At Lake Stevens Chiropractic, we know you may have questions before you schedule your first visit. Our goal is to make chiropractic care simple to understand, comfortable to experience, and effective in helping you get back to what you love doing.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask us in the office.
What conditions do you treat most often?
The most common conditions we treat are spine-related pain and injuries. As we share in our video, “The most common conditions we treat are pain associated with the spine, lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain.” These issues are often related to joints that are not moving the way they should, irritated nerves, or inflammation in the surrounding muscles and soft tissues.
Every day, we see patients with:
- Lower, mid, and upper back pain
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Sciatica and radiating leg pain
- Headaches and migraine-type symptoms
- Disc-related problems, including bulging and herniated discs
- Car accident injuries such as whiplash
- Work-related strains and posture-related pain.
We perform a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and then build a care plan aimed at longer-lasting relief and better function, not just short-term pain masking.
Do you help after car accidents and work injuries?
Yes. We help many patients recover from car accidents and work-related injuries. In the video we note, “We take care of a lot of patients involved in car accidents, whiplash type injuries, work injuries,” and that has been true in our office for decades.
Whiplash can affect the neck, upper back, shoulders, and even cause headaches and difficulty concentrating. Work injuries can range from lifting injuries and falls to “computer neck,” repetitive strain, and posture-related pain. Our focus is to evaluate the injured area, restore normal motion to the joints, reduce inflammation, and support healing so you can return to your job and daily activities as safely and comfortably as possible.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
One of the most common fears new patients have is that an adjustment will be painful. As we explain in the video, “Now, the short answer is no.” The vast majority of the time, chiropractic adjustments feel relieving rather than painful.
When a joint is “fixated or locked,” it can trigger an inflammatory response and swelling, which is where much of the pain comes from. “Specifically chiropractic adjustments actually relieve the pressure.” By restoring normal motion, we help reduce that irritation so the joint can move and feel better.
That said, if you are in a very acute or severely inflamed state, there can be some short-term soreness as we gradually help the joint start to move again. We always work within your comfort level and use techniques tailored to your condition and tolerance, with the goal of helping you feel better as quickly and safely as possible.
How do chiropractic adjustments help relieve pain?
Chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore motion to joints that are not moving properly. When a joint is stuck or restricted, the surrounding tissues can become irritated and swollen, which adds to your pain. As we share in the video, “When we adjust, we actually relieve that pressure,” allowing the joint to move more freely.
As mobility improves, “the fluids flow through the joint and it cools or soothes that joint down.” This improved movement can decrease inflammation, reduce nerve irritation, and help muscles relax. Over time, that combination often leads to less pain, better flexibility, and improved function in day-to-day life.
How long does it take to start feeling better?
Healing time varies from person to person. Some patients feel a noticeable difference after just a visit or two, while others need more time because their condition is more chronic or related to significant trauma. As we explain, “I have some patients that will come in and within 1 or 2 adjustments, they’re feeling substantially better,” which we define as at least a 50% improvement.
For more complicated problems, such as injuries from car accidents, ligament damage, or long-standing spinal issues, recovery can take longer and may require a more structured plan. As a general guideline, “typically within about 12 visits, you should feel a substantial improvement as far as your pain and your general function.” Our goal is to help you see measurable progress while working toward longer-term stability.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Chiropractic care has a strong safety record when performed by a licensed, trained chiropractor. In our video, we emphasize that chiropractic adjustments are “very, very safe. There’s been a lot of research done on this.” We describe chiropractic as a natural form of health care because “we’re not putting anything into the body. We’re not taking anything out of the body.”
Instead, we work with your body’s structure and movement to reduce stress on joints and nerves. Research and malpractice insurance data consistently show that chiropractic carries a lower risk profile than many more invasive treatment options, especially when it comes to serious adverse events. As with any healthcare decision, we always review your history, perform an examination, and discuss any concerns before starting care.
Do you see pregnant women?
Yes, we regularly care for pregnant women. In the video we note, “We do take care of a lot of pregnant women. Work with them through their pregnancy. Chiropractic is very effective at helping through those processes.” Pregnancy can place extra stress on the spine, pelvis, and supporting muscles, which may lead to low back pain, hip discomfort, and changes in posture.
Gentle chiropractic care during pregnancy focuses on improving joint motion, reducing strain, and helping the body adapt more comfortably to these changes. We tailor our techniques, positioning, and support to keep both mom and baby safe and comfortable throughout care.
Is chiropractic care appropriate for children and infants?
Yes. We provide chiropractic care for children of all ages, including infants. As we share, “We take care of children all the way up from the time of infancy and through just childhood trauma, whether it’s associated with birth or through the growing up years.”
Pediatric chiropractic care uses very gentle, age-appropriate techniques. The focus is on checking how the joints move, how the spine is functioning, and whether there are areas of tension or restriction that may be contributing to discomfort or altered movement. Parents often bring their children in for concerns such as posture changes, sports or playground injuries, and general spinal health.
When should I consider seeing a chiropractor?
You may benefit from a chiropractic evaluation if you are experiencing:
- Persistent neck, mid-back, or lower back pain
- Sciatica or pain radiating into the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Frequent headaches or whiplash-related symptoms
- Pain or stiffness after a car accident or work injury
- Limited range of motion or stiffness that is not improving on its own.
If pain is interfering with sleep, work, exercise, or normal daily activities, an examination can help determine what is causing the problem and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
How do I get started at Lake Stevens Chiropractic?
Getting started is simple. Lake Stevens Chiropractic has been providing natural pain relief and promoting optimal health to the communities of Lake Stevens, Everett, Marysville, Snohomish, and the surrounding area for more than 50 years, learn more about us and our team.
If you are ready to find out whether chiropractic care can help you, call our office at (425) 334-5066 or request an appointment through our website. We look forward to meeting you, answering your questions, and helping you move toward less pain and better function.