Northern Kentucky patient guide
Your chiropractic questions, answered
Clear answers about neck pain, treatment choices, safety and costs—plus practical next steps for Walton, Covington and nearby communities.
Learn about Dr. Erik Simms, DC, explore our Walton and Covington offices, or choose your question below.
How long does it take for a chiropractor to fix your neck?
There is no reliable number of adjustments that will “fix” every neck.
Read the answer →02 / Patient questionsWhat type of doctor is best for neck pain?
The best clinician depends on the symptoms.
Read the answer →03 / Patient questionsIs the joint chiropractic really $29?
The Joint Chiropractic’s national pricing page advertises a $29 new-patient initial visit as of November 4, 2026, with a consultation, examination and adjustment if appropriate.
Read the answer →04 / Patient questionsWhat is a red flag in chiropractic?
A red flag can mean a symptom suggesting that chiropractic treatment should wait for medical evaluation, or a concerning practice behavior.
Read the answer →05 / Patient questionsWhat to do if you can't afford a chiropractor?
Ask for the full visit cost, verify insurance benefits and discuss lower-cost alternatives before committing to care.
Read the answer →06 / Patient questionsWhat are the five D's of neck pain?
The “five D’s” is a traditional warning-sign mnemonic: dizziness, diplopia (double vision), dysarthria (difficulty speaking), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and drop attacks (sudden unexplained falls).
Read the answer →07 / Patient questionsHow long is too long to have neck pain?
Neck pain that is not improving after a few weeks deserves an evaluation, and you should seek help sooner if it is worsening or disrupting sleep and daily activity.
Read the answer →08 / Patient questionsWhat illness starts with neck pain?
Neck pain alone cannot identify an illness.
Read the answer →09 / Patient questionsCan chiropractors really fix neck pain?
Chiropractic care may reduce pain and improve movement for some people with mechanical neck pain, but it does not “fix” every cause.
Read the answer →10 / Patient questionsCan a chiropractor help heel spurs?
A chiropractor may help assess movement-related contributors to heel discomfort, but an adjustment does not remove or dissolve a heel spur.
Read the answer →11 / Patient questionsCan a chiropractor tell if your neck is out of alignment?
A chiropractor can assess neck movement, tenderness, muscle function and neurological signs, but “out of alignment” is an imprecise phrase—not a diagnosis by itself.
Read the answer →12 / Patient questionsDoes insurance cover chiropractic?
Some insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage depends on the plan, provider network, medical necessity and service.
Read the answer →13 / Patient questionsWhat is a red flag for neck pain?
Red flags include major trauma, new or worsening weakness, trouble walking, fever with a stiff neck, or a sudden severe unfamiliar headache.
Read the answer →14 / Patient questionsWhat is better for neck pain, massage or chiropractor?
Neither is best for every case.
Read the answer →15 / Patient questionsWhen should you not get adjusted by a chiropractor?
Do not proceed with an adjustment when serious injury, infection, spinal instability, progressive neurological problems or a vascular emergency is suspected.
Read the answer →16 / Patient questionsWhy do doctors discourage chiropractors?
Not all doctors discourage chiropractic care.
Read the answer →17 / Patient questionsIs it normal to cry after a chiropractic adjustment?
Some people may cry during or after a healthcare visit because of pain, relief, fear or feeling overwhelmed.
Read the answer →18 / Patient questionsHow do I know if my neck pain is muscular or nerve?
Muscular pain often feels achy or tender and changes with movement or sustained positions.
Read the answer →Educational content cannot diagnose symptoms. For sudden stroke-like symptoms or another emergency, call 911 rather than requesting a routine appointment.