Question 1

Should I see a chiropractor, physical therapist, or massage therapist for my neck pain, low back pain, or whatever pain?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t one “magic” provider that suits every problem because pain is often multi‑factorial. Some chiropractors limit themselves to spinal adjustments, while others – like me – address muscle, joint and tendon pain with hands‑on work and exercise. Many physical therapists and massage therapists also cross over into those areas. What matters most is finding a practitioner whose background, philosophy and style align with your needs. The best way to do that is to read clinic websites, ask questions and look at reviews to see how they approach conditions like yours.

Question 2

What should I look for in a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure you and your doctor share a similar mindset. If a clinic’s philosophy doesn’t make sense to you, it’s hard to trust their advice. My own approach views spinal adjustments as part of a larger toolbox; posture and alignment matter, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Second, pay attention to how much one‑on‑one time a chiropractor spends with you. Short appointments that only deliver an adjustment may not be enough to solve complex or long‑standing issues. In my practice, most appointments last about an hour and include extensive muscle work or exercise and rehab in addition to adjustments. Finally, choose someone who empowers you to take an active role in your recovery. A good chiropractor will provide you things you can do on your own to reinforce the work done in the clinic

Question 3

Is it safe to adjust my own back?

Accepted Answer

Cracking your knuckles or using a foam roller can feel good and is generally harmless. Beyond that, self‑manipulating the spine isn’t wise. You can’t fully relax the muscles you’re trying to affect, so you may inadvertently pull on tissues that are already guarding or irritated. It’s also easy to overstress the wrong joints. People who do this often mobilize already‑loose segments instead of the ones that need it, which can create instability. A thorough examination by a professional is the safest way to understand what’s actually causing your pain.

Question 4

What happens during a chiropractic adjustment?

Accepted Answer

When a joint is stretched far enough, the fluid inside separates and gas molecules rush in; the familiar “pop” is simply the sound of that cavitation. While the pop often coincides with relief, it isn’t required for the treatment to be effective. Gentle mobilizations that don’t produce a pop can also stimulate the joint, calm irritated nerves and relax local muscles. I use both techniques depending on what makes my patient feel most comfortable. However at this clinic, this is usually the smallest component of your overall treatment rendered.

Question 5

I just need my neck cracked really quick, why do you need an examine me?

Accepted Answer

If you discovered a lump under your skin, you wouldn’t ask a surgeon to remove it without first evaluating what it is. The same logic applies to the spine. A quick adjustment without a proper exam could miss underlying issues or even make them worse. Examination protects you by identifying the actual cause of your pain and ensures that any treatment is both appropriate and safe. While quick adjustments have been sensationalized on social media as a fast way to get relief, the reality is that muscles and movement patterns are often a major contributor to pain. Properly addressing those factors is extremely important if you want longer-lasting results.”

QUESTIONS ABOUT CARE?

QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY DR. WEN

Should I see a chiropractor, physical therapist, or massage therapist for my neck pain, low back pain, or whatever pain?

What should I look for in a chiropractor?

Is it safe to adjust my own back?

What happens during a chiropractic adjustment?

I just need my neck cracked really quick, why do you need an examine me?