function. But they come from slightly different approaches and philosophies.

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments and other manual techniques to align the spine, reduce nerve interference, and support the body’s natural healing process. Chiropractic is often hands-on and adjustment-focused, targeting misalignments to help improve mobility and relieve pain.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes rehabilitating muscles, joints, and overall function through targeted exercises, stretches, and sometimes modalities like heat or ultrasound. Physical therapists work with a wide range of injuries and conditions, focusing on strengthening and retraining the body’s movement patterns to prevent future issues.

While chiropractors often address the spine to help the whole body function better, physical therapists focus more on rehabilitating specific areas through exercise and strength work. Some people find a combination of both chiropractic and physical therapy gives them the best results, depending on their goals and specific needs.

Absolutely! Chiropractic care can be very effective for sports injuries. Many athletes experience issues like strains, sprains, or joint pain due to the physical demands of their sports. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat these types of injuries by restoring proper alignment and function to the spine and joints, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Through adjustments, we can relieve pressure on nerves, improve the range of motion of joints, and support faster recovery. Additionally, chiropractors can offer guidance on injury prevention strategies, proper warm-up techniques, and rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the affected areas and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, chiropractic care can play a key role in keeping you healthy and performing at your best. It’s all about supporting your body’s natural healing processes and helping you stay in the game!

Absolutely, chiropractic care can really help improve posture. Many people who sit at desks all day or spend time commuting can develop poor posture, leading to discomfort and even chronic pain. And being downtown Cleveland makes it super convenient for all those workers and commuters!

In our office, we can assess your spine and identify any misalignments or muscle imbalances that might be contributing to that slouch or stiffness. With targeted adjustments, we help realign your spine and relieve tension in those tight muscles, making it easier to maintain good posture throughout your day.

Plus, we’ll provide you with tips and exercises that you can easily integrate into your busy routine. Since we’re right in the heart of downtown, you can pop in during your lunch break or after work to get the care you need without missing a beat. It’s all about helping you feel your best, so you can tackle your day with confidence!

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will start by conducting a thorough assessment, which may include a physical exam and discussing your medical history and specific concerns. Once we’ve identified the areas that need attention, the adjustment itself typically involves the following steps:

1. Positioning: You’ll be positioned comfortably, often lying face down on a specialized chiropractic table. Depending on the area being treated, you may be adjusted in different positions.
2. Technique Selection: The chiropractor will select the appropriate technique based on your needs. This could involve a quick, targeted thrust to a joint to help restore alignment and mobility, often producing that characteristic “crack” sound from gas release in the joint.
3. Adjustment: Using their hands or specialized instruments, the chiropractor applies gentle pressure to specific joints, focusing on areas that may be misaligned or restricted. The goal is to improve movement and relieve tension.
4. Post-Adjustment: After the adjustment, you may be given advice on stretches, exercises, or lifestyle modifications to support your recovery and maintain alignment.

The entire process is usually quick and straightforward, and most patients feel a sense of relief and improved mobility afterward. The adjustments are tailored to each individual, ensuring that care is both effective and comfortable. If there are ever any concerns about the chiropractic adjustment, always feel comfortable to ask your chiropractor! (Trust me, they LOVE explaining it)

Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe for children and can be very beneficial. Chiropractors who specialize in pediatric care are trained to adjust children gently and appropriately, using techniques tailored to their size and developmental stage.

Many parents seek chiropractic care for their children to address issues like growing pains, sports injuries, or even common conditions like ear infections or colic in infants. By ensuring proper spinal alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic care can support a child’s overall health and development.

It’s important to choose a chiropractor with specific training and experience in treating children, as they understand how to adjust techniques to ensure safety and comfort. Overall, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to a child’s healthcare routine, promoting wellness and helping to manage any discomfort they might experience as they grow.