FAQ | Elite Wellness Center

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages, with a variety of health conditions. They are especially well known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain and headaches using their highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. DCs also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, ligaments and joints. These painful conditions may involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. In addition, chiropractors offer advice to patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

What is a chiropractic adjustment and how is it performed?

A chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during the doctor’s intensive years of chiropractic education. The chiropractic physician typically uses his or her hands or an instrument to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, in order to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

Do adjustments hurt?

Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment. Any reported soreness after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort and promote healing.

Are adjustments safe?

Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of most pain problems. Adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.

Do you take insurance?

We are a fee-for-service office and are not contracted with any insurance providers. We have chosen this route of service for many reasons, including:

We have a “patient-centered” approach. We spend as much time as necessary with each patient and do not allow insurance companies to dictate how YOU should be treated. You will get the doctor’s undivided attention and the exact care he/she feels you need every visit. If you need a 15-minute appointment or a 45-minute appointment, it doesn’t matter what an insurance company says they will pay for—you will get what the doctor feels you need, not what your policy covers. In today’s healthcare climate, many offices that take insurance have a waiting list of patients. That means if you were treated poorly and you leave that office, there is very little effect on that practice. In essence, you no longer have a vote. If you leave that practice, there is a long line of other folks trying to get in simply because of their insurance coverage.

We do not have that luxury. We must do our very best for every single patient EVERY TIME. We rely on you and your great results so that you will refer your loved ones and friends to our office to share in the same great experience you had. Without you, we would not be able to do what we love to do—help people get well! In a fee for service office, you ALWAYS have a voice, and we would like to keep it that way.

Something you may not have thought as a benefit to a fee-for-service office is your privacy. We work for you, not for a third-party company. Our conversations, notes, etc.–everything stays between us. The ONLY time anything is ever released from our office to another is if YOU request it.

Why do adjustments sometimes make a “popping” or “cracking” sound?

The noises you hear resembling popping or cracking sounds are your joints releasing tiny pockets of air. This is caused by small pockets of air or bubbles, which are in the fluid that surrounds your joints. When joint tissues are stretched during a chiropractic adjustment, the pockets of air “pop,” which creates that cracking sound you hear. After this treatment, you may feel more movement in your back.

Are all patients adjusted the same way?

Each patient’s care is unique and therefore customized to meet their specific condition and needs. We will modify adjustments based on your age, health condition, and the method you may prefer. There are many ways to adjust a patient, including using a tool such as an Activator or Arthrostim.

Can I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?

Many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. Adjustments are adapted to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and the unique needs of each patient. Not only can routine chiropractic care help manage pain in your back, but it also establishes pelvic balance. This can provide your baby with as much space as possible over the course of your pregnancy. This may also lead to a faster and easier delivery. A misaligned pelvis may make it difficult for your baby to get into the best possible position for delivery. This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. The Webster technique is a technique performed by chiropractors to turn a breech baby into the proper position for delivery.

Can children see a chiropractor?

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. In the case of children, it is very gentle. Since significant spinal trauma can occur at birth, many parents have their newborns checked for misalignments of the spine. Many childhood health complaints can be traced back to nerve interference somewhere in the spine. Having the spine checked throughout childhood could prevent health problems that emerge in adulthood. Parents often prefer chiropractic care for their children because of its safe, non-invasive nature.

How many visits will I need?

Treatment plans vary patient to patient depending on a variety of factors, including your diagnosis, how long it has been going on for, your age, health lifestyle, and many others. It’s our job to get you out of pain as fast as possible, but that doesn’t mean the root cause of your problem is fixed as quickly. Everyone is different, and everyone will heal differently. Treatment plans will be discussed with your doctor where you can get a better idea of how many visits you will need.

Do you take X-rays?

X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary. Chiropractors are fully qualified to take and read X-rays – though at Elite Wellness Center, we have chosen not to have this in-house. We will refer you to a local imaging center for the imaging needed, or, if you prefer, you can consult with your GP.