Your Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Chiropractic Questions

Common questions our patients ask about chiropractic adjustments, safety, insurance, and what to expect at your visit.

Understanding how chiropractic care works can help you make informed decisions about your health. If you have a question that isn't covered below, give the team at Integrated Medical Center (iMED) Downtown LA a call at (213) 278-0532.

During an adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled pressure to a spinal joint to guide it back into proper alignment. This often releases trapped gas from the joint capsule and triggers your body’s natural pain-relief response, which can reduce inflammation and muscle tightness in the surrounding area.

Not at all. The popping sound is simply gas escaping the joint — it is not an indicator of whether the joint was successfully repositioned. Many effective adjustments happen quietly, and the therapeutic benefit remains the same regardless of any audible release.

Coverage varies by plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm chiropractic benefits, and our office staff can assist with that process. We work with most PPO plans on an out-of-network basis and also participate in several in-network insurance networks.

Chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. Serious adverse events are extremely rare — far less common than complications associated with many conventional medical interventions. Our doctors use evidence-based techniques and perform a thorough evaluation before every adjustment to ensure the safest possible care.

Yes, and it can be especially beneficial. Pregnancy causes significant changes in posture, pelvic alignment, and ligament flexibility. Gentle chiropractic adjustments adapted for expectant mothers can help relieve lower-back pressure, support pelvic balance, and contribute to a more comfortable pregnancy.

No. There is no physiological mechanism for chiropractic dependency. Many patients choose ongoing maintenance visits because they feel better and want to stay that way — similar to regular exercise or dental cleanings — but there is no addictive component to the care itself.

Yes. Pediatric adjustments use very gentle, low-force techniques appropriate for a child’s developing body. Starting early can promote good posture habits, support healthy spinal development, and familiarize children with proactive musculoskeletal care.

A chiropractor completes a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic program — a total of eight years of higher education that includes extensive coursework in anatomy, physiology, radiology, and hands-on clinical training.

In most cases, yes — once your surgeon has cleared you for manual therapy. Post-surgical patients often experience stiffness or compensatory pain in areas surrounding the surgical site, and chiropractic adjustments can help restore comfortable movement during recovery.

Every patient responds differently. Some feel improvement after a single visit, while others may need several sessions. If meaningful progress has not occurred within about six visits, we will reassess your plan and may incorporate additional therapies such as physiotherapy or targeted exercises.

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Office Hours

  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • SaturdayBy Appointment
  • SundayClosed