Your Chiropractic Questions Answered
At Back In Action Chiropractic, patients often have questions about care, insurance, and what to expect during treatment. This FAQ page is designed to give you clear, trustworthy answers so you feel confident before your first visit.
About Chiropractic Care
What does a chiropractor do?
Chiropractors diagnose and treat problems involving the muscles, joints, and nerves, most often in the spine. Care typically includes spinal manipulation and other manual therapies, exercise and posture guidance, and advice to help you move better and reduce pain.
How is chiropractic different from physical therapy?
Chiropractic focuses on joint function and the nervous system, using adjustments to restore motion and reduce irritation. Physical therapy emphasizes exercise-based rehabilitation and movement retraining. Many patients benefit from a combined approach when appropriate.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
For most people, spinal manipulation is considered safe when performed by a licensed professional. Mild soreness or stiffness may occur for 24 to 48 hours. Serious complications are rare, and we screen for conditions where manipulation isn’t appropriate.
What techniques does Dr. McConnell use?
Your care may include diversified adjustments, gentle mobilization, drop-table or instrument-assisted techniques, and soft tissue therapy. We tailor methods to your condition, goals, and comfort level.
Will I need X-rays before starting treatment?
Imaging is not routine. We order X-rays only when your history and exam suggest red flags, trauma, or conditions where imaging will change the plan of care.
How often should I schedule chiropractic visits?
Frequency depends on your condition and goals. Acute injuries may start with 1 to 2 visits per week, then taper as you improve. Wellness care is typically less frequent and based on how you feel and function.
Auto Accident & Injury Recovery
Why should I see a chiropractor after a car accident?
Even low-speed impacts can strain joints, discs, and soft tissues. Early evaluation helps identify hidden injuries, reduce pain, restore motion, and lower the risk of persistent symptoms.
What if I don’t feel pain right away?
Adrenaline and inflammation can delay symptoms for days. If you develop stiffness, headaches, tingling, or reduced motion, get assessed promptly so small problems don’t become chronic.
Can chiropractic care help with whiplash?
Yes. Gentle spinal care, mobility work, and exercise can address neck strain and related headaches. We tailor care to your tolerance and pace.
Do I need to see a chiropractor even if the ER cleared me?
ERs focus on ruling out emergencies. A musculoskeletal exam can uncover issues that don’t show up on scans but still affect function and comfort.
How long does recovery usually take?
Timelines vary based on injury severity, age, and activity. Many patients improve over weeks with consistent care and home strategies, though complex cases can take longer.
Pain & Condition Questions
Can chiropractic care help with headaches and migraines?
For many, neck and upper-back dysfunction contributes to tension-type headaches and some migraines. Targeted care, posture changes, and exercise can reduce frequency and intensity for appropriate cases.
What’s the difference between sciatica and general back pain?
Sciatica is nerve-related pain that can radiate from the lower back into the leg, often due to disc or foraminal issues. General back pain may stay localized in the spine or muscles without leg symptoms.
Can chiropractic care help with arthritis?
While we can’t reverse arthritis, gentle joint work, mobility drills, and strength exercises can ease pain, improve movement, and support daily function.
Does chiropractic improve posture?
Improving joint motion plus targeted strengthening and ergonomic coaching can correct common posture faults and reduce strain over time.
What symptoms mean I should call right away?
Seek urgent care for new numbness or weakness in a limb, loss of bowel or bladder control, severe unrelenting pain, fever with back pain, or recent major trauma.
Can chiropractic care help with shoulder, hip, or knee pain?
Yes, when pain relates to joint mechanics or muscular imbalance. We assess the whole kinetic chain and coordinate with other providers when imaging or specialty care is needed.
Safety & Results
Are chiropractic adjustments painful?
Most adjustments are comfortable. You may feel brief pressure or a quick release. Temporary soreness can occur, similar to starting a new exercise.
What side effects might I feel after an adjustment?
The most common effects are mild soreness, stiffness, or temporary headache that resolve within a day or two. We’ll show you gentle mobility work and hydration tips to ease this.
How quickly will I see results?
Acute issues often improve within a few visits. Longer-standing conditions may need several weeks of consistent care plus home exercises for lasting change.
Will I need ongoing care forever?
No. We set goals, reassess regularly, and taper visits as you improve. Some patients choose periodic wellness care to maintain function.
Is chiropractic care safe for seniors and pregnant patients?
Yes, when techniques are adapted. We use gentler methods and positioning for pregnancy and age-related conditions, and we coordinate with your OB or primary care when appropriate.
New Patients & Appointments
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No referral is required for most plans and for self-pay. If your plan requires one, we’ll let you know during scheduling.
What happens during my first visit?
You’ll complete intake forms, then meet with Dr. McConnell for a consultation and exam. If appropriate, you may receive your first treatment and a personalized plan outlining recommended care, home strategies, and next steps.
How long is an appointment?
Initial visits typically take 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on the services provided.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Avoid bulky layers or restrictive attire so we can assess posture and motion.
How soon can I get a same-day appointment?
We reserve daily openings for urgent needs. Call us, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you, especially after an accident or sudden flare-up.
Insurance, Billing & Specials
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Many health plans include chiropractic benefits, though coverage varies by policy. We verify your benefits, explain any copays or visit limits, and review options before care begins.
What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and how does it work?
In Washington, PIP is an optional auto policy add-on that can pay medical costs, lost wages, and certain services after a crash, regardless of fault. If you didn’t reject PIP in writing, it may be on your policy. We help you confirm benefits and submit claims.
What if I don’t have insurance?
We offer straightforward self-pay options and can outline a care plan that fits your goals and budget.
What’s included in the New Patient Special?
Our special typically includes a consultation, exam, and first adjustment if appropriate. Imaging and specialty services are not included unless stated.
Do you offer payment plans or financing?
If needed, we can arrange phased care and payment options. Ask our front desk for current choices.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
How does spinal decompression work?
A motorized table gently cycles your spine through controlled traction and relaxation. This can reduce pressure on discs and nerves and may allow nutrient-rich fluids to move into the disc spaces.
What conditions does it treat?
Candidates often include people with herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or foraminal narrowing. We screen carefully to ensure decompression is appropriate.
How long do results last?
Relief varies. Many patients notice improvement during a multiweek program and maintain benefits with exercises, posture changes, and periodic follow-ups.
Is spinal decompression safe?
When used with proper screening, decompression is generally well tolerated. Mild soreness can occur. We avoid decompression for certain conditions such as fractures, severe osteoporosis, and recent spinal surgery.
Who is not a candidate for spinal decompression?
People with unstable spinal conditions, acute fractures, advanced osteoporosis, active cancer, recent fusion, or pregnancy are usually not candidates. We’ll review your history to decide safely.
Wellness & Lifestyle
Do I need chiropractic care if I’m not in pain?
Many patients use periodic visits to stay mobile, manage stress-related tension, and prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Can chiropractic care help reduce stress and fatigue?
By improving movement and reducing muscle tension, many patients report better energy and stress resilience. Sleep and exercise habits are important contributors too.
Do you treat children and families?
Yes. We offer age-appropriate, gentle techniques for kids and tailored care for adults and seniors so families can be seen in one clinic.
What stretches or home care should I do between visits?
We’ll prescribe simple mobility and strength work matched to your condition, plus ergonomic tips for your desk, car, and home.
Can chiropractic care improve sleep quality?
Reducing pain and evening tension can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. We also coach on sleep positions and pillow setup.