FAQs

Q: Do I need to see my medical doctor for a referral first, or can I just come in for a chiropractic consult?
A Doctor of Chiropractic is the only health care professional qualified to determine if you need chiropractic care. Your particular insurance plan may require that you obtain a referral from your primary care physician, however that is between you and your insurance company. It will not affect the care you receive in our office.

Q: What if my policy doesn't cover chiropractic care?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

Q: Will I have to have X-rays taken?
X-rays and other types of images can be helpful, however we do not need x-rays for every patient. Pictures of your spine, especially after trauma, can confirm our other findings and make your care more precise. We can tell if you need them after completing other examinations.

Q: What is Chiropractic?
Many people think of Chiropractors as "Back Doctors", however, a more appropriate term would be "Nervous System Doctors". Doctors of Chiropractic analyze and adjust the spine to correct misalignments (known as subluxations) which interfere with the communication between the brain and the body.
All bodily functions are controlled and coordinated by the nervous system. Messages are sent from the brain to all parts of the body through the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Chiropractors ensure that these messages have a clear pathway, enabling the body to heal itself.
Millions of people seek chiropractic care each day to achieve better health, painlessly and drug-free.

Q: Why should I see a Doctor of Chiropractic?
Spinal misalignments (subluxations) are created by trauma, toxins, and stress. These problems can occur at any age, from birth through adulthood.
Symptoms that may result from spinal misalignments are:
Headaches
Ear Infections
Asthma
Back/Neck Pain
Numbness/Tingling
Decreased Immune Function
Unfortunately, subluxations can be present without symptoms. Uncorrected spinal dysfunctions (subluxations) can severely impair the nervous system, causing further problems. Being under chiropractic care, patients notice an improvement in their health and well-being.
Take control of your health, get your spine checked today!

Q: How does chiropractic work?
Chiropractic works because you are a self-healing, self-regulating organism controlled by your nervous system. Millions of instructions flow from your brain, down the spinal cord and out to every organ and tissue. Signals sent back to the brain confirm if your body is working right.

Improper motion or position of the moving bones of the spine called a subluxation can interfere with this vital exchange by irritating nerves and compromising the function of affected organs and tissues. Specific spinal adjustments can help improve mind/body communications. Health often returns with improved nervous system control of the body.

Q: Do I have a slipped disc?
The disc is a soft pulpy "shock absorber." It has a fibrous outer ring which holds in a jelly-like material. A "slipped disc" is a common way to refer to a wide variety of disc problems. However, a disc can't slip because of the way it attaches to the spinal bones above and below it. A disc can bulge. It can tear. It can become herniated. It can thin. It can dry out. And it can collapse. But it can't slip.

Q: Do I have a pinched nerve?
A pinched nerve is rare. It is more likely that an adjacent spinal bone irritates, stretches, rubs or chafes a nerve. These subluxations distort the nerve messages sent between the brain and the body. This can produce unhealthy alterations to the organs and tissues connected by the affected nerves.

Q: How do you get subluxations?
There are three basic causes of subluxations. Physical causes could include slips and falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause subluxations. Chemical causes could include alcohol, drugs, pollution and poor diet.

Q: How do I know if I have a subluxation?
You can have subluxations and not even know it. Like the early stages of tooth decay or cancer, subluxations can be present before warning signs appear. The results of a thorough examination can show the location and severity of subluxations you may have.

Q: Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. A New Zealand government study found that adjustments are "remarkably safe." By avoiding drugs and risky surgery, chiropractic care enjoys an excellent track record. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited. Compare the statistics. Chiropractic adjustments are about 100 times safer than taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Q: Will adjustments make my spine too loose?
No. Only the spinal joints that are "locked up" receive adjustments. This allows weakened muscles and ligaments to stabilize and heal.

Q: Can the bones move too much?
This is highly unlikely. A chiropractic adjustment is special. It has the right amount of energy, delivered to an exact spot, at a precise angle, at just the right time. The intent is to get a "stuck" spinal joint moving again, helping reduce nerve interference. Years of training, practice and experience make chiropractic adjustments specific and safe.

