Frequently Asked Questions in Ridgeland MS

Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to align the body's musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, to enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.

The practice is based on the idea that proper spinal alignment can improve overall health by affecting the nervous system. Common treatments include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle counseling. Chiropractic care is often used to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues. We invested heavily on rehabilitation focusing on proper joint and muscle rehabilitation using various supervised methods. Our rehabilitation sessions are one-on-one to ensure proper form. Reformer Pilates, air bikes, boxing bags, treadmills, TRX or suspension training, balance training and weigh training are just a few examples of the methods used. We often use manual muscle stretches and massages prior our adjustments to facilitate joint movement and to relax the musculature. Most of those services are often part of your insurance benefits.

Chiropractors primarily treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, including:

SPINE & BACK ISSUES:

• Lower back pain (one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care)
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Sciatica (nerve pain that radiates down the leg)
• Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
• Neck & Shoulder Conditions:
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Whiplash injuries (common after car accidents)
• Frozen shoulder syndrome
• Pinched nerves

JOINT & EXTREMITY ISSUES:

• Arthritic and joint pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist and hand pain)
• Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
• Knee, hip, and ankle pain

HEADACHES & NEUROLOGICAL ISSUES:

• Tension headaches
• Migraines
• Vertigo and dizziness

SPORTS & WORK-RELATED ISSUES:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Postural issues from prolonged sitting or standing

Our patients also visit chiropractors for preventive care or to improve overall wellness and mobility. Chiropractors often work alongside other healthcare providers to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

A chiropractic adjustment is a manual technique used by chiropractors to correct misalignments (subluxations) in the spine or other joints. The goal is to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and reduce pain or discomfort.

HOW IT WORKS:
During an adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled, sudden force to a joint, often using their hands or a specialized tool. This may result in a popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joint (similar to cracking knuckles).

BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS:

• Relieves pain (especially in the back, neck, and joints)
• Improves mobility and flexibility
• Reduces muscle tension
• Enhances nervous system function
• Supports overall health and posture

Adjustments are commonly used to treat conditions like back pain, headaches, sciatica, and joint stiffness. Some people also get regular adjustments for preventive care and general well-being.

Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. It is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing pain and improving mobility. However, like any medical treatment, it carries some risks and may not be suitable for everyone.

WHO SHOULD AVOID CHIROPRACTIC CARE?
Chiropractic care may not be recommended for people with:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Spinal fractures or instability
• Certain neurological conditions (like advanced nerve damage)
• A history of stroke or blood vessel issues (before getting neck adjustments)

HOW TO INSURE SAFE TREATMENT

• Always choose a licensed and experienced chiropractor.
• Communicate any medical conditions or concerns before treatment.
• Consider getting a medical evaluation if you’re unsure if chiropractic care is right for you.

The number of chiropractic treatments you’ll need depends on several factors, including your condition, overall health, and treatment goals.

TYPICAL TREATMENT PLANS

1. Acute Pain or Injury:
   • It can be daily or 3 times per week for the first few weeks
   • Gradually decreasing to once per week or biweekly as symptoms improve
   • Total duration: 4–12 weeks, depending on severity
2. Chronic Conditions (e.g., arthritis, scoliosis):
   • Ongoing care, typically weekly or biweekly
     Focuses on pain management and mobility improvement
3. Maintenance & Preventive Care:
   • Once symptoms are under control, many people continue with monthly or occasional visits
   • Helps maintain spinal health and prevent future issues

FACTORS THAT AFFECT TREATMENT FREQUENCY:

• Severity of the condition (mild strain vs. herniated disc)
• How long you’ve had the issue (recent injury vs. chronic pain)
• Your overall health and lifestyle (activity level, posture, stress)
• How well your body responds to adjustments
• Smoking, diabetes and excessive weight will drastically slow down the recovery process.

Your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs. Some people feel relief after just a few sessions, while others may need ongoing care for long-term conditions.

Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits, particularly for the musculoskeletal system and overall well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Pain Relief
   • Reduces back pain, neck pain, and joint pain
   • Helps with headaches and migraines
   • Eases sciatica and nerve pain
2. Improved Mobility & Function
   • Restores joint flexibility and movement
   • Reduces stiffness and muscle tension
   • Improves range of motion
3. Better Posture
   • Corrects spinal misalignments
   • Helps with postural issues from sitting or standing for long periods
4. Enhanced Nervous System Function
   • Improves communication between the brain and body
   • Can help with conditions like vertigo and dizziness
5. Reduced Dependence on Medication
   • Provides a natural approach to pain management
   • Decreases the need for painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs
6. Injury Prevention & Recovery
   • Speeds up healing from sports or work-related injuries
   • Helps prevent future injuries by improving alignment and balance
7. Stress & Tension Reduction
   • Promotes relaxation and overall well-being
   • Reduces tension caused by physical or emotional stress
8. Supports Overall Health
   • Can boost immune function by reducing stress on the nervous system
   • May help with sleep issues, digestion, and energy levels
   • Many people visit chiropractors regularly for preventive care, not just for pain relief.

Chiropractic adjustments are not usually painful. Most people feel relief, looseness, or mild pressure during an adjustment. However, some may experience:

• A popping or cracking sound, which is just gas being released from the joints (similar to cracking knuckles).
• Mild discomfort or soreness, especially if it’s your first adjustment or if your muscles are tense. This is similar to how you might feel after a workout.

A brief moment of pressure when the chiropractor applies force to realign the joint.
For most people, any soreness fades within 24–48 hours. Chiropractors adjust their techniques based on your comfort level, and gentle methods (like activator tools or stretching) are available if needed.

At Action Chiropractic, we combine chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue mobilization, Pilates, and functional strength work to stabilize spinal and muscular structures that aid us in injury recovery, reduce injury risk and improves functional strength for safe daily movement in everyday living.

Soft tissue mobilization is used to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by relaxing contracted muscles, improving blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles.

Pilates exercises target and strengthen the core muscles, including abdominal, back, and pelvic floor muscles. By strengthening the core and engaging deep postural muscles, Pilates helps correct imbalances and improve posture. Pilates incorporates controlled stretching movements that enhance flexibility and range of motion. Strengthening the core and improving flexibility can help prevent injuries, especially in the back, hips, and knees.

Functional strength exercises improve mobility and strength for injury prevention, strength, balance, and overall well-being.

Your initial visit will usually take an hour or so. All other visits can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the services you need.

Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to ensure they can safely diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. Their education is similar in length and rigor to medical doctors (MDs) in certain areas, particularly in anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic techniques.

CHIROPRACTIC EDUCATION & TRAINING PROCESS:

1. Undergraduate Education (3–4 Years):
   • Most chiropractors complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., biology, kinesiology, health sciences). Some chiropractic schools allow students to enter with at least 90 undergraduate credits, but a degree is often preferred.
2. Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree (4 Years):
   • Chiropractic school includes classroom, lab, and clinical training. Subjects covered:
   • Anatomy & Physiology (similar to medical school)
   • Neurology, Pathology, and Radiology
   • Spinal Manipulation & Adjustments
   • Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation
   • Chiropractic college involves 372 more classroom hours than medical school on average. Chiropractic students also have more hours of training in anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, and orthopedics.
   • Students spend the last 1–2 years in clinical internships, working with real patients under supervision. - At least 900 hours of work in a Chiropractic Clinic.
   • Microsoft Word - Chiropractic Education VS Medical Education
3. Licensing & Board Exams:
   • Chiropractors must pass national board exams (administered by the
   • National Board of Chiropractic Examiners in the U.S.). Each state has its own licensing requirements.
4. Optional Specializations & Continuing Education:
   • Some chiropractors pursue postgraduate training in areas like:
   • Sports chiropractic
   • Pediatrics
   • Neurology
   • Orthopedics

Chiropractors must complete continuing education courses to maintain their license.

Chiropractors are not medical doctors (MDs) but are highly trained in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions without surgery or medication.

Yes! Pregnant women can safely see a chiropractor, and many find it helpful for managing pregnancy-related discomfort. Chiropractors who specialize in prenatal care use gentle, modified techniques to ensure safety for both the mother and baby. Many women see chiropractors throughout pregnancy and even postpartum for recovery support.

BENEFITS OF CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY:

• Reduces back, hip, and pelvic pain (common as the body changes)
• Improves posture and spinal alignment to support a growing belly
• Eases sciatic nerve pain (which can cause leg discomfort)
• May help with round ligament pain (a sharp pain in the lower belly)
• Can improve pelvic balance, which may help with baby positioning for birth
• May reduce labor time and ease delivery by optimizing pelvic alignment

IT IS SAFE?

• Yes! Chiropractic care is generally safe during pregnancy when performed by a trained Chiropractor. They avoid high-impact adjustments and may use special tables or pillows to accommodate the belly.

WHEN TO BE CAUTIOUS:

• If you have placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, severe preeclampsia, or a high-risk pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN before seeking chiropractic care.

No, chiropractic care is not physically addictive like drugs or other substances. However, some people choose to continue care regularly because they feel benefits like pain relief, improved mobility, and overall well-being.

WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP GOING?

• Pain Relief & Prevention: Many people experience less pain and better function after adjustments, so they keep up with maintenance visits.
• Postural & Spinal Health: Those with chronic conditions, poor posture, or active lifestyles may benefit from ongoing care.
• Wellness & Performance: Some people, especially athletes, use chiropractic care to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

DO YOU HAVE TO KEEP GOING FOREVER?
No! The frequency of visits depends on your condition and goals. Some people only need a few sessions, while others opt for long-term maintenance care. It’s always a personal choice, and a good chiropractor will tailor a plan based on your needs.

The cracking or popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment is called cavitation. It happens when gas bubbles (like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide) are released from the fluid inside your joints.

WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?

• Joints are surrounded by synovial fluid, which helps lubricate movement.
• When a chiropractor applies a quick, controlled force to a joint, the pressure inside changes.
• This causes gas bubbles to rapidly escape, creating the “pop” or “crack” sound.

DOES IT MEAN THE ADJUSTMENT WORKED?
Not necessarily! The sound is just a side effect of joint movement, not an indicator of success. Some effective adjustments don’t make any noise at all.

IS IT PAINFUL?
It is not painful for most people, it often brings relief and improved mobility. Some might feel slight pressure or mild soreness afterward, but it usually fades within a day.

No, you cannot properly adjust yourself the way a chiropractor can. While you might be able to make your joints crack by twisting or stretching, this is not the same as a precise chiropractic adjustment.

WHY YOU SHOULDN'T TRY TO SELF-ADJUST

• Lack of Precision: Chiropractors use specific techniques to target the correct joints, while self-cracking is random and may not fix the problem.
• Risk of Injury: Repeated twisting or forceful movements can strain muscles, ligaments, or even cause misalignments. In fact, many of the injuries reported from spinal manipulations were not performed by a trained Chiropractor.
• Temporary Relief, Not a Fix: Self-cracking might release tension but doesn’t correct the underlying issue, which could lead to more instability over time.

SAFE ALTERNATIVES

• Stretching & Mobility Exercises: Helps relieve stiffness and improve flexibility.
• Foam Rolling or Massage: Can release muscle tension safely.
• Icing the affected area can sometimes help relieve symptoms.

Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care. Some better than others but most patients can afford care with our payment plans in the event that their insurance carrier does not reimburse Chiropractic care.

Yes, chiropractic care can help with back pain, especially for conditions like muscle strain, herniated discs, sciatica, and misalignments (subluxations). It is not surprising that low back pain is the most common condition that we treat. We particularly seem attract many pre and post-surgical low back patients due to our close relationship with the medical community and neurosurgeons. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, manual therapy, and exercises to improve spinal function and relieve pain. Many people experience relief from acute and chronic back pain after treatment.

