Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions regarding chiropractic? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rob Woodhall. Before any manipulation or treatment, he will do a thorough overview with you and explain what you need. He will answer your questions, address your concerns and make sure you are comfortable with being treated. 

About Chiropractic

Inform your chiropractor about any known medical conditions. Your chiropractor may need to avoid certain techniques or movements depending on your conditions. Your chiropractor will not want to manipulate any areas that may cause you pain or otherwise trigger other symptoms.

During an initial consulation, Dr.Woodhall will go over this prior to any manipulation being done.

You should avoid chiropractic care if you have 

  • severe osteoporosis, 
  • a bone fracture, 
  • bone tumor, 
  • spinal infection, or recent trauma until a doctor has assessed your condition. 

Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like sudden severe headache, numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control, as these could signal serious issues like spinal cord compression or a stroke, which require medical care, not chiropractic adjustments. Individuals with other medical conditions, like cancer, severe herniated discs, or certain vascular disorders, should consult their doctor before considering chiropractic treatment.

Medical conditions that are contraindications for chiropractic care:
  • Bone and Spine ConditionsSevere osteoporosis, fractures, bone tumors, spinal infections, or severe spinal instability. 
     
  • Neurological SymptomsSudden numbness, weakness, tingling, or loss of bladder or bowel control, which can indicate spinal cord compression. 
     
  • Cancer or TumorsActive or history of cancer, especially in the spine. 
     
  • Vascular IssuesAneurysms, vertebral artery dissection, or vascular disorders. 
     
  • Severe Herniated DiscsSevere cases with signs of nerve compression

A good chiropractor will answer all of your questions and help you understand your treatment plan. They will do anything to make you feel comfortable while showing empathy and building a personal connection with you. A bad chiropractor will rush the treatment and won’t care about your needs or feelings.

Chiropractors recommend regular visits because chiropractic care involves training the body to hold proper alignment, similar to how a gym workout builds muscle over time. A single adjustment provides temporary relief, but it takes repeated care for muscles, ligaments, and joints to “learn” new, healthy patterns. Regular visits can also be preventative, helping to catch misalignments before they become bigger problems and maintaining overall spinal and nervous system health.

When a chiropractor adjusts your back, the audible pop occurs due to a process called joint cavitation, where the pressure change within the synovial fluid surrounding your spinal joints causes a gas bubble (primarily nitrogen) to rapidly form and then collapse, creating the sound. This release of gas is a natural physiological response and helps restore normal movement and function to the joint. The adjustment can lead to immediate relief, increased flexibility, and a sense of relaxation, although the muscles may still feel tight initially.

Chiropractic science focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, believing that proper alignment of the spine is crucial for overall health and function. Chiropractors diagnose, treat, and prevent mechanical disorders of these systems using hands-on techniques like spinal manipulation (adjustments). These adjustments aim to restore joint mobility, alleviate nerve pressure, reduce muscle tension, and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes

About Low Level Laser therapy

It is used for conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, muscle strains, wound healing, nerve pain, and certain skin conditions.

Yes, when administered by trained professionals, laser therapy is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. It’s non-invasive and painless.

The duration of treatment depends on the condition and severity of that condition being  treated. Most treatments range from 3-10 minutes.

Side effects are rare but may include temporary redness, tingling, or mild discomfort at the treatment site.

Yes, it can often be used alongside physical therapy, chiropractic, medication, or other medical interventions for better results.

Most people can benefit, but it may not be appropriate for pregnant women, people with certain cancers, or those with photosensitive conditions. Dr. Woodhall can discuss the treatment with you.

About Animal Chiropractic

While traditional veterinary medicine offers a more conservative approach to treating an animal’s presenting symptoms and looking at the body as different parts and systems; chiropractic care focuses on the body as an integrated system and looks to treat the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Yes. Animal chiropractic is considered a form of integrative or complementary medicine that involves spinal manipulation to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues in animals, focusing on restoring proper joint function and nervous system health.

A chiropractic visit will typically involve hands-on treatment of your pet’s muscles and joints in the area of concern. Most cats and dogs love this care and find the treatment process calming and relaxing.

VOM is a non-invasive, manual therapy used to treat musculoskeletal disorders in animals. It involves gentle adjustments to the spine, joints, and soft tissues to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.

Benefits:
Improves range of motion and flexibility, Reduces pain and inflammation, Restores joint function, Strengthens muscles and ligaments, and Improves balance and coordination.

Conditions Treated:
VOM can be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Hip dysplasia, Intervertebral disc disease, Knee injuries, Shoulder problems, Neck pain, and Wobblers disease.

Procedure:
A veterinarian trained in VOM will perform a thorough examination to identify the underlying cause of the problem. They will then use gentle, specific adjustments to correct any misalignments or restrictions.

Frequency and Duration:
The frequency and duration of VOM treatments will vary depending on the individual animal and the severity of their condition. Typically, treatments are given weekly or bi-weekly for several weeks or months.

Safety and Side Effects:
VOM is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. However, some animals may experience mild discomfort or bruising after treatment.   

Visit the V.O.M. website 

While many animals don’t find chiropractic adjustments painful and may even seem to enjoy them over time, their reaction depends on the animal, their pain level, and the chiropractor’s approach. Most animals are cooperative, as adjustments aim to reduce pain and improve mobility, but some may show initial hesitation or resistance, especially during their first treatment. The goal of these treatments is to enhance an animal’s comfort and overall well-being, and certified veterinary chiropractors are trained to work with each animal to minimize anxiety and discomfort, leading to improved quality of life.

Pain and Anxiety:
Animals that are in significant pain or are anxious about being handled may resist the adjustment.

Familiarity:
Animals that become familiar with chiropractic care and feel better afterward often show more willingness to participate in subsequent treatments.

Chiropractor’s Technique:
A skilled and gentle approach by a certified veterinary chiropractor can make the process less stressful for the animal.

  • Improved Mobility and Pain Relief:
    Adjustments are designed to relieve pain and restore proper spinal alignment, which can improve movement and overall function.
  • Enhanced Well-being:
    By improving spinal function and nerve health, chiropractic care helps maintain an animal’s mobility and vitality, promoting a better quality of life.
  • Prevention:
    Regular adjustments can help maintain proper spinal alignment, which is crucial for preventing potential injuries and health issues.

Dr. Woodhall sees animals scheduled through your participating vet.  If you need a vet referral, Dr. Woodhall can assist you.  Typically, he will give you his available appointment times, and you then make an appointment with your vet for that time.

Other Questions

Seeing a chiropractor is not only for back pain and neck pain. Chiropractic care is an excellent way to keep your body at its peak performance through nutrition, adjustment, and overall wellness. In addition, chiropractic care has been known to help a wide range of conditions from fibromyalgia to diabetes. Dr. Robert Woodhall, the chiropractor, is committed to educating and partnering with his patients for whole body care: physically, and mentally. and spiritually. He will work with you to target the root of your pain and physical dysfunction and get you back to your best.

Woodhall Chiropractic is pleased to work with Medicare and most major insurance companies. If you have further questions, please contact our helpful office staff at 530-273-7988 during regular business hours.