Q: What makes the sound during the adjustment?
Lubricating fluids separate the bones of each spinal joint. Some adjusting methods can produce a sound when the gas and fluids in the joint shift. It's much like opening a bottle of champagne or removing a suction cup. The sound is interesting, but it isn't a guide to the quality or value of the adjustment.

Q: Are all patients adjusted the same way?
No. Each patient's spine and care plan is unique. With 24 moving bones in the spine, each of which can move in seven different directions, we see a wide variety of spinal patterns. Each patient's care is custom-tailored for their age, condition, and health goals.

Q: Can I adjust myself?
No. Some people can make their joints "pop," but that's not an adjustment! Worse, damage can occur by mobilizing a joint with weakened muscles and ligaments. Adjustments are specific and take years to master. Even your chiropractic doctor must consult a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care.

Q: How many adjustments will I need?
The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. Visits become less often as your spine stabilizes. In chronic cases, complete healing can take months or even years.

Q: Why do newborns get adjustments?
Even today's "natural" childbirth methods can affect an infant's spine. Preliminary studies suggested that colic, unusual crying, poor appetite, ear infections or erratic sleeping habits can be signs of spinal distress. Pediatric adjustments are gentle. Knowing exactly where to adjust, the doctor applies no more pressure than you'd use to test the ripeness of a tomato.

Q: Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?
Yes. Rest assured that your chiropractic doctor will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. Surgery often causes instability above or below the involved level. These areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care.

Q: Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?
Yes, of course. When developing a care plan, your chiropractic doctor considers the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine. The method selected will be best suited to your age, size and condition.

Q: How long until I'll feel better?
Some patients experience almost instant relief. Others discover it can take many weeks or months. Many factors can affect the healing process. How long have you had your problem? Are you keeping your appointments? Are you getting the proper rest, exercise and nutrition? Do you smoke? Are you in otherwise good condition? Within a short period of time, most patients sense enough progress to fully carry out their doctor's recommendations.

Q: How long will I need chiropractic care?
After patients get the relief they want, many choose to continue with some type of periodic care. These patients show up for their visits feeling great. These visits can help support the final stages of healing and help detect and resolve new problems before they become serious. Our job is to offer the very best care and your job is to decide to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Q: Will I receive any medication for my pain?
No. Chiropractic doctors don't dispense drugs. Because we rely on natural methods, we can show you how to use ice to control painful symptoms. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the side effects of pain medications.

Q: Why don't medical practitioners and chiropractic doctors get along?
That's changing. Years of prejudice and bias are giving way to research showing the benefits of chiropractic care. Attitudes are slow to change. However, as the public demands alternatives to drugs and surgery, more and more medical practitioners are referring their patients to our office.

Q: What if my policy doesn't cover chiropractic?
Your health affects everything you do and everyone you know. It is your most valuable possession. Yet, each of us is free to place a different value on our health. It's convenient when an insurance company or third party helps pay the bill. But, be careful! Don't allow the profit motive of a huge corporation to make the decision for you. Find out how we make chiropractic care affordable for just about anyone.

Q: Will I ever be normal again?
Patient results vary. Many report improved spinal curves and the total resumption of their normal lifestyle. Those who neglected or delayed seeking care often see slower progress. After improvement, many patients discover that periodic chiropractic checkups can help avoid a relapse.

Q: What if chiropractic doesn't work?
If we're unable to find and correct the cause of your particular health problem, we will refer you to other specialists who may be able to help. Your health is our primary goal.

Chiropractic First, Inc
Family Wellness Center
603 E. Ridgeville Blvd.,
Mt. Airy, Maryland
(301) 829-4040

Contact Us

Office Hours

Please call 301-829-4040

Monday

8:30-11:30 AM

3:00-6:00 PM

Tuesday

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Wednesday

8:30-11:30 AM

3:00-6:00 PM

Thursday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00-11:30 AM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
8:30-11:30 AM 3:00-6:00 PM
Tuesday
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday
8:30-11:30 AM 3:00-6:00 PM
Thursday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00-11:30 AM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed