Chiropractic FAQs

Infants' spines are not treated the same as adult spines. We use special techniques and much less pressure. For a pediatric patient, about 6-8 ounces of pressure is used during treatment—just enough to dimple a tomato. There will never be any dynamic or quick movement.

At Worcester Family Chiropractic, Dr. Brittany and the other pediatric chiropractors in the office make up our baby team. Dr. Brittany has received special training from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) and is experienced in safely treating babies, toddlers, and children of all ages. Dr. Brittany is a CACCP Board Certified Pediatric Chiropractor, and Dr. Mikayla is currently pursuing this certification. Not all chiropractors are thoroughly trained to work with pediatric patients. Therefore, finding a chiropractor trained by the Academy Council of Chiropractic Pediatrics (CACCP) is crucial—your child's treatment will be safer and more effective.

Many clients ask us about the benefits of chiropractic versus physical therapy or massage. What sets chiropractic care apart is the chiropractic adjustment and how those adjustments positively improve and affect the function of the nervous system. We support our patients seeking complementary care and have expanded our practice to include dedicated massage therapists to enhance your wellness!

Yes, low back pain is one of the most common conditions we see as chiropractors. Helping with low back pain begins with determining the correct diagnosis and creating a care plan to address the problem's cause, not just the immediate symptoms.

The formal name for that cracking sound is "cavitation." When your spine is adjusted, the spinal joints slightly separate. This gapping creates a vacuum within the joint, which pulls the gases (mainly nitrogen) out. The release of gas generates the noise you may hear when getting adjusted. Did you know that not all adjustments produce a sound? Some techniques are so gentle that they can be successful even without making a sound!

Neck pain can result from various issues, so we always begin by performing an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms. Once we determine the source of the pain and the diagnosis, we develop a treatment plan, including chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies to get you the best results.

Treatment frequency varies depending on your goals, the condition for which you seek treatment, and how chronic that condition is. You will likely notice pain relief early in your treatment, but correcting the condition's root cause can take longer. Chronic conditions generally take more time to heal than acute ones. You can rest assured that we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to get you the best results.

Your Initial Visit is a one-hour consultation with one of the doctors. It includes a detailed history and consultation, neurological scans for non-pediatric patients, a chiropractic spinal exam, specific orthopedic and neurological evaluations, postural analysis, cranial evaluations, and any treatments provided that day. Your Report of Findings visit will be scheduled within 7–10 days of your Initial Visit and offers a chance to review the results of your evaluation scans and recommended treatment plan with your doctor.

Our practice is an in-network provider with Mass General Brigham HMO. Many other insurance providers offer out-of-network benefits for chiropractic care. In these cases, our team can get you the necessary paperwork (often called a Superbill) to submit for your claims. Every plan is different, so we encourage you to call your insurance company directly for details about your policy. Learn more about payment and insurance at Worcester Family Chiropractic here.

A new patient consultation generally takes about 60 minutes. A follow-up visit typically consists of 10 minutes with your doctor plus up to 20–30 minutes of complementary therapy with another Worcester Family Chiropractic team member as needed.

You would be shocked how many times we get asked this question! Chiropractors are not obstetricians, so we do not treat or turn unborn babies. While chiropractors cannot turn breech babies, our doctors are certified in the Webster Technique, which uses adjustments to the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the spine to help reestablish pelvic balance. When the tension is released, and the mother's body is balanced, the baby is free to do whatever it needs to find the optimal position for birth.

Unless your obstetrician or midwife indicates otherwise, you can come in as soon as you feel ready to be evaluated and adjusted after your delivery. We recommend following up about 4-6 weeks after delivery. In addition to supporting your healing, postnatal chiropractic care can help with neck and back pain experienced from caring for your newborn.

Chiropractic is a safe, natural, and effective form of prenatal care at any phase of pregnancy. Our doctors have completed specialized training to evaluate and treat pregnant patients, determining if chiropractic care is proper for you based on your physical examination. If there is no contraindication to care, we will develop a treatment plan to address your specific concerns and goals. If you're unsure if your pregnancy is compatible with chiropractic care, we encourage you to consult your midwife or obstetrician. Please be aware that not all chiropractors are thoroughly trained to work with pregnant patients. Therefore, finding a Webster Technique certified practitioner to care for you during this special time is essential. All of our doctors hold Webster Technique certification.

When pregnant, it is never too soon (or too late!) to see a chiropractor. In fact, we enjoy seeing women even before they are expecting. Chiropractic positively influences your body's ability to be healthy and function optimally. Having your spine checked regularly by a chiropractor can improve your well-being before, during, and after pregnancy.