Frequently Asked Questions


Does it hurt and will there be cracking of my neck? 

When you think of classic Chiropractic, you think of manual manipulation, a bend of the neck, and a crack that comes out of the joint.  Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is different. When we adjust your spine, you are in a neutral position. It is extremely gentle, the neck does not pop or crack when we adjust it.  Because it is very gentle, and there is no manual manipulation, the adjustment does not hurt at all. It is fast and the table makes a noise, so it can be startling. Afterward, as the body restructures, there can be some achiness, but the adjustment does not hurt.

Do you see children?  

We see a lot of kids in our practice!  It is extremely safe and effective to adjust the pediatric spine.  Our youngest patient was just a few days old and our oldest patients are in their 90’s.  We believe that spinal care is an essential part of a body’s optimal function. It makes sense to be sure that your child’s spine is growing as straight and balanced as possible to PREVENT injury and problems rather than wait for them to show up.

Will I get adjusted on the first visit? 

At Areté Chiropractic we do a detailed health history, a complete spinal exam, and if needed, take 3-D imaging of the upper cervical spine.  This appointment takes about 1 hour. After that the doctor needs time to analyze the exam findings and then come up with a custom care plan.  The first adjustment, or treatment of the spine, occurs on the second appointment. Typically, that appointment is the following day, or days after the first appointment.   In special circumstances a patient can come in the morning for the first appointment, and the doctor will work through lunch and then do the second appointment with the first adjustment in the afternoon.


Can Upper Cervical Care help with Low Back Pain? 

Absolutely!  The top conditions we work with are Headache, Neck Pain, and Head and Neck Injury, like Whiplash, Concussion, or mTBI.  But the next most common complaint… you guessed it! Low Back Pain. Check out our Testimonials and our Blog under “Read All About it” to find out more.

What does Areté Mean?

Areté means the act of living to one’s full potential through fulfillment of purpose and function. it’s Greek!

Do I need a referral from my MD to be seen at Areté? 

As a regular patient, NO, you do not need a referral from your MD to see one of the doctors at Areté Chiropractic.  Just call the office to make an appointment. Insurance coverage varies from case to case and most of our practice members are self-pay.   There can be different circumstances if you have a Workers Compensation Claim or a Personal Injury Claim.

Please call the office with any questions at 603-380-9184