Frequently Asked Questions

We know that many of our patients are first-time Chiropractic patients, with many questions about what Chiropractic is, what we do here, and whether Chiropractic is the right fit for you. Read on to see the most common questions about Ionia Family Chiropractic answered, and if you don't see your question feel free to give us a call at 616-523-6472.

What makes chiropractic different from mainstream medicine?

Chiropractic is a natural, drug-free, surgery-free approach to treating a wide variety of conditions which arise from the spine. Instead of masking symptoms with medications or surgically removing injured tissue, we work with the body's innate ability to heal itself. At Ionia Family Chiropractic we work to target the specific cause of your condition and eliminate it.

Will I be adjusted at the first visit?

Whether or not it is appropriate for you to receive an adjustment on the first visit will be determined during our exam. Many times we are able to do so, but our chiropractors will only move forward with treating you after we are sure that chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for your condition.

Do I have to schedule an appointment to be seen at Ionia Family Chiropractic?

We recognize that our patients have busy lives, and many times a hectic schedule makes it difficult to know when you will have time to get the chiropractic care you need. With this in mind, we offer a flexible schedule with evening and weekend appointments available. We also accept walk-in patients, and typically with very little to no wait. Our first appointment typically takes 30-45 minutes to complete, and after that visits are usually 10-20 minutes in length.

What is that popping or clicking sound my spine makes? Does it have to happen for an adjustment to work?

Many times when a joint is adjusted by hand a clicking sound accompanies the maneuver. We call this an "audible". Some patients are uncomfortable with hearing this sound, or scared that it is a sign that something in their spine has been damaged. However, the audible is a perfectly normal sound indicating that a joint which was restricted in it's ability to function has been restored to a normal range of motion. Occasionally, you will not hear anything during an adjustment, but this is not unusual either. Whether or not you hear an audible during an adjustment does not determine whether an adjustment will help you.

For those who prefer to avoid an audible, Dr.s Anna and Justin Johnson are trained in a wide range of gentle adjusting techniques which are just as effective for treating spinal dysfunctions and are "audible-free." Your comfort and concerns are always taken into consideration when designing your care plan.

I've heard that once I start seeing a chiropractor, I'll have to come for the rest of my life. Is this true?

Absolutely not! At the first visit, we will recommend a care plan tailored to you specifically, which may span a few weeks to months. At the end of your care plan we will release you, and in some specific cases we may make a recommendation for occasional maintenance care. The need for and frequency of maintenance visits will be determined by your overall health and lifestyle.

Interestingly enough, have you ever heard the same statement made about a dentist or medical doctor? Yet many people schedule routine check-ups with both their dentist and medical doctor. For example, you may schedule a routine teeth cleaning and inspection, where the dentist searches for and treats tiny cavities or loose fillings before they become a painful disruption to your life. Similarly, Dr.s Anna and Justin Johnson believe that occasional "wellness" visits can also be beneficial to your spine, so we can find and treat small spinal dysfunctions before they can evolve into a painful and debilitating problem, costing you more money and time. However, you have the freedom to decide which approach to your health is right for you.


 At what age is it safe to be treated by a chiropractor?

We care for patients from birth to 100. The birth process is truly a miracle, but it can be a difficult one for both mother and child, especially if complications arise. Our littlest patients are unable to tell us where they hurt and that they need care, so we look instead to signs of spinal problems that can be determined by a thorough chiropractic examination. Gentle chiropractic care can help a wide variety of infant conditions. If your infant suffers from colic, has to be held a certain way to be comfortable, is irritable or sleeps poorly, always cocks her head to the same side or refuses to turn it a certain direction, these are signs she needs to be seen by a chiropractor! 

As children develop and grow, they put all sorts of new stresses on their spines, and occasionally run into trouble as a result. Chiropractic care is a gentle and safe treatment appropriate for children of all ages, and effective in the treatment of back pain, neck pain, and headaches.


 Is chiropractic safe for a pregnant woman?

Yes, absolutely! Not only is Chiropractic safe during pregnancy, research shows chiropractic to be extremely beneficial to the treatment of pregnancy-related back pain. Pregnancy is a time of rapid change and adaptation for a woman's body, physically and hormonally. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help your body adapt to these changes smoothly, with less discomfort, and has even been linked to shorter labor times!


I've had spinal surgery, can Chiropractic still help me?

Yes. We may ask to see medical records such as surgical reports or Xrays in order to identify the areas surgically modified so that we can avoid them. The unfortunate truth, however, is that areas above and below the involved region tend to degenerate faster as a result of the additional strain they undergo, and chiropractic can be extremely beneficial in treating this issue.

I have been diagnosed with a bulging/herniated disc, is Chiropractic safe for me?

Yes. In fact, Dr.s Anna and Justin Johnson offer targeted care plans to help patients with this condition get relief naturally, without drugs or surgery. 

More questions? Call us at 616-523-6472 to get your answers!