Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about chiropractic care, what to expect at your first visit, insurance coverage, and how chiropractic treatment can help with back pain, sciatica, and other conditions.
New Patients & First Visits
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor helps improve spinal and joint movement to reduce pain, restore function, and support the nervous system. Chiropractic care commonly includes spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and movement guidance to help patients move better without surgery or medication.
What should I expect at my first chiropractic visit?
At your first visit, we start with a detailed health history and discussion of your current concerns. This is followed by a physical examination, orthopedic and neurological testing if appropriate, and a clear explanation of our findings. If chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may begin the same day.
Our goal is to make sure you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable before moving forward.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
No referral is required to see a chiropractor. You can schedule directly online or by phone. If imaging or co-management with another provider is needed, we’ll help guide that process.
How long does an appointment take?
Initial visits typically take 30–45 minutes to allow time for evaluation and discussion. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, often 10–20 minutes, depending on the care being provided.
A chiropractor helps improve spinal and joint movement to reduce pain, restore function, and support the nervous system. Chiropractic care commonly includes spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and movement guidance to help patients move better without surgery or medication.
What should I expect at my first chiropractic visit?
At your first visit, we start with a detailed health history and discussion of your current concerns. This is followed by a physical examination, orthopedic and neurological testing if appropriate, and a clear explanation of our findings. If chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may begin the same day.
Our goal is to make sure you understand what’s happening and feel comfortable before moving forward.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
No referral is required to see a chiropractor. You can schedule directly online or by phone. If imaging or co-management with another provider is needed, we’ll help guide that process.
How long does an appointment take?
Initial visits typically take 30–45 minutes to allow time for evaluation and discussion. Follow-up visits are usually shorter, often 10–20 minutes, depending on the care being provided.
Care & Treatment
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
The number of visits varies based on the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and your goals. Some patients feel relief within a few visits, while others benefit from a longer care plan focused on recovery and prevention. We’ll review expectations with you early and adjust as needed.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care is widely considered safe when provided by a licensed chiropractor following a proper examination. Like any healthcare service, there are risks, but serious complications are rare. We tailor techniques to each patient’s age, comfort level, and health history.
Will the adjustment hurt?
Most patients find adjustments comfortable and relieving. You may feel pressure or movement, but pain is uncommon. Mild soreness afterward can occur, especially early in care, and typically resolves within a day.
What types of chiropractic treatments do you offer?
Care may include spinal and extremity adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, mobility work, and instrument-assisted methods. The chiropractic treatment plan is based on your condition, comfort, and response to care.
The number of visits varies based on the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and your goals. Some patients feel relief within a few visits, while others benefit from a longer care plan focused on recovery and prevention. We’ll review expectations with you early and adjust as needed.
Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care is widely considered safe when provided by a licensed chiropractor following a proper examination. Like any healthcare service, there are risks, but serious complications are rare. We tailor techniques to each patient’s age, comfort level, and health history.
Will the adjustment hurt?
Most patients find adjustments comfortable and relieving. You may feel pressure or movement, but pain is uncommon. Mild soreness afterward can occur, especially early in care, and typically resolves within a day.
What types of chiropractic treatments do you offer?
Care may include spinal and extremity adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, mobility work, and instrument-assisted methods. The chiropractic treatment plan is based on your condition, comfort, and response to care.
Conditions & Symptoms
Can chiropractic care help with back pain and neck pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care for back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek treatment. Treatment focuses on improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, and restoring normal function to help reduce pain and stiffness.
Do chiropractors treat sciatica and nerve pain?
Sciatica chiropractic care can help many people with by addressing spinal joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, and movement limitations that may contribute to nerve irritation. Not all cases are the same, and care is tailored accordingly.
Can chiropractic care help with headaches?
Some headaches, including tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, may be related to neck and upper back dysfunction. Chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency or intensity of these headaches in certain patients.
Do you treat sports and auto-related injuries?
Yes. Chiropractic care is commonly used for injuries related to sports, lifting, and motor vehicle accidents. Treatment focuses on restoring movement, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery while coordinating care when needed.
Yes. Chiropractic care for back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek treatment. Treatment focuses on improving joint movement, reducing muscle tension, and restoring normal function to help reduce pain and stiffness.
