Frequently Asked Questions in Indianapolis IN

Chiropractic is a form of healthcare focusing on the spine and nervous system. Chiropractors diagnose and treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors primarily use their hands to “adjust” or “manipulate” the spine and/or other joints of the body to correct misalignments, restricted joints, or other joint issues with the goal of improving the function of the joint naturally alleviating pain.

• Back Pain: Lower back pain, upper back pain, and chronic pain.
• Neck Pain: Whiplash, muscle strain, and tension.
• Headaches: Tension headaches and migraines.
• Joint Issues: Pain or stiffness in the shoulders, knees, hips, ankles, and wrists.
• Sciatica: Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, often from lower back issues.
• Sports Injuries: Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.
• Postural Problems: Issues arising from poor posture, including tech neck and
  slouching, or sitting too much at a computer.
• Fibromyalgia: A condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Nerve compression in the wrist.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: Injuries caused by repetitive movements.
• Tight Muscles: overuse or repetitive motions, tension.

A chiropractic adjustment is a manual technique used by chiropractors to correct misalignments in the spine and other joints. The goal of the adjustment is to restore proper alignment, improve joint function, reduce pain, and enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself.

During an adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled force to a specific joint, typically using their hands. This can produce a popping or cracking sound, which is caused by gas bubbles in the joint fluid being released. Adjustments can vary in technique and may involve different positions or methods, depending on the patient’s needs and the chiropractor’s approach.

Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and support overall well-being. They are often part of a broader treatment plan that may include exercises, lifestyle recommendations, and other therapeutic modalities.

Chiropractic care is safe for most people, particularly when performed by a qualified chiropractor.

This is based solely on the individual patient. After performing an exam we will work with you to tailor a unique and specific treatment plan that fits your needs.

Chiropractic care offers a variety of benefits. These benefits can range from pain relief to improved mobility and overall wellness. Here are some of the primary benefits of chiropractic care: pain relief, improved mobility and flexibility, enhanced posture, improved nervous system function, stress reduction, improved sports performance and recovery, better sleep, overall wellness, improved immune function, prevention of future injuries, easier and less painful pregnancy and delivery.

Yes, while chiropractic care is generally considered safe for most people, like any medical treatment, there are some risks and potential side effects. These risks are generally low when chiropractic care is performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. Be open with your chiropractor about your health history, including any conditions like osteoporosis, spinal problems, or previous injuries. This will help them choose the most appropriate and safe treatment methods for you.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, although some people may experience mild discomfort or temporary soreness afterward, especially if it's their first time or if their body is not used to the manipulation.

Typically 30-45 minutes for the first visit, and about 10-15 minutes for regular appointments.

Here is a summary of the education a chiropractor undergoes:

• Undergraduate Education: 3-4 years of study (often in health-related fields).
• Chiropractic College: 4 years of study at an accredited chiropractic school, focusing on anatomy, physiology, diagnostics, chiropractic techniques, and clinical care.
• Clinical Training: Hands-on practice in treating patients, supervised by experienced professionals.
• Licensing: National board exams and state licensure.
• Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development and specialization.

In total, becoming a chiropractor typically requires 7-8 years of education and training, followed by ongoing professional development to maintain licensure and stay current in the field.

Yes, we use a special technique called “Webster technique” which is tailored to pregnant women. The technique focuses on balancing the pelvis, and muscles and ligaments of the pelvis and hips ensuring these structures do not affect baby positioning or the birth of your baby. Dr. Chelsey Smiley is also a Spinning Babies Aware practitioner (only one in the state) to help facilitate the best birth possible for you and your baby

Chiropractic care is not addictive in the same way that substances like drugs or alcohol can be. However, some people may develop a preference for regular chiropractic adjustments, especially if they experience significant relief from pain, improved mobility, or a greater sense of well-being. This preference for regular treatments is typically more about wanting to maintain the benefits of chiropractic care rather than a physiological addiction.

The "crack" or "pop" sound that often accompanies a chiropractic adjustment is completely normal and is not caused by bones breaking or cracking. It’s known as cavitation, and it occurs when gas bubbles in the joint fluid are rapidly released during the adjustment.

While it's possible in some instances to perform certain self-adjustments or self-manipulations (such as cracking your knuckles, back, or neck), it's not recommended to try to adjust your spine or joints on your own, especially in the same way a trained chiropractor would. This is for your own safety.

Yes, they do. We are in network with Anthem, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare, Medicare, and various others.

Yes, chiropractic care can be very effective for relieving back pain. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, particularly those involving the spine with spinal adjustments, muscle therapies, and other modalities to regain proper function of the spine and nervous system.

Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat neck pain. Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the underlying causes of neck pain, which may include spinal misalignments, muscle tension, poor posture, or injuries.

Yes, chiropractic care can be very effective for treating headaches, particularly tension headaches and certain types of migraines. Chiropractors use various techniques to address the underlying causes of headaches. We use spinal adjustments, muscle therapies, posture correction, ergonomic advice, and lifestyle advice to help relieve headaches.

Chiropractic Care:

• Focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall health.
• Emphasizes the body's natural ability to heal itself when the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally.
• Uses spinal adjustments (also known as spinal manipulations) to correct misalignments, reduce nerve interference, and improve joint function.

Physical Therapy:

• Focuses on restoring function, mobility, and strength in specific muscles and joints.
• Emphasizes a holistic approach to rehabilitation, often using exercise, stretching, and manual therapy.
• Aims to improve movement patterns, enhance physical function, and prevent future injuries.

Many patients benefit from a combination of chiropractic care and physical therapy, depending on their specific needs and conditions.

Yes, chiropractic can help with sports injuries to get you back on the field quicker. Chiropractic care can be an excellent addition to an athlete's overall healthcare regimen as well, helping to treat injuries, enhance performance, and maintain optimal physical health.

Yes, chiropractic care can significantly improve posture. Poor posture is often linked to misalignments in the spine, muscle imbalances, or joint dysfunctions, all of which chiropractors are trained to address. By using a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and targeted exercises, chiropractors can help correct posture issues and prevent them from worsening.

Your chiropractor will do a detailed assessment of your spine and pinpoint the specific areas in your spine that need to be addressed. Once this is completed they will put you in the proper position to make the adjustment to your spine or joint. We use a very specific thrust that may result in you hearing a popping or cracking sound during the adjustment. This sound is not bones cracking; it's the release of gas bubbles (mainly nitrogen) that build up in the synovial fluid within the joint. This phenomenon is known as cavitation and is generally painless.

Yes, we have been trained in pediatrics and assessing the various needs to children. Pediatric chiropractic techniques are specifically designed to be gentle and appropriate for children's developing bodies.