
Frequently asked questions
Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other treatments to align the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, to help the body heal itself without surgery or medication.
The musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues that support and move the body. It provides structure, protects organs, and allows movement and flexibility. Maintaining the health of this system is essential for everyday activities and overall well-being.
A subluxation refers to a misalignment or restricted movement of a vertebra in the spine that may interfere with normal nerve function. This can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body, potentially leading to pain, muscle tension, reduced mobility, or even dysfunction in other areas of the body.
Chiropractors identify and correct subluxations through gentle spinal adjustments, aiming to restore proper alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and support overall health and function.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) provide care for patients of all ages, addressing a broad spectrum of health concerns. They are especially well-known for their expertise in managing conditions related to the spine, muscles, joints, and nervous system, including but not limited to:
Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractors:
Back Pain: Acute and chronic lower, mid, and upper back pain
Neck Pain: Cervical spine issues including stiffness and injury
Headaches and Migraines: Particularly those linked to spinal alignment and muscle tension
Sciatica and Radiculopathy: Nerve pain radiating from the spine into the legs or arms
Joint Pain and Dysfunction: Including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles
Muscle Strain and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and overuse injuries
Arthritis and Degenerative Joint Disease: Managing symptoms and improving mobility
Sports Injuries: Treatment and rehabilitation of strains, sprains, and impact injuries
Work-Related Injuries: Repetitive stress injuries, postural problems, and ergonomic-related pain
Postural Imbalances: Including those caused by prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics
Whiplash and Auto Accident Injuries: Trauma from sudden impact or collision
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Syndromes: Supporting pain management and function
Scoliosis and Spinal Curvatures: Monitoring and supportive care
Neurological Symptoms: Such as numbness, tingling, or weakness related to nerve compression
Beyond Symptom Relief: Chiropractic care also focuses on improving overall body function by optimizing spinal alignment and nervous system communication. Many chiropractors provide counseling on:
Nutrition and dietary adjustments
Exercise and physical activity recommendations
Lifestyle and ergonomic modifications
Stress reduction and preventive health strategies
This holistic approach aims to support long-term health, wellness, and optimal function for patients of all ages.
Yes! Chiropractic care is generally safe when performed by a licensed professional. Chiropractors undergo rigorous training and education to ensure that they provide effective and safe care tailored to each individual’s needs. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to discuss them with your chiropractor during your consultation.
Yes, chiropractic care is a great option for treating sports injuries. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, or chronic injury, chiropractic techniques can help you recover and improve your performance. Your chiropractor can also provide advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation exercises.
Yes. Unfortunately, many individuals experience a return of symptoms months or years after spinal surgery—a condition known as Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Chiropractic care, particularly using the gentle and precise Activator Method, can be an effective way to manage this condition and may help reduce the need for additional surgery. The technique used by Drs. Rush is safe, even for patients with spinal fusions or instrumentation. In some cases, chiropractic care may help patients avoid surgery altogether when used early in their treatment plan.
During your initial visit, we will begin with a comprehensive consultation and assessment to review your health history and current concerns. Following this, the doctor may perform a physical examination and take any necessary X-rays. To ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care plan, the doctor will take time to thoroughly review all findings. A follow-up visit will be scheduled to go over the results of your examination and X-rays in detail.
The number of visits required depends on your individual condition and treatment plan. Some people feel relief after just one session, while others may need multiple visits for long-term relief. Your chiropractor will assess your needs and create a personalized plan to help you achieve optimal results.
When you arrive for your appointment, our chiropractor will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical examination and determine which of your vertebrae or extremity joints need to be adjusted. The Activator will be placed against your skin in the location where the adjustment is to be performed. Then, our chiropractor will trigger the Activator. The spring-loaded device will deliver a force to the location that will push the vertebrae or joint back into its proper position. This restores movement and reduces inflammation and pain.
Traditional spinal manipulation is performed manually, using a quick and controlled thrust to realign the joint. While this method is safe and effective, it often involves a broader adjustment area.
In contrast, the Activator Method delivers a precise, low-force adjustment without twisting or pulling. Many patients find this technique more comfortable, both physically and mentally, as it minimizes joint noise and prevents muscles from tightening in response to the adjustment.
There are no side-effects associated with the Activator method. It is considered gentler than traditional manual adjustments, as it targets only the specific area being treated without additional joint movement. Most patients report finding the Activator Method more comfortable and less invasive than hands-on techniques.
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) undergo extensive education and clinical training that closely parallels the education of medical and osteopathic doctors, with a specialized focus on the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal health.
1. Undergraduate Prerequisites Before entering chiropractic school, candidates must complete undergraduate coursework, typically earning a bachelor's degree with a strong emphasis in the biological sciences—such as anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and biology.
2. Chiropractic College (4 Years Professional Education) Chiropractic students then attend one of the accredited chiropractic colleges in the United States. The professional program spans four years and includes over 4,000 hours of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience.
3. Clinical Internship During their final year, students complete a hands-on clinical internship in an outpatient clinic affiliated with the college. This supervised experience allows students to apply their skills in real patient care settings, managing a variety of conditions under faculty guidance.
4. National and State Licensing Upon graduation, chiropractors must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) four-part examination, which assesses clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and chiropractic techniques. Afterward, they must also pass a state licensing exam in the state where they wish to practice.
5. Continuing Education Education does not end at graduation. All U.S. states require chiropractors to complete ongoing continuing education each year. This ensures that DCs remain current with the latest research, clinical techniques, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
We hope this FAQ page answers your questions! If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to give our office a call at (410) 629-0610. We’re here to help you feel better, naturally.



