Frequently Asked Questions

At Van Wyk Chiropractic, we know you may have questions before starting care. Here are clear, straightforward answers to the most common ones we hear from new and returning patients.

 

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Most patients describe the adjustment as feeling really good—relieving pain, tension, and stiffness. But if an area is already in a lot of pain, sometimes it can be uncomfortable while we’re working to correct it. As your body heals, the adjustments—and how your body responds to them—will feel better.

 

How long will it take before I feel better?

Every patient responds differently depending on their condition, how long it’s been present, and their overall health. Some notice improvement after a week or two; others need more consistent care over several weeks or months to achieve results. Healing is a process that takes time, repetition, and effort, so it’s important that you’re committed to your healing if you want real, lasting results..

 

Do you accept my insurance?

Yes. We are in-network with several major insurance plans and will verify your benefits before care begins. You can also call your insurance company to verify your benefits. If you prefer to pay directly, we also offer affordable self-pay rates and accept HSA/FSA cards.

If you have specific insurance questions, give us a call and we’ll do what we can to help.

 

What if I’ve had surgery or other health conditions?

Chiropractic care is safe and adaptable for people with previous surgeries, arthritis, disc issues, stenosis, and other medical conditions. Dr. Van Wyk will always review your health history, image reports, and any restrictions before recommending care. Adjustments and techniques can be modified for safety and comfort.

 

Can children or seniors receive chiropractic care?

Absolutely. Chiropractic care is effective for all ages—from infants to older adults. Techniques are tailored to each individual’s size, age, and condition. Families often choose chiropractic to help with pain, posture, mobility, and overall function at every stage of life. If it makes sense for your children to have dental care, then it makes sense for them to have spinal care. Seniors also benefit greatly from chiropractic care as they age and their bodies take on new health challenges.

 

How much does it cost?

Costs vary depending on your condition, the type of care needed, and your insurance coverage. Before treatment begins, we’ll review your options and go over all fees so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make high-quality care accessible and transparent.

 

Do I have to come forever?

No. It’s your health, and your results are up to you. You are always in control of how long you choose to receive care. That being said, if you stop short of what you need, you won’t get the results you want. Also, many patients initially come to relieve pain, then continue periodically for wellness, prevention, and management of their conditions. This approach is similar to dental checkups or workouts at the gym. Being healthy over the long term takes consistency, and what you choose to do with your health is entirely up to you.

 

Can I come just when I’m in pain?

Yes, you can come whenever you choose. However, chiropractic works best when used proactively, not just reactively. Addressing problems early can prevent recurring flare-ups and help you stay active longer. You cannot maintain good health by doing nothing—neglect has a price. Continuing care once or twice a month for conditions like arthritis, degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, stenosis, chronic stiffness, or pain can help you manage symptoms and keep your quality of life as high as possible.

 

What if chiropractic hasn’t worked for me before?

There are typically three reasons why someone has tried chiropractic care and didn’t get results. First, they may have a medical condition outside the scope of chiropractic care. Second, the patient didn’t commit or follow through with enough care. In many of these cases, the patient expected results in a visit or two—or within a week or two—when in reality, it often takes longer to get lasting change. Third, the chiropractic technique used might not have been the right fit.

You may not know this, but there are several different chiropractic techniques, and many chiropractors use different approaches within those methods. Dr. Van Wyk uses multiple treatment options, including traditional hands-on adjustments and technology-based methods such as the ProAdjuster, Thompson Drop Table, and ArthroStim instrument. The combination of a committed patient and the right chiropractic technique produces results the majority of the time.

 

What makes Van Wyk Chiropractic different?

We focus on long-term health and function—not quick fixes. With over two decades of experience and a family legacy in chiropractic care, Dr. Van Wyk blends modern, evidence-based techniques with honest, straightforward communication. Our goal is to help you feel better, move better, and live healthier—naturally.

 

What if I don’t want my neck or back “cracked”?

That’s perfectly fine. Chiropractic isn’t limited to manual adjustments. We offer gentle, low-force options using instruments or table-assisted methods for patients who prefer a quieter approach. Dr. Van Wyk will always respect your comfort level and preferences.

 

Is there research proving chiropractic care works?

Yes. Numerous studies support chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractic is recognized by most major healthcare systems as a safe, effective, non-invasive option for spine-related problems.

 

Do chiropractors cause strokes?

No credible evidence supports that chiropractic adjustments cause strokes in healthy individuals. Large-scale research shows the risk is extremely low—no higher than visiting a primary-care physician for neck pain. Dr. Van Wyk uses techniques that are gentle, specific, and supported by current safety standards.

 

Are chiropractors real doctors?

Yes. Chiropractors complete doctoral-level education that includes anatomy, physiology, neurology, radiology, and clinical internships. Dr. Van Wyk holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has been licensed in Colorado since 2001.

 

Why don’t some people believe in chiropractic?

Some people don’t believe in chiropractic because of negative programming, inaccurate opinions, or bad advice. Much of the skepticism comes from misunderstanding what chiropractic actually does. Chiropractic focuses on restoring normal spine and joint health and improving nervous system function—not “curing everything.” As research and patient results continue to grow, more medical providers are referring to chiropractors as part of a comprehensive care team.

 

Did the AMA try to eliminate the chiropractic profession?

Yes. The American Medical Association deliberately tried to eliminate chiropractic. In the 1960s and 1970s, it created a committee whose stated goal was to “contain and eliminate the chiropractic profession.” For years, the AMA used its power and influence to spread misinformation, restrict hospital privileges, block referrals, and discourage cooperation between medical doctors and chiropractors. It also persuaded medical colleges to teach false and misleading information about chiropractic, ensuring that generations of physicians entered practice with biased views of the profession.

Their campaign shaped public perception for decades, fueling many of the myths and negative programming that still exist today. The chiropractic profession fought back and, after years of legal battles, won. In 1987, the United States Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling in Wilk v. AMA, confirming that the AMA was guilty of an unlawful conspiracy against chiropractic and had violated antitrust laws.

That decision forced the AMA to end its anti-chiropractic policies and publicly recognize chiropractors as legitimate healthcare professionals. The case became a turning point for the profession, proving that chiropractic wasn’t fringe or alternative—it was targeted because it challenged a medical monopoly.

Many of the old misconceptions people still hear about chiropractic came from that campaign, not from facts or patient outcomes. The truth is, chiropractic care has helped millions of people reduce pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life—despite decades of resistance from organized medicine.

 

What if I still have questions?

We’d be happy to help. Visit our Contact page or call our office to speak with a member of our team. You can also learn more about your first visit on our What to Expect page or get a head start by filling out your New Patient Forms.