Chiropractic FAQ

Chiropractic is a health care profession focusing on conditions and disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, with particular emphasis on the spine and extremities.

Chiropractors are experts and specialists in conditions related to the spinal column and the extremities. These pain conditions or disorders can range from common low back pain and neck pain to headaches, sciatica, rotator cuff strains, and many more related to the musculoskeletal system.

Chiropractors all have extensive training that includes undergraduate degrees along with a 4 year doctorate level education with passing national board testing and individual state certifications. That being said, chiropractic is a hands-on, manual therapy that is more like an art form. Each chiropractic clinic may utilize different procedures and treatment types as well.

Chiropractic is very safe and has been for over 100 years it has been practiced. Current research shows chiropractic as one of the safest non-invasive treatment types. While all types of medical treatment may have adverse effects, chiropractic treatments typically provide instant relief for most patients but may cause tenderness or muscle soreness following an adjustment. If you have any questions, concerns, or hesitation about any treatment type, we highly suggest you consult with one of our chiropractors to discuss any alternatives.

Many patients have heard that once you see a chiropractor, you must always continue seeing one. This is a common misconception about chiropractors. It is the duty of the chiropractor to treat the condition and get the patient back to maximum medical improvement (MMI) without the need for ongoing treatment for that specific condition. Topeka Chiropractic and Wellness Center wants to get our patients back to “normal”. That being said, many patients continue with maintenance treatment that is occasional, like a dental check up, to reduce wear and tear on the spine as it comes, instead of eventually having another pain condition reappear. This is where the common misconception comes from. Maintenance is always easier than overhaul, and many chiropractic patients see how they feel and want to continue a healthy spine lifestyle.

Chiropractic education is extensive, much like that of medical doctors. Chiropractic is a 4 year post-grad doctorate program with board testing following. Clinic hours and treatment numbers are required to graduate. School credit hours are similar to those in a medical doctor program and require pre-requisites in undergrad. Many chiropractors continue training in radiology, functional nutrition, anatomy and physiology, physical therapy, and other continuing education programs to stay current with non-invasive, conservative approaches to healthcare.

Chiropractic adjustments are common to reduce vertebral dysfunction and pain near the spine or extremities. While an adjustment is the foundation of chiropractic treatment, our office utilizes a variety of different treatment types to enhance pain relief and to help our patient’s more efficiently. Treatment at Topeka Chiropractic and Wellness Center may include adjustments, myofascial release, muscle rehabiliation, electrical stimulation, disc decompression therapy, or intersegmental traction among many others. For more information on our treatment types, visit our treatments page.