Ask Doctor FAQ

While there is a certain degree of risk associated with any procedure or treatment, chiropractic treatments are among some of the safest treatments used in the health care field for individuals of all ages – from infancy to those into their golden years. According to Practice Guidelines released by the US Department of Health and Human Services, the risk of serious complications from spinal manipulation is rare. These guidelines also state that conservative treatments such as spinal manipulation should be pursued in most cases before considering surgical intervention.

A misalignment of one or more of your spinal bones (vertebrae), which causes interference to your nervous system. If your nervous system is interfered with, your body’s natural ability to heal itself & function at it’s optimum potential becomes impaired. A pinched nerve is a perfect example of how structure effects function.

Chiropractors provide effective treatment for all types of soft tissue disorders and not just back and neck ailments. This includes conditions of the joints of the extremities like the ankle, knee and shoulder. What you may not be aware of is chiropractic’s success in treating a number of non-soft tissue conditions like dysmenorrhea (painful menses), ulcers and migraine headaches. While we cannot claim to cure these conditions, we believe that many of these problems can be mimicked, aggravated and some times caused by disruptions in the nervous system as a result of spinal abnormalities. By correcting these spinal abnormalities like pinched nerves, chiropractic has helped thousands of individuals overcome these conditions and regain control of their lives.

A gentle, specific “thrust” delivered by hand or instrument. The purpose of the adjustment is to correct your spinal subluxations thus removing the nerve interference in your body.

That sound is not your spine “cracking” or “popping” like most people think. That sound is created by gas (in this case, nitrogen) rushing in to fill the partial vacuum created when the joints are slightly separated.

You may have heard the notion that once you go to a chiropractor you have to keep going back. Before we answer that question, ask yourself how many times you have visited a dentist? Like most people, you’ve probably gone dozens of times. Why? Quite simply, to prevent your teeth from literally rotting out of your head. Once we have eliminated your pain and rehabilitated the injured tissues we do recommend that you maintain a schedule of periodic spinal checkups. Like your dentist and like many of the medical experts are now recognizing, prevention is the key to reducing recurrences of existing health conditions and minimizing new injuries in the future. So the answer is yes, we want you to keep coming back, but just periodically. Periodic chiropractic care minimizes spinal and nerve stresses, reduces recurrences of old injuries, prevents new injuries from developing, and minimizes degenerative processes, which enhances overall health and wellness.

While chiropractic care typically does not require a referral from a primary care physician, this depends on your insurance carrier and plan. It is wise to contact your insurance company or HR department prior to scheduling an appointment to confirm your specific requirements.

Yes. The versatility of chiropractic care means it is safe and appropriate for all ages, including children. Your doctor will adapt the technique to suit the patient’s age, size, and specific needs.

For most patients, care begins with a relief phase focused on reducing pain and discomfort as quickly as possible. This is followed by a corrective phase that rehabilitates injured tissues and addresses the structural causes of the condition. Finally, periodic wellness checkups are recommended to maintain spinal health and prevent recurrence once full function has been restored.

A chiropractic adjustment involves a hands-on, manual technique — a gentle, specific thrust delivered by hand or instrument. In some cases a small instrument or activator is used to manipulate the joints. While the general approach may look similar between patients, the technique is always adapted to each individual’s specific needs, age, and condition.

At Georgia Spinal Health & Wellness, every treatment begins with a thorough consultation, review of your health history, and a physical examination — along with diagnostic imaging if needed. We also ask about your lifestyle, work, and stress levels, because these factors directly affect your spinal health. From there, we identify the root cause of your discomfort — whether that is a pinched nerve, a vertebral misalignment, or accumulated physical stress — and correct it through precise chiropractic adjustments. The goal is never just to relieve symptoms, but to resolve the underlying problem.

This depends on the nature and severity of your condition, how long it has been present, and how your body responds to care. Some patients notice improvement within a few visits. Chronic or long-standing conditions typically require a longer course of treatment before experiencing significant and lasting change. Dr. Hochman will give you realistic expectations at your initial consultation and monitor your progress throughout your care.