Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions in Harrisonburg VA

Chiropractic care is grounded in the belief that the body has a natural ability to heal itself, especially when the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally. Chiropractors believe that spinal misalignments, known as subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system and affect overall health. By correcting these, the nervous system can function more effectively. Chiropractic care is non-surgical and drug-free, focusing on hands on techniques, lifestyle guidance, exercise, and nutrition to restore health.

Chiropractors help conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, especially those involving the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. Common conditions include back pain, neck pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, knee pain, wrist pain (including carpal tunnel-like symptoms), and headaches. Our vision for chiropractic care not only treats pain and acute conditions but we believe in maintaining and optimizing your overall health, preventing future problems, and promoting long-term spinal and nervous system function.

A chiropractic adjustment (also called a spinal manipulation) is a manual technique used by chiropractors to improve joint function, reduce pain, and correct subluxation while enhancing the body’s physical function and allowing it the ability to heal itself.

Yes, when performed by a licensed and properly trained chiropractor. Chiropractors go through extensive education and clinical training to ensure safe and proper adjustments.

The number of chiropractic visits you will need depends on several personal factors, including your condition, severity, overall health, and treatment goals.

Chiropractic care offers several potential benefits such as pain relief without drugs or surgery, improved mobility and range of motion, better posture and alignment, tension and headache relief, improved nervous system function, and overall well-being. It also promotes innate intelligence which refers to the body’s ability to heal, regulate, and maintain itself.

Chiropractic treatment is generally safe when administered by a licensed and properly trained chiropractor. Dr. Atwell will always perform a thorough comprehensive exam to ensure your safety before your first adjustment with us. These exams include, but are not limited to, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, x-rays as needed, digital spinal analysis through surface EMG, posture analysis, and digital foot scans.

Chiropractic adjustments are typically not painful. You may experience some soreness or stiffness after your adjustment that will typically go away within 24-48 hours.

I listen first, adjust second; I don’t do cookie-cutter care, I start with a full consultation and exam to build a treatment plan that is about you. I use techniques supported by the latest research along with the latest diagnostic technology to ensure the best treatment plan is made for you. I respect your time and your intelligence; you’ll get clear explanations of what’s happening and how I plan to help. I focus on results, not just adjustments; we are here to help you become healthier. At my office you aren’t just another patient, you are family.

The length of time depends on the type of visit you are coming in for. Your initial visit is approximately 45 minutes long; this allows us the time to get to know you and perform thorough exams before your first adjustment. Regular office visits can be anywhere between 5-10 minutes, and Re-Evaluations done periodically, to measure improvements and guide care are usually 15-20 minutes long.

Chiropractic education is a highly focused, and intensive education that trains individuals to become Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). The typical educational path looks like at least 4 years of undergraduate study followed by 5 years of chiropractic school. Once their schooling is completed, they must pass 4 national board exams.

Yes! Pregnant women seek chiropractic treatment to help manage common pregnancy related discomforts, especially as the body changes and the baby grows. Chiropractic care through pregnancy can aid in better labor and delivery.

Self-adjusting is not recommended! Self-adjusting runs a high risk of injury that can lead to serious issues and in some cases make problems even worse.

Absolutely, chiropractic care can help with tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. Regular adjustments will help remove misalignments (subluxations) of the spine, reduce muscle tightness and joint restrictions in the neck and upper back, improve posture that might be contributing to headaches, enhance nerve function by reducing irritation, and decrease stress and tension through relaxation of muscles.

Yes, chiropractors can help with sports injuries, especially those involving muscles, joints, and spine. Dr. Atwell has extensive training with sports injuries and is a Certified Sports Medicine Specialist (CSMS). Many professional athletes include chiropractic care as part of their performance and recovery routine.

Yes, many parents choose chiropractic treatment for their kids to address issues like muscle tension such as Torticollis (tight neck muscles), postural problems, colic, ear infections, and bedwetting.