Frequently Asked Questions in Wheaton IL

Chiropractic doesn’t treat diseases in the same way medicine does. It focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and how the body functions. The main idea is that when the spine is misaligned or restricted (called subluxation), it can interfere with nerve communication, which may contribute to pain, dysfunction, or overall decreased health.

Here’s a breakdown of what people commonly seek chiropractic care for:

Musculoskeletal conditions (most common):

• Back pain (lower, mid, and upper)
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches and migraines
• Sciatica (pain radiating down the leg)
• Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
• Whiplash and auto accident injuries
• Sports injuries
• Poor posture or spinal imbalances

Function & performance issues:

• Improving mobility and flexibility
• Enhancing athletic performance
• Preventing injuries
• Supporting recovery from repetitive stress (desk work, lifting, etc.)

Wellness & supportive care:

• Stress relief and tension reduction
• Sleep improvement
• General wellness and “tune-ups” to help the nervous system function better

Subluxation is more than just a stiff or painful joint, it has a whole-body impact.

A subluxation occurs when there is abnormal movement or misalignment in the spinal or extremity joints. This disrupts normal nerve signals by reducing proprioception (your body’s awareness of position and movement) and increasing nociception (pain signals). Often, these changes begin silently without obvious symptoms.

By the time pain or other symptoms appear, significant stress has usually already built up in the joints and surrounding tissues. At this stage, your body is already in a state of advanced stress response. This response lowers immunity, weakens resilience, and makes you more vulnerable to illness.

Left uncorrected, chronic subluxations can lead to:

• Abnormal motion and alignment
• Joint and muscle degeneration (arthritis)
• Biochemical changes that impair strength, balance, and coordination
• Motor control errors that affect how your body moves
• Direct impact on the brain’s cortex, influencing cognition and conscious thought

In short, subluxation is not just a local joint issue, it is a condition that can affect your entire body mechanically, chemically, emotionally, mentally, and physiologically.

A chiropractic adjustment (sometimes called a spinal adjustment or manipulation) is a precise, gentle force applied by hand or with an instrument to a specific joint—most often in the spine, but sometimes in the hips, shoulders, or other areas.

The purpose of an adjustment is to:

• Restore normal motion and alignment to joints that are restricted or misaligned (subluxated).
• Reduce stress on the nervous system, allowing signals to flow more freely between the brain and body.
• Decrease muscle tension and pain by improving joint function.
• Promote healing and better overall function of the body.

Patients often describe an adjustment as a quick, controlled movement. Sometimes you may hear a “popping” or “clicking” sound, that’s simply gas being released from the joint, much like when you crack your knuckles, not bones “crunching.”

Chiropractic adjustments are safe, specific, and tailored to each individual’s needs. They are used not just for pain relief, but also for improving mobility, posture, and long-term wellness.

During your first visit, we will assess your condition and discuss your personal health goals. Our chiropractors provide care ranging from symptom relief to ongoing wellness support. Every treatment plan is individualized, giving you the guidance you need while allowing you to choose the level of care that’s right for you.

Chiropractic care offers a wide range of benefits by improving spinal alignment and nervous system function. Patients often experience:

• Relief from pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and joints
• Reduced headaches and migraines
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Enhanced posture and body mechanics
• Support for sports performance and injury prevention
• Overall wellness and stress reduction
• See what our patients had to say in our testimonials and reviews!

Research also shows that chiropractic care is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to managing musculoskeletal issues and promoting long-term health.

Chiropractic care is generally very safe when performed by licensed professionals. Most patients experience only mild, temporary soreness or stiffness, similar to what you might feel after exercise. Serious complications are extremely rare. Our chiropractors use gentle, precise techniques tailored to your needs to minimize risk and ensure a safe, effective treatment experience.

Most people say an adjustment feels good—like pressure being released or a “reset” in the body.

For patients who are nervous, chiropractors can use gentler, low-force techniques that feel more like a stretch or a light tap.

You should choose us because we provide personalized, patient-focused care that addresses your unique needs and health goals. Our licensed chiropractors use safe, evidence-based techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support long-term wellness. We prioritize education, communication, and a comfortable experience, empowering you to take an active role in your health every step of the way.

Chiropractors complete 90–120 credit hours of undergraduate studies, followed by 4 years of chiropractic college with 4,000+ classroom and clinical hours. They also complete hands-on clinical training and pass licensing exams to provide safe, professional care. Our doctors keep up on their education continually completing continuing education.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for pregnant women when provided by a licensed chiropractor. Gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques can help reduce back and pelvic pain, improve posture, and support overall comfort throughout pregnancy.

If you are concerned about being addicted to not only feeling better, but functioning better as a whole, this is the clinic for you.

The “crack” or “pop” sound you may hear during a chiropractic adjustment is called cavitation. It occurs when gas bubbles (primarily nitrogen, some carbon dioxide and oxygen) in the joint fluid rapidly release as the joint is gently stretched. This sound is completely normal and harmless and does not indicate pain or injury. Many patients feel relief, increased mobility, or a sense of release immediately afterward.

The first thing you are taught in doctorate chiropractic programs NEVER adjust yourself. Your adjustment needs to be highly specific and requires proper evaluation. Neither of our licensed and trained chiropractors adjust themselves, you require proper training and treatment from a licensed chiropractor.

Make sure to bring your insurance card on your first visit. Our staff will verify you specific chiropractic benefits to help you better understand what is covered. No insurance, no problem our clinic offers easy and affordable cash plans to keep care affordable to you.

Yes. Chiropractic care is highly effective for managing back pain. By correcting spinal misalignments, improving joint mobility, and reducing muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments can relieve pain, enhance function, and support long-term spinal health. Many patients experience significant improvement without the need for medications or invasive treatments.

Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat neck pain by addressing spinal misalignments, joint restrictions, and muscle tension. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with targeted exercises and posture guidance, can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore proper function to the neck and surrounding areas.

Yes. Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and intensity of certain types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. By addressing spinal misalignments, improving neck and upper back mobility, and reducing muscle tension, chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure and improve nervous system function, helping many patients experience fewer and less severe headaches.

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and correcting subluxations (misalignments) in the spine and joints to restore proper function and nervous system health, often using hands-on adjustments. Physical therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes exercises, stretches, and modalities to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and rehabilitate injuries. While both aim to reduce pain and improve mobility, chiropractic care addresses alignment, neurological function and joint function directly, and physical therapy focuses more on muscular support and movement retraining. Many patients benefit from a combination of both approaches.

Yes. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate, treat, and prevent sports-related injuries. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, enhance muscle function, and support faster recovery. Many athletes also use chiropractic adjustments to improve performance, prevent future injuries, and maintain overall musculoskeletal health.

Yes. Chiropractic care can help improve posture by addressing spinal misalignments, reducing muscle tension, and promoting proper joint function. Combined with targeted exercises and ergonomic guidance, adjustments can help you stand, sit, and move more comfortably and efficiently, supporting long-term spinal health.

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor uses precise, controlled movements to restore proper motion and alignment to your joints, most commonly in the spine. You may feel a gentle pressure, a brief stretch, or a popping/cracking sound, which is normal and harmless. Many patients notice an immediate sense of relief, improved mobility, or reduced tension, while some may feel mild soreness afterward that typically resolves within a day or two.

Yes. Chiropractic care is safe for children when performed by a licensed chiropractor using gentle, age-appropriate techniques. It can help with issues such as colic, ear infections, posture, and overall spinal health. Studies show that adverse effects in children are rare, and most are mild and temporary.