Frequently Asked Questions

Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints. Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is completely free of potential adverse effects. The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness, stiffness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current research shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours.

Doctors of chiropractic are well trained professionals who provide patients with safe, effective care for a variety of common conditions. Their extensive education has prepared them to identify patients who have special risk factors and to get those patients the most appropriate care, even if that requires referral to a medical specialist.

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. They pay the lowest malpractice premiums of all healthcare professionals. Chiropractic is extremely safe for people of all ages (infants to elderly).  We x-ray patients when necessary and screen for osteoporosis, degenerated discs, arthritis, congenital anomalies and a host of other conditions.

An adjustment is the main method of treatment used by your chiropractor. It is a specialized, controlled and safe pressure applied to your spine to restore proper motion and position of your vertebrae. It is a precise procedure that your highly skilled chiropractor has learned and perfected over years of training at a Chiropractic College and in clinical practice.

Adjustment (or manipulation) of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. The same thing occurs when you “crack” your knuckles. The noise is caused by the change of pressure within the joint, which results in gas bubbles being released. There is usually minimal, if any, discomfort involved.

We utilize drop tables and specialized adjusting instruments (Arthrostim)  that are gentle, specific, and highly effective – no popping necessary!

Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, personal injury insurance. workers’ compensation, Medicare, and military veterans.

A referral is usually not needed to see a doctor of chiropractic (DC).  Most plans allow you to just call and schedule an appointment with a DC.

Yes, children can benefit from chiropractic care. Children are very physically active and experience many types of falls and blows from activities of daily living as well as from participating in sports. Injuries such as these may cause many symptoms including back and neck pain, stiffness, soreness or discomfort. Chiropractic care is always adapted to the individual patient. It is a highly skilled treatment, and in the case of children, very gentle.

The hands-on nature of the chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. To be treated by a chiropractor, a patient needs to be in his or her office. A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary.

Although many of our patients continue to receive chiropractic care at Seattle Total Health after their pain has been managed, it is not a requirement to continue care. We do, however, recommend to switch over to wellness care to prevent loss of mobility and to maintain a healthy spine. Wellness care patients usually visit a chiropractor once a month.

Yes.  Your chiropractor will examine your x-ray films and history and make recommendations for care as indicated. Chiropractic care can offer relief for patients with failed back surgeries.

Yes. Anything you have could give us valuable information about you and how to proceed with your care.

If you went to a bad dentist, you would look for another one rather than waiting for your teeth to fall out. If your plumber couldn’t fix a broken pipe in your house, are you going to let your house flood? No!  So, if you have been to a bad chiropractor, find a better one-someone that better suits your needs.

From professional athletes to homemakers, engineers to electricians, young people to seniors, chiropractic care has been the answer to optimum health. Many people see a chiropractor for back, neck or other joint problems. Still, others find that regular visits to their chiropractor keep them in peak condition.

Regularly a dentist checks our teeth, an optometrist checks our eyes and a doctor checks our blood pressure and heart. Yet, we take the spine – a crucial component of our body – for granted. Call us today because regular checkups of your spine can help you maintain better health.

• A thorough review of your specific problem is conducted, including relevant past history and overall health.
• You will be asked to perform physical tests and movements to help identify the problem.
• In certain situations, an X-ray may be used to confirm the history and examination findings and to investigate for the presence of any underlying bone conditions or pathological developments.
• A diagnosis is made, with treatment options for its resolution outlined. If it is, a plan of treatment is communicated. If it is not a chiropractic problem, an appropriate referral is arranged.
• A prognosis is made, taking into account your general health habits, occupation, stress and activity levels.
• Your response to treatment is monitored by your chiropractor, who looks for an improvement to your specific condition, as well as for changes in your overall health.

Two of the basic components of chiropractic care is wellness and prevention. Utilization of exercises, along with nutrition and lifestyle modifications may also be suggested to improve your overall well-being and promote active patient-centered care.