Chiropractic care is one of the most widely used forms of conservative healthcare in the United States, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients come to Triple Crown Chiropractic uncertain about what an evaluation actually involves, what chiropractic treatment feels like, or whether their condition is something chiropractic care can help.
This guide answers those questions directly. Dr. Erik Simms built Triple Crown Chiropractic around patient education — the belief that informed patients make better decisions, recover faster, and maintain their results longer.
Key Takeaways
- Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical musculoskeletal conditions — primarily of the spine and extremities.
- The evaluation includes health history, physical examination, and neurological screening when relevant.
- Treatment is individualized to each patient's condition, severity, and goals.
- Most common conditions seen in chiropractic practice respond well to conservative care.
- No referral is required to schedule at Triple Crown Chiropractic.
What chiropractic care is
Chiropractic care is a licensed, evidence-informed healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system — particularly the spine. Chiropractors complete four-year doctoral programs that include anatomy, physiology, neurology, diagnostic imaging, orthopedics, and clinical practice.
The primary treatment tool is the chiropractic adjustment — a specific, controlled force applied to a joint to restore normal range of motion, reduce pain, and improve function. Depending on the condition and patient, care may also include soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, postural correction, and ergonomic guidance.
What conditions chiropractic care treats
- Lower back pain — disc herniation, lumbar joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint pain, and mechanical back strain
- Sciatica — nerve compression from disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, or lumbar joint irritation
- Neck pain — cervical joint restriction, disc involvement, whiplash, and postural dysfunction
- Headaches — cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, and headaches from upper cervical dysfunction
- Shoulder pain — rotator cuff strain, impingement, bursitis, and cervicogenic shoulder symptoms
- Sports injuries — muscle strains, joint sprains, overuse injuries, and post-athletic soreness
- Work-related musculoskeletal injuries — occupational strain from repetitive motion, heavy lifting, or prolonged posture
- Extremity conditions — hip pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, wrist and ankle complaints
Ready to See What Chiropractic Care Can Do for You?
No referral needed. Dr. Simms evaluates your condition, explains exactly what he finds, and presents a care plan before any treatment begins. Both Walton and Covington locations welcome new patients.
What happens at a first chiropractic visit
- Health history review — onset, location, and character of symptoms; prior treatments; relevant medical history; medications; and occupation.
- Physical examination — postural assessment, range-of-motion testing, and orthopedic provocation tests specific to the presenting complaint.
- Neurological screening — when appropriate, reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength testing to evaluate nerve involvement.
- Palpation — hands-on assessment of joint mobility, tissue texture, and tenderness at specific spinal levels.
- Diagnosis and explanation — Dr. Simms explains what is found and why it is causing the symptoms before any treatment is recommended.
- Care plan — a specific treatment plan with timeline, visit frequency, and goals that the patient understands before agreeing to proceed.
- First treatment — when appropriate and agreed upon, treatment begins at the first visit.
What a chiropractic adjustment feels like
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled force applied to a joint that has restricted movement. Most patients experience little or no discomfort during the adjustment itself. The audible "pop" sometimes heard during an adjustment is gas releasing from the joint space as pressure changes — it is not a structural sound and does not indicate anything breaking or damaged.
Mild soreness after an adjustment — similar to post-exercise muscle soreness — is common in the first day or two, particularly for patients who have been guarding a painful area for an extended time. Most patients find subsequent visits progressively more comfortable as mobility is restored and guarding reduces.
How many visits does chiropractic care take
The number of visits depends on the condition, how long it has been present, its severity, and the patient's individual response to care. Acute conditions that are treated early often respond in six to ten visits. Chronic conditions with structural changes may require a longer corrective phase.
Dr. Simms presents a care plan at the first visit with a realistic timeline and clear milestones. Patients are not committed to indefinite care — the goal is measurable improvement and a clear endpoint, with ongoing maintenance as an optional choice rather than a requirement.
- Acute conditions: typically 6–10 visits over 3–6 weeks
- Subacute conditions (4–12 weeks duration): 10–20 visits over 6–12 weeks
- Chronic conditions (over 3 months): longer corrective phase with patient-specific milestones
- Maintenance care: monthly or quarterly visits to maintain function and prevent recurrence
Is chiropractic care safe
Chiropractic care has a strong safety record for the conditions it is designed to treat. Serious adverse events are rare. The most common side effect is temporary post-treatment soreness, which resolves within one to two days.
Dr. Simms performs a thorough evaluation before any treatment is recommended. Conditions that require medical management rather than chiropractic care are identified and referred appropriately. Patients with contraindications to specific techniques receive modified approaches that maintain safety.
What to look for in a chiropractor
- Thorough evaluation before treatment — any provider who adjusts without examination should raise concern
- Clear explanation of findings and a specific care plan before proceeding
- Honest communication about what chiropractic care can and cannot address
- Willingness to refer when the condition is outside chiropractic scope
- Experience with the specific condition you are presenting with
- Credentials — Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) from an accredited program
“An informed patient is a better patient. When people understand what is wrong and why the plan makes sense, they commit to care, they do the home exercises, and they get better faster. That is the whole point of spending time on education at that first visit.”
— Dr. Erik Simms, Triple Crown Chiropractic
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor diagnoses and treats mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system — primarily the spine. The primary treatment is the chiropractic adjustment, a specific controlled force applied to joints with restricted movement. Care may also include soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, and ergonomic guidance depending on the condition.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Triple Crown Chiropractic accepts new patients directly without a referral. Most insurance plans also cover chiropractic care without requiring a physician referral for musculoskeletal conditions.
Does chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most patients experience little or no pain during an adjustment. The audible pop sometimes heard is gas releasing from the joint — not a structural sound. Some patients experience mild post-treatment soreness similar to exercise soreness for one to two days, particularly early in care when guarding is being released.
What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physical therapist?
Both professions treat musculoskeletal conditions conservatively. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal and joint diagnosis and adjustment, with exercise as a component. Physical therapists focus primarily on rehabilitation exercise, movement retraining, and functional recovery. The two disciplines are complementary and Dr. Simms refers to physical therapy when rehabilitative exercise is the primary need.
Can chiropractic care help if I have had surgery?
In many cases, yes — depending on the type of surgery, how long ago it was, and the current symptoms. Dr. Simms evaluates post-surgical patients individually and uses modified techniques appropriate to the surgical history. Levels adjacent to a fusion are a common area where post-surgical chiropractic care provides benefit.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care for medically necessary conditions. Triple Crown Chiropractic accepts most major insurance and can verify your benefits before the first visit.
Continue Reading
Chiropractic Care at Triple Crown
Services and treatment approach
About Dr. Erik Simms
Credentials, experience, and philosophy
Is Chiropractic Care Expensive?
Cost, insurance, and value of conservative care
Chiropractic Neck Adjustment Safety
Safety, examination, and what to expect
What to Expect at a Chiropractic Visit
First visit walkthrough and care planning
Ready for Clear Answers and a Practical Plan?
Schedule with Dr. Erik Simms at Triple Crown Chiropractic in Walton or Covington, KY.