Is Chiropractic Safe?
- Matt Hayden

- Aug 29
- 7 min read
One of the most frequent questions we get from potential customers at Chiropractic Memphis Downtown is whether chiropractic is safe. The short answer is yes, when performed by a licensed professional, chiropractic care is very safe; however, as with any medical treatment, it's important to understand the potential risks, how chiropractic works, and how to ensure you're ready for a safe and effective treatment.
Does Chiropractic Hurt?
Chiropractic care is generally not painful. Most patients find chiropractic adjustments to be gentle and therapeutic. During the spinal adjustment, Dr. Hayden uses controlled, precise manipulations on your spine and joints to alleviate pressure on your nervous system and improve your mobility.
While your procedure seeks to alleviate your symptoms, you may experience some mild soreness after your adjustment, particularly if you are starting with chiropractic care. This soreness can resemble your feeling after a new exercise or activity.
At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, Dr. Hayden is committed to providing gentle, effective adjustments tailored to each patient's comfort level. We employ state-of-the-art techniques to ensure that your chiropractic experience is comfortable and effective.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is widely considered safe by trained and licensed professionals. Chiropractic care focuses on the body's musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, and uses manual adjustments to restore alignment. Chiropractic treatment effectively manages pain and improves function, particularly for conditions like back and neck pain, and headaches.
Numerous studies and reviews have confirmed the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recognize chiropractic as a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment option for musculoskeletal pain.
However, as with any treatment, there may be risks, especially if the chiropractor is not properly trained or the patient has pre-existing conditions. That's why it's important to choose a trusted clinic like Chiropractic Memphis Downtown. Dr. Hayden will carefully evaluate your condition to ensure chiropractic care is the right option for you.
Is Pediatric Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic care is not just for adults—it can be highly beneficial for children as well. Pediatric chiropractic care is safe and effective for children of all ages, from infants to teens. Chiropractors use gentle, noninvasive techniques that are specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of a child's developing body.
Many parents choose chiropractic care for their children to address conditions like colic, ear infections, poor posture, or sports injuries. At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, we provide safe and gentle chiropractic treatments tailored for children, ensuring their comfort while improving overall health and wellness.
Should I Be in a Lot of Pain After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
It's uncommon to experience mild discomfort or soreness after a chiropractic adjustment, but you should not experience significant pain. If you do feel a lot of pain following an adjustment, it could be a sign that the adjustment was too forceful or that underlying conditions need to be addressed.
At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, we take a personalized approach to care. We always tailor the adjustment to your comfort level and take time to assess your health history and any pre-existing conditions. Our goal is to provide relief without causing discomfort; any soreness that may occur after an adjustment usually resolves quickly.
Is Chiropractic a Real Science?
Another question we often get is whether chiropractic care is legitimate healthcare. We tell our patients that it is not only real but backed by scientific principles confirmed by numerous studies. Chiropractic treatments are grounded in understanding how the spine and nervous system work together to affect overall health. Research and clinical studies support the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments for conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and even musculoskeletal pain.
Chiropractic care is based on real science, particularly neurology and biomechanics. The central idea of chiropractic is that the spine plays a crucial role in a functioning nervous system. Misalignments in the spine, called subluxations, can interfere with nerve signals communicating between the brain and body, leading to pain and dysfunction. Dr. Hayden uses spinal adjustments to correct these misalignments and restore the body's normal function.
Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training in anatomy, physiology, neurology, and biomechanics to understand how the body works. This foundational knowledge makes chiropractic a real and legitimate form of healthcare.

