Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic care aims to identify and reduce spinal stress patterns, including vertebral subluxations, which may contribute to nerve irritation, imbalance, and decreased overall wellness.
How do we get subluxations?
Stress on the spine can develop over time or occur suddenly. Childhood falls, difficult births, emotional tension, car accidents, slips or falls, and sports injuries may all contribute to spinal strain and discomfort.
How do subluxations affect the body?
Spinal nerve stress is common and often goes unnoticed until problems arise. Regular chiropractic checkups can help keep your spine functioning at its best, just as routine exams (i.e. dental check-ups, eye exams,) help maintain your overall health.
What conditions are commonly addressed with chiropractic care?
From headaches and back pain to stress and sleep issues, chiropractic care can play an important role in supporting overall wellness. By improving spinal function and reducing nerve stress, chiropractic care helps the body perform at its best.
Is it safe to get adjusted while pregnant?
Absolutely! Pregnancy places unique demands on the body, and chiropractic care can help support comfort, balance, and overall well-being during this special time. Gentle adjustments may help relieve tension and support healthy spinal function for both mother and baby throughout pregnancy and delivery
When is it appropriate to seek chiropractic care?
If you’re experiencing ongoing back or neck discomfort, frequent headaches, or stiff or achy joints, chiropractic care may be beneficial. It can also be helpful after a strain, flare-up, or physical injury that is limiting your movement or daily comfort.
Many people seek care simply because their body doesn’t feel quite right. You might notice stiffness, shoulder tension at the end of the day, or that certain movements feel harder than they used to. You don’t have to wait for symptoms to worsen—chiropractic care can be a proactive way to support mobility, function, and overall well-being.
What determines how often you should see a chiropractor?
How often you should see a chiropractor depends on your body, lifestyle, and personal health goals. Some people seek care for acute issues such as a stiff neck, back pain, or recurring headaches, while others come in to address past injuries, manage muscle tension from work or daily activities, or simply support overall function and well-being.
Your chiropractor will develop a personalized care plan based on your needs, which typically includes three phases of care:
Relief Care: focuses on helping reduce pain and improve mobility as quickly as possible.
Recovery Care: supports healing, helps strengthen the body, and works to restore normal movement patterns.
Wellness Care: is designed to maintain progress and may help reduce the likelihood of future issues.
After symptoms improve, many people choose to continue with routine chiropractic visits as part of their ongoing wellness routine. Regular care may help support better movement, improved sleep, and greater resilience to everyday stress on the body.
Are adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care is generally regarded as safe when performed by trained and licensed professionals, and serious complications are uncommon. It is widely used as a non-invasive, drug-free option to help manage discomfort and support overall health and wellness.
Chiropractors personalize care based on your individual needs, health history, and goals, with an emphasis on providing safe and appropriate treatment. Research continues to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care, offering an evidence-informed approach for patients making health decisions.
If you have questions or concerns, your chiropractor is available to discuss them and provide clear information. Open communication helps ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout your care journey.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit is designed to help us understand your health and how we can best support you. We’ll take time to review your health history, talk about your goals, and evaluate posture, movement, and areas of tension or restriction.
What should I expect for my report of findings visit?
Please allow 45 minutes to an hour for this appointment so we can review our findings, go over your X-rays, and discuss our recommendations for your personalized care plan. After this, if you are a candidate for chiropractic care, you will receive your first adjustment.
What can I expect for routine visits?
Depending on your specific recommendations, you may receive electric stimulation, intersegmental traction, and therapeutic stretching before or after your chiropractic adjustment.
What should I wear to a chiropractic visit?
For your first visit, we recommend removing all jewelry in case X-rays are needed. Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move with ease during your appointment. Athletic wear, leggings, loose pants, or a comfortable shirt are all good options, as they help your chiropractor better assess posture, range of motion, and movement.
Try to avoid clothing that is overly tight, restrictive, bulky, or difficult to move in so your visit is as comfortable as possible. No special attire is required for chiropractic care—just clothing that allows you to sit, stand, bend, and move freely.
Will there be “cracking” when I get adjusted?
Dr. Lacey utilizes methods and techniques suitable for patients of all ages. This approach does not always produce a “popping” sound. In some cases, however, an adjustment may create a harmless sound known as cavitation.
How long until I feel better?
Every practice member is unique, and we approach care with that in mind—treating each person individually. While many practice members begin to notice improvement in the first couple of weeks, others may require more time depending on their specific condition and needs.
It’s important to understand that pain relief is only part of the process. There is a difference between feeling better and achieving true stability. Our goal is to help practice members reach a stable, balanced state so that symptoms are less likely to return in the weeks, months, or even years ahead.
Do I need to get x-rays?
Each practice member is unique, and the decision to take X-rays depends on your condition and symptoms. In our office, we use X-rays when necessary to gain a clearer understanding of your situation. We believe that seeing what’s happening allows for more informed care—rather than guessing when it comes to your health.
Does Option 1 Chiropractic take my insurance?
We offer straightforward, affordable chiropractic care without billing to insurance. No referrals or approvals are required, making it easy to get the care you need. HSA/FSA payments are always welcome.