Yes, chiropractors can treat neck pain, especially if it's caused by muscle tension, poor posture, misalignments, or conditions like whiplash or cervical disc issues. This is the second most common reason why patients seek our services. Neck pain and headaches often times occur simultaneously and are usually treated the same way. We use spinal adjustments, mobilization, and soft tissue techniques to improve alignment, reduce tension, and restore mobility.

Yes, chiropractic care can help with certain types of headaches, especially tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Chiropractors use spinal adjustments, posture correction, and soft tissue techniques to relieve muscle tension and improve spinal alignment, which can reduce headache frequency and intensity.

For migraines, some people report relief with chiropractic care, but results vary. Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as improving posture, reducing stress, and identifying headache triggers. If headaches are severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms like vision changes or dizziness, it’s important to see a medical doctor to rule out serious conditions.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy both focus on pain relief and improving movement, but they have different approaches and goals:

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

• Focus: Spinal alignment and nervous system health.
• Techniques: Spinal adjustments, joint manipulations, and sometimes soft tissue therapy.
• Best for: Back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and joint misalignments.
• Philosophy: Believes spinal alignment affects overall health and function.

PHYSICAL THERAPY (PT

• Focus: Rehabilitation, mobility, and muscle strength.
• Techniques: Exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and modalities like heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation.
• Best for: Injury recovery, post-surgery rehab, chronic pain, and movement dysfunctions.
• Philosophy: Uses evidence-based movement and exercise to restore function.

Yes, chiropractors can help with sports injuries, especially those involving the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. They commonly treat conditions like sprains and strains (e.g., ankle, knee, or back), tendonitis (e.g., tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries), joint misalignments (e.g., shoulder, knee, or hip), muscle imbalances and tightness, and nerve compression issues (e.g., sciatica).

HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELPS:

• Spinal & Joint Adjustments: Improve alignment, reducing stress on muscles and joints.
• Soft Tissue Therapy: Helps relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
• Rehabilitation Exercises: Strengthens muscles to prevent future injuries.
• Injury Prevention: Chiropractors assess posture and movement patterns to reduce the risk of reinjury.

Many athletes, from amateurs to professionals, use chiropractic care to enhance performance, recover faster, and prevent injuries. If you're dealing with a sports injury, a chiropractor can work alongside physical therapists and trainers to create a well-rounded recovery plan.

Yes, chiropractic care can help improve posture by addressing spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, and joint restrictions that contribute to poor posture.

HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE IMPROVES POSTURE:

• Spinal Adjustments: Realigns the spine to reduce strain on muscles and joints.
• Muscle & Joint Mobilization: Helps restore proper movement and flexibility.
• Postural Exercises: Strengthens core and back muscles to support good posture.
• Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors provide guidance on proper workstation setup and daily habits to prevent slouching.

Poor posture can lead to neck pain, back pain, headaches, and even reduced lung capacity over time. Chiropractic care, combined with exercise and awareness, can significantly improve posture and overall spinal health.

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies a controlled, quick force to a specific joint to improve movement, relieve pain, and restore proper alignment. Some people feel instant relief, while others may experience mild soreness, like after a workout.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN ADJUSTMENT:

1. Assessment: The chiropractor evaluates your posture, movement, and spine alignment, using X-rays or other tests.
2. Positioning: You'll be asked to lie down or sit in a specific position to target the affected area.
3. The Adjustment: Using their hands or a small instrument, the chiropractor applies a gentle but quick force to a joint. You may hear a popping or cracking sound, which is just gas being released from the joint.
4. Post-Adjustment Check: Some chiropractors follow up with stretches, muscle therapy, or exercises to reinforce the adjustment.

Yes, chiropractic care is generally considered safe for children when performed by a qualified chiropractor trained in pediatric care. Chiropractors use gentle, low-force techniques tailored to a child’s developing spine and nervous system.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS FOR CHILDREN:

• Helps with postural issues from prolonged screen time or heavy backpacks.
• May provide relief from colic, ear infections, and reflux.
• Can improve spinal alignment after falls, sports injuries, or birth trauma.
• Supports nervous system function, which may help with sleep and overall well-being.