Do chiropractors treat sciatica and nerve pain?
Sciatica chiropractic care can help many people with by addressing spinal joint dysfunction, muscle tightness, and movement limitations that may contribute to nerve irritation. Not all cases are the same, and care is tailored accordingly.
Can chiropractic care help with headaches?
Some headaches, including tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, may be related to neck and upper back dysfunction. Chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency or intensity of these headaches in certain patients.
Do you treat sports and auto-related injuries?
Yes. Chiropractic care is commonly used for injuries related to sports, lifting, and motor vehicle accidents. Treatment focuses on restoring movement, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery while coordinating care when needed.
Pregnancy, Pediatrics & Family Care
Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?
Prenatal chiropractic care is commonly used and can be modified for comfort and safety. Many pregnant patients seek care for low back pain, pelvic discomfort, and mobility changes. The Webster Technique may be used when appropriate.
Do you see children and families?
Yes. Chiropractic care can be adapted for patients of all ages, including children. Techniques used for pediatric patients are gentle and appropriate for their size and development.
Prenatal chiropractic care is commonly used and can be modified for comfort and safety. Many pregnant patients seek care for low back pain, pelvic discomfort, and mobility changes. The Webster Technique may be used when appropriate.
Do you see children and families?
Yes. Chiropractic care can be adapted for patients of all ages, including children. Techniques used for pediatric patients are gentle and appropriate for their size and development.
Insurance, Scheduling & Logistics
Do you accept insurance?
We accept many insurance plans, including UPMC, Highmark, Aetna, United, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and we’re happy to review your benefits before care begins. Coverage varies by plan, so we’ll help you understand any expected out-of-pocket costs.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Self-pay options are available. We strive to keep care accessible and transparent, and fees are discussed in advance.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online 24/7 or by calling the office. Online scheduling allows you to choose a time that fits your schedule without waiting on hold.
We accept many insurance plans, including UPMC, Highmark, Aetna, United, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, and we’re happy to review your benefits before care begins. Coverage varies by plan, so we’ll help you understand any expected out-of-pocket costs.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Self-pay options are available. We strive to keep care accessible and transparent, and fees are discussed in advance.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Appointments can be scheduled online 24/7 or by calling the office. Online scheduling allows you to choose a time that fits your schedule without waiting on hold.
Safety & Ongoing Care
Is chiropractic care only for pain relief?
While many people seek chiropractic care for pain, others choose care to improve movement, posture, and overall function. Some patients continue with wellness or maintenance care to help prevent recurring issues.
Are X-rays always required?
X-rays are not required for every patient. Imaging is recommended only when clinically appropriate, based on history, exam findings, or specific red flags.
When should I not see a chiropractor?
If you experience symptoms such as loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe trauma, you should seek urgent medical care first. We’re happy to help guide you if you’re unsure.
How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If your condition would be better managed by another provider, we’ll let you know and help point you in the right direction.
While many people seek chiropractic care for pain, others choose care to improve movement, posture, and overall function. Some patients continue with wellness or maintenance care to help prevent recurring issues.
Are X-rays always required?
X-rays are not required for every patient. Imaging is recommended only when clinically appropriate, based on history, exam findings, or specific red flags.
When should I not see a chiropractor?
If you experience symptoms such as loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe trauma, you should seek urgent medical care first. We’re happy to help guide you if you’re unsure.
How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?
A thorough evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If your condition would be better managed by another provider, we’ll let you know and help point you in the right direction.
Provider Review & Trust
Answers reviewed by:
Dr. Steven K. LeGault, DC
Licensed Chiropractor serving Pittsburgh’s North Hills
Dr. Steven K. LeGault, DC
Licensed Chiropractor serving Pittsburgh’s North Hills
Ready to get started?
If you still have questions or want to know whether chiropractic care is right for you, we’re here to help. LeGault Chiropractic is happy to review your symptoms, explain your options, and walk you through what to expect before your first visit.
Schedule your chiropractic appointment online 24/7 or call our office. We proudly serve the North Hills of Pittsburgh, including Ross Township, West View, and surrounding communities.
Schedule your chiropractic appointment online 24/7 or call our office. We proudly serve the North Hills of Pittsburgh, including Ross Township, West View, and surrounding communities.