Frequently Asked Questions in Wexford PA

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focusing on the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor will go through specialized examinations to diagnose and treat using chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies, which can increase nerve function, improve joint mobility, reduce pain, improve physical function, and enhance overall quality of life.

Chiropractors treat many musculoskeletal conditions related to the spine and extremities. Examples of common spine complaints are neck, shoulder, middle, and lower back pain, sciatica, radiculopathy, herniated or bulged discs, and disc protrusions. In regards to extremities, we are able to treat knee, ankle, elbow, wrist/hand pain, as well as many other conditions related to pinched nerves causing pain throughout the body.

The adjustment is a high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust on subluxations, also known as misalignments, to remove nerve interference and improve joint mobility. Adjustments come in a variety of types and we offer various methods. Diversified adjustments are commonly referred to the traditional hands-on adjustments. Drop table adjustments use a low force technique that uses a specially designed adjustment table where gravity assists the drop to lightly align the vertebrae and pelvis. Activator adjustments are very light force adjustments that use a specialized adjusting tool to lightly impulse on the misaligned bones into a better alignment. The activator can also be used directly on muscular trigger points to improve muscular hypertonicity and break up muscular knots.

Yes, chiropractic treatment is safe for many people. Treatment involves high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) adjustments, which are designed to be quick with very little force delivered by a qualified and skilled doctor, making it very safe to get adjusted.

The number of treatments varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Dr. Walker develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient depending on symptoms, x-rays, and condition. Some patients find relief in as little as one adjustment, but it is very uncommon for a musculoskeletal condition to be strengthened, stabilized, and maintained in just one adjustment. It typically takes a series of several adjustments over weeks to months, again depending on severity. Treatment plans can be as few as 6 visits but can take up to 30 visits and/or 6 months to get a condition to get strengthened and stabilized. After treatment plans are completed, most patients like keeping up with their spinal health by undergoing regular chiropractic adjustments through maintenance care, allowing them to come in once a month or more if needed for relief and maintaining alignment.

Chiropractic is non-invasive in nature to treat musculoskeletal complaints. Chiropractic can help patients improve movement, reduce the need for pain medication, and avoid surgery. Chiropractic can improve lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and various other joint pains allowing for a more functional and pain-free quality of life.

Chiropractic care is generally considered low risk when performed appropriately by a trained practitioner, but it isn’t risk-free. The risks depend heavily on the type of treatment, especially if the neck is manipulated forcefully. Common risks are temporary soreness, increased pain, stiffness, headache, or fatigue, however, these symptoms typically resolve within 24 hours. Extremely rare risks are nerve or spinal injury, worsening of certain underlying conditions, and cervical artery dissection. Cervical chiropractic manipulation is generally considered a safe treatment when appropriately indicated and performed by a properly trained clinician. Serious complications appear to be extremely rare, and current evidence does not establish that chiropractic manipulation causes cervical artery dissection. Before Dr. Walker does any type of treatment, he completes a thorough consultation, thorough examination, and x-rays to determine if there are any risk factors and if patients are a candidate for chiropractic. Prior to all care, he explains the risks and benefits to make each patient comfortable with the care they receive.

Usually, chiropractic adjustments are not painful. You may feel pressure, stretching, or a quick thrust which sometimes causes a popping sound from the joint called a cavitation. Afterward, some people may experience mild soreness, stiffness, or temporary discomfort, similar to what you might feel after exercise, which typically settles within a day or two.

Dr. Walker is well trained and has over 11 years of experience in successfully diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. He has practiced under Shawn Finn at Finn Chiropractic for almost 11 years as an associate, assisted with opening the Wexford office in 2019. Dr. Walker took ownership of the Wexford, PA office in August 2026.

Regular appointments can take as little as 5 minutes for the adjustments but can be up to 45 minutes with supportive therapies such as spinal decompression therapy, electric muscle stimulation, and therapeutic exercise. All are options provided based on treatment plan, including maintenance patients.

Chiropractors are educated and trained at specialized chiropractic schools which typically last 3.5-4 years, post receiving their bachelor degree. Chiropractic classroom training consists of advanced anatomy classes, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology/imaging, biomechanics, nutrition, diagnosis, and chiropractic techniques. Once they complete the course studies in the first 2-3 years, students complete supervised clinical training where they evaluate and treat patients. To maintain their license in PA every 2 years, chiropractors are required to complete continuing education courses to stay up to date on techniques and research.

Yes, chiropractic is generally considered safe for pregnant women. Chiropractic can help with pregnancy-related low back pain or sciatica, which is a great alternative to over-the-counter medications that may be limited during pregnancy.

No, chiropractic care is not addictive. Some people may feel the "need" to get regular adjustments because it can relieve pain or stiffness. Some chiropractors recommend frequent or indefinite visits, although that doesn't necessarily mean your body has become dependent on adjustments.

The “crack” or popping sound during a chiropractic adjustment is usually a cavitation, a rapid change in pressure inside a synovial joint. When a joint is moved quickly within its normal range, the joint surfaces are briefly separated, pressure inside the joint drops, dissolved gases in the synovial fluid form a cavity or bubble, and the rapid formation of that cavity produces the pop/crack.

It is best and safest to avoid self-adjusting. Chiropractic adjustments are designed with specific lines of drive to properly adjust the joints under a skilled practitioner. Self-adjusting cannot achieve the proper line of drive and should be avoided.

Yes. Most insurance plans have coverage for chiropractic care, however, coverage varies plan by plan. We always discuss insurance coverage during initial visits to ensure the patient is comfortable with coverage throughout the treatment plan.

Yes, back pain is a very common problem that can be treated with chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies.

Yes, neck pain can be treated with chiropractic adjustments and supportive therapies.

Yes, headaches can be treated with chiropractic care; however, it is very important to receive a proper chiropractic evaluation first to confirm there are no other risk factors that are causing a headache.

Chiropractic focuses on restoring nerve function through adjustments and supportive therapies which can improve nerve communication from the brain to the body/muscles. Physical therapy focuses on stretching and strengthening tight and weak muscles to improve strength and flexibility.

Yes, sports injuries are commonly musculoskeletal problems that can be helped through chiropractic care.

Yes, chiropractors focus on improving alignment and mobility which can improve posture. In the state of Pennsylvania, chiropractors can be licensed to utilize adjunctive procedures, which include therapeutic exercise that can help strengthen postural muscles to improve and maintain proper posture and alignment.

During the adjustment, Dr. Walker will use either manual, drop table, activator, or light mobilizations to improve alignment of the vertebrae or other joints and improve joint restrictions of the areas of pain.

Yes, chiropractic is safe for children when done correctly. Dr. Walker uses much lighter adjustments when adjusting children.