Woodbury Chiropractic Center Frequently Asked Questions

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see Dr. Cheri. While some insurance plans may have specific referral requirements, most allow you to schedule an appointment with a chiropractor directly. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify their specific policies, or our office staff would be happy to help you determine if a referral is necessary. We strive to make access to quality chiropractic care as straightforward as possible for all our patients.

Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is a manual procedure that utilizes the highly refined skills developed during Dr. Cheri’s intensive years of chiropractic education. Dr. Cheri typically uses her hands—or sometimes an instrument—to manipulate the joints of the body, particularly the spine, to restore or enhance joint function. This often helps resolve joint inflammation and reduces the patient’s pain. Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort. Dr. Cheri adapts the technique to meet the specific needs of each patient, and many patients notice positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

No, chiropractic adjustments should not be painful. Dr. Cheri emphasizes to all her patients: “I don’t do anything that hurts. If it hurts, you tell me, and we don’t do it.” Your comfort is paramount during treatment. The adjustment techniques are controlled, precise movements designed to improve joint function without causing pain. Some patients may experience a brief sensation as the adjustment occurs, often described as a feeling of release or relief. After an adjustment, you might notice mild soreness similar to what you might feel after exercise, but this typically resolves quickly.

Yes, if it’s appropriate for your condition. Unlike some practices that require multiple visits before beginning treatment, Dr. Cheri typically provides treatment during your first visit whenever possible. The exception would be if she determines that X-rays or additional information are needed before safely performing adjustments. Dr. Cheri believes in addressing your pain as quickly as possible, which is why we prioritize same-day care for patients in discomfort. Our goal is to begin your journey to wellness immediately, without unnecessary delays.

The hands-on nature of chiropractic treatment is essentially what requires patients to visit the chiropractor a number of times. A chiropractor may provide acute, chronic, and/or preventive care, thus making a certain number of visits sometimes necessary. Dr. Cheri will tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last. That said, the decision to continue with maintenance care after your initial treatment plan is complete is entirely yours. While Dr. Cheri might recommend ongoing preventive care to maintain your improvements, she respects that this is a personal health decision each patient must make for themselves.

Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) care for patients of all ages with a variety of health conditions, particularly back pain, neck pain, and headaches, using highly skilled manipulations or chiropractic adjustments. They also care for patients with a wide range of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, involving the muscles, ligaments, and joints. These painful conditions often involve or impact the nervous system, which can cause referred pain and dysfunction distant to the region of injury. The benefits of chiropractic care extend to general health issues as well, since our body structure affects our overall function. Dr. Cheri also counsels patients on diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy habits, and occupational and lifestyle modification.

No, chiropractic care cannot cure everything, though it can be highly effective for musculoskeletal issues and can certainly improve your overall health. Dr. Cheri takes a realistic approach to treatment, focusing on the conditions where chiropractic has proven benefits. For conditions outside her scope of practice, she’ll refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider. This ethical approach ensures you receive the most effective care for your specific situation. Chiropractic works exceptionally well for many conditions, but it’s just one component of a comprehensive healthcare strategy.

Absolutely. In fact, Dr. Cheri believes that people who have had back surgery are “definitely the people that should see one.” Post-surgical patients often benefit greatly from the gentle, non-invasive care that chiropractic provides. Dr. Cheri takes special precautions with post-surgical patients, modifying techniques as needed to accommodate the changes in the spine and surrounding tissues. Many patients find that chiropractic care helps manage pain and improve function after surgery, potentially reducing the need for revision surgeries or long-term medication use.