Is Chiropractic Evidence-Based?
Yes, chiropractic care is firmly rooted in evidence-based practice, with a growing and substantial body of research validating its effectiveness for a variety of health conditions. A wide range of studies published in reputable medical journals have consistently shown that chiropractic treatments are highly beneficial in addressing issues such as low back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, and even certain musculoskeletal disorders.
These studies are often conducted by independent research teams, ensuring the findings are impartial and reliable. As a result, chiropractic care has gained widespread recognition as a legitimate, effective treatment modality, backed by science and clinical research.
At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, Dr. Hayden takes pride in his evidence-based approach to care. Treatments are informed by the most up-to-date research, clinical guidelines, and best practices in the field. This ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs. By incorporating the latest findings from medical research, we provide treatments that are not only safe and effective but also scientifically proven to deliver real, lasting results.
Our commitment to evidence-based care means you can trust that you are receiving the most informed and effective treatment possible to support your health and wellness journey.
Does Chiropractic Really Help?
Yes, chiropractic care has been shown to help many people with various health conditions, particularly musculoskeletal issues. By addressing the underlying causes of discomfort, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate pain, improve mobility, and promote overall wellness.
For example, chiropractic care has been proven effective for:
Chronic back and neck pain
Headaches and migraines
Sports injuries
Postural problems
Sciatica
At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, our patients report significant improvement in their symptoms after receiving chiropractic care. By targeting the root causes of pain and dysfunction, chiropractic treatment can provide lasting relief and help patients achieve better overall health.
What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Do?
Chiropractic adjustments are the cornerstone of chiropractic care, designed to restore balance and function to your body. An adjustment primarily targets the spine, seeking to correct misalignments (often called subluxations) that may disrupt the nervous system’s ability to communicate effectively with the rest of the body.
By gently manipulating the vertebrae, the goal is to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve interference, and promote healing. When the spine is aligned correctly, the nervous system can transmit signals without obstruction, which helps your body function more efficiently. This can lead to improved mobility, reduced pain, enhanced flexibility, and overall better health.
In essence, a chiropractic adjustment works to optimize the body’s natural ability to heal itself by ensuring that the central nervous system operates without hindrance. It’s a holistic approach aimed not just at symptom relief, but at fostering long-term well-being and vitality.
How Often Should You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The frequency of chiropractic adjustments varies based on your specific condition, health goals, and response to treatment. In the initial stages of chiropractic care, especially when dealing with acute pain or a recent injury, more frequent visits may be necessary to address the issue effectively. This allows for quicker pain relief and helps to realign the spine and reduce inflammation.
As your condition improves and your body starts to heal, the frequency of adjustments can often be reduced. For those seeking ongoing wellness care, maintenance visits are typically spaced out further to ensure continued optimal health and prevent future problems.
Ultimately, the frequency of adjustments is highly individualized. Some patients may require more frequent care to manage chronic pain or specific conditions, while others may only need periodic visits for routine check-ups or maintenance.
At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, Dr. Hayden works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. Whether your primary goal is to alleviate pain, recover from an injury, or simply maintain long-term health, Dr. Hayden will create a schedule that aligns with your specific health objectives, ensuring you receive the best possible care and the most effective path to wellness.
How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?
Chiropractic adjustments are a precise, hands-on technique that involves the application of controlled force to specific areas of the spine or other joints in the body. The primary goal of an adjustment is to restore proper alignment to the spine, which may have become misaligned due to stress, injury, or poor posture. By correcting these misalignments, Dr. Hayden can reduce nerve interference, allowing the nervous system to function more effectively and communicate with the rest of the body.
The adjustment process can help alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and support the body’s innate ability to heal itself. By gently manipulating the affected areas, spinal adjustments work to increase the range of motion in the joints, reduce inflammation, and enhance circulation. Improved blood flow helps deliver essential nutrients to the tissues, speeding up the body’s natural healing process. As a result, patients often experience not only pain relief but also enhanced overall mobility and a greater sense of well-being.
Ultimately, chiropractic adjustments address the root causes of discomfort and dysfunction, encouraging the body to heal in a more efficient and balanced way. This comprehensive approach supports long-term health, helping the body stay in optimal condition and recover from injuries more quickly.
Can Chiropractic Adjustments Cause Headaches?
While headaches are not a common side effect of chiropractic adjustments, some patients may experience a mild headache following an adjustment, especially if they are new to chiropractic care. These headaches are typically short-lived and may be due to the body adjusting to the new spinal alignment.
Communicate with your chiropractor if you experience persistent headaches or discomfort following an adjustment. At Chiropractic Memphis Downtown, we ensure that each adjustment is gentle and specific to your needs, minimizing the risk of side effects.

Cost of Chiropractic Care
Understanding the cost of chiropractic care is essential when considering treatment. While chiropractic care is an investment in your long-term health, it can be a highly effective and affordable alternative to other medical treatments, such as surgery or long-term medication use.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic?
Yes, many health insurance plans offer coverage for chiropractic care. Chiropractic Memphis Downtown works with various insurance providers to ensure you can access affordable care. Coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan, so it's essential to check with your provider to determine the extent of your coverage.
In addition to traditional insurance, we offer flexible payment options and financing plans to make chiropractic care accessible to everyone. Our team at Chiropractic Memphis Downtown is happy to help you verify your insurance benefits and navigate your care options.







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