As each person’s condition is different, the length of time it takes to heal will also be different. However, most patients feel some improvement almost immediately, and continue to gradual feel better, but some do take time to improve if the condition is more involved.

Only if you want to stay healthy and feel great forever! You are never under any obligation to accept recommendations for treatment, but usually people like to stay on some level of check up to avoid going back in pain that sent them to our office in the first place. The level of care you need depends on your body health, and your daily activities. Common sense tells us that the tougher we are on our body, the more adjustments likely we will need to maintain health. You will talk to Dr. Barnes to determine what is best for you and your family.

The cracking, or cavitation is not bones crunching, it is simply the fluid and the air inside the joint mixing as the joint is taken to the level of tension needed for the adjustment. Similar to pulling on a finger and making the popping sound, there can be no bones crunching together, because your bones are actually being slightly separated in the joints. Now, you can get an adjustment in your joints without any noise at all, and then other times we use a tool to adjust your spine, which won’t make noise either. Some people prefer the tools, and others prefer the hands-on manual adjustments, and come to love the noise, because then they feel so much better!

Usually adjustments feel great, relieving, and are not painful at all. However, if you have an area that is sore already, just pressing on the area can be tender. If there is much swelling and soreness, it may be a sore to get worked on initially, but hopefully that is the start of better health to come.

Yes, majority of the time we do adjust on the first visit. Not all chiropractors do this, often they will have you come back for a report on what they found, but we do this all in one visit. If we need you to get x-rays done before your adjustment, then we will have you come back the same day, or follow up as soon as possible.

Good question! Yes, there are a few hundred techniques, as well as a science and art of adjustment mixed together. A good starting place is a referral from someone who has used the chiro you are going to see. Or, ask questions about the technique to the reception staff when you call to see if the chiropractor uses more hands-on manual methods or tools. There is no way to know if you will do well with a particular chiropractor until you give it a try. Give us a call, ask some questions, or let’s chat at your first appointment.