Chiropractic FAQs in Louisville, KY
Have questions about chiropractic care? You’re not alone. At Family Care Chiropractic in Louisville, KY, we believe an informed patient is an empowered patient. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we hear from new and prospective patients. If you don’t see your question answered here, we’d love to hear from you — call us at (502) 231-3000 and Dr. Lansing or a member of our team will be happy to help.
What is chiropractic care and how does it work?
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders — particularly those involving the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and a range of complementary therapies to restore proper alignment, relieve nerve pressure, reduce pain, and support the body’s natural ability to heal. At Family Care Chiropractic, Dr. Lansing takes a whole-body approach that goes beyond the spine to address the muscles, joints, and nervous system as an integrated system.
What conditions can a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractic care is effective for a wide range of conditions including back pain, neck pain, whiplash, auto injuries, personal injuries, sciatica, herniated discs, headaches, sports injuries, shoulder and hip pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis. If you’re unsure whether your condition is appropriate for chiropractic care, call us at (502) 231-3000 and we’ll help you find out.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest non-invasive, drug-free healthcare options for musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Lansing performs a comprehensive evaluation before recommending any treatment to confirm that chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific condition. Serious complications from chiropractic care are extremely rare when performed by a qualified, experienced practitioner.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a chiropractic adjustment. The movement is quick and precise, and many patients feel immediate relief. You may experience mild soreness in treated areas for 24 to 48 hours afterward — similar to how muscles feel after exercise — but this typically resolves quickly. Dr. Lansing adjusts his technique based on each patient’s condition and comfort level.
What is the popping or cracking sound during an adjustment?
The sound is called joint cavitation and is caused by the release of dissolved gases — nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide — from the fluid surrounding your joints as the joint space is gently opened. It is completely harmless and not an indicator of the quality or effectiveness of the adjustment. Some adjustments produce the sound; others do not.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on the nature and severity of your condition, how long it has been present, and your overall health and wellness goals. Some patients with acute pain find significant relief in just a few sessions, while those with chronic or structural conditions benefit from a longer course of care followed by maintenance visits. Dr. Lansing will outline a realistic treatment timeline after your initial evaluation and reevaluate your progress regularly throughout your care plan.
What should I expect at my first chiropractic appointment?
Your first visit will include completing new patient intake paperwork, a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Lansing to discuss your symptoms and health history, a comprehensive physical examination, and in most cases on-site X-rays. Dr. Lansing will then review his findings with you, explain your diagnosis, and outline a recommended treatment plan. For most patients, treatment begins during that same first visit. Plan to spend approximately one hour. Visit our your first visit page for more details.
Do I need to see a medical doctor before seeing a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractic care is a primary healthcare service, and you do not need a referral from a medical doctor to schedule an appointment at Family Care Chiropractic. You can contact our office directly at (502) 231-3000 to book your first visit. If you have recent medical records, imaging, or surgical history related to your condition, it is helpful to bring those to your appointment.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care?
Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and most major private insurers, cover chiropractic care. Auto insurance personal injury protection (PIP) and Kentucky workers’ compensation typically cover chiropractic treatment for injury-related cases as well. Our office submits insurance claims on your behalf and will help you understand and maximize your benefits. Visit our payment options page for more information.
Can chiropractic care help after a car accident?
Yes — and the sooner, the better. Auto accidents cause soft tissue injuries, spinal misalignments, disc damage, and whiplash that may not be fully apparent for days after the collision. Early chiropractic intervention is the most effective way to prevent these injuries from becoming chronic conditions. Dr. Lansing is experienced in treating auto injuries and works with auto insurance and personal injury cases. Learn more on our auto accident recovery page.
What is spinal decompression and who is it for?
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy that gently stretches the spine to relieve pressure on compressed intervertebral discs and nerves. It is particularly effective for herniated and bulging discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. At Family Care Chiropractic, we use DRX9000 and ABS decompression technology. Clinical research shows 92% of patients treated with spinal decompression report meaningful improvement — making it a compelling alternative to back surgery.
What is the difference between chiropractic care and physical therapy?
Chiropractic care focuses on the structural alignment of the spine and joints and its direct relationship to nervous system function. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapies, and hands-on techniques to correct subluxations and restore proper biomechanics. Physical therapy primarily emphasizes rehabilitative exercise and movement re-education. At Family Care Chiropractic, we incorporate both approaches — combining adjustments with therapeutic exercise and manual therapies — for a comprehensive treatment model.
Can children receive chiropractic care?
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for patients of all ages, including children. Dr. Lansing uses age-appropriate, gentle techniques for younger patients. Children commonly receive chiropractic care for postural issues, sports injuries, and general wellness. The techniques used for children are significantly lighter and more precise than those used for adults.
How can I prevent back and neck pain from recurring?
Preventing recurrence involves maintaining proper spinal alignment through regular chiropractic maintenance care, strengthening the core and back muscles with therapeutic exercise, practicing good posture, setting up an ergonomic workspace, maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity. Dr. Lansing provides personalized guidance on all of these factors as part of your ongoing care at Family Care Chiropractic.
What is the difference between a subluxation and a herniated disc?
A subluxation is a misalignment or abnormal movement of a vertebra that irritates or compresses nearby nerves, disrupting normal nervous system function. A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer, pressing on nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Both conditions are treated at Family Care Chiropractic — subluxations with chiropractic adjustments, and herniated discs with adjustments, spinal decompression, and supportive therapies.
Is it safe to have chiropractic care after surgery?
In many cases, yes. Dr. Lansing will review your surgical history and any relevant records to determine whether and how chiropractic care can be safely incorporated into your recovery. Techniques can often be adapted to avoid the surgical site while still addressing areas of tension, misalignment, or dysfunction in the surrounding spine and musculature. Always inform Dr. Lansing of any surgical history before treatment begins.
What other therapies are offered alongside chiropractic adjustments?
At Family Care Chiropractic, we offer a comprehensive suite of complementary therapies including massage therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser therapy, cryotherapy, spinal traction and decompression, and therapeutic exercise. Dr. Lansing integrates these therapies into your care plan as appropriate, often combining multiple modalities in a single visit for maximum effectiveness.
How do I schedule an appointment at Family Care Chiropractic?
Scheduling is easy. You can call our Louisville office directly at (502) 231-3000 during business hours, or visit our appointments page to request a visit online. Our office hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm, and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30am to 12:00pm. We look forward to welcoming you to Family Care Chiropractic and helping you feel your best.