Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care
If you are looking for a chiropractor in Matthews, NC, you likely have questions about what to expect, how chiropractic care works, and whether it can help your specific condition. Dr. John Hanna and Dr. Mechelle Hanna at Matthews Family Chiropractic have been answering those questions for patients since 1990 – and the questions & answers below cover the most common ones we hear from new and prospective patients.
What is a subluxation?
A subluxation is a misalignment of one or more vertebrae in your spine that interferes with your nervous system. When a vertebra shifts out of its proper position, it can press on surrounding nerves and disrupt the signals your brain sends to every organ, muscle, and cell in your body. You may not feel a subluxation right away – symptoms like back pain, neck pain, headaches, or fatigue can develop gradually over time. In Matthews, NC, Dr. John and Dr. Mechelle Hanna use precise X-ray analysis to locate and correct subluxations before they lead to longer-term damage. Identifying and correcting subluxations is at the core of everything the practice does.
What is the Pierce Results Method?
The Pierce Results Method is a specialized chiropractic technique built around precise X-ray analysis and custom treatment planning. It was developed by Dr. Walter Vernon Pierce Sr., and Dr. John Hanna of Matthews Family Chiropractic learned this method directly from its founder – giving him a depth of training that very few chiropractors in the region can claim. The method begins with a detailed X-ray reading to identify exactly which vertebrae are misaligned and by how much. That information drives a personalized care plan specific to your spine – not a generic protocol. For patients in Matthews, NC and across the Charlotte area, this approach means more targeted adjustments and better long-term outcomes compared to standard chiropractic methods.
Does a chiropractor take X-rays before adjusting?
At Matthews Family Chiropractic, yes – every new patient receives X-rays before their first adjustment. This is a core part of the Pierce Results Method used by the Hannas. The X-rays reveal the exact degree of spinal misalignment, identify any significant pathologies, and help rule out conditions where chiropractic care may not be appropriate. This approach ensures that your first adjustment is based on a clear, accurate picture of your spine – not a guess. Many chiropractors in the Matthews, NC area skip this step, but the team here believes precise X-ray analysis leads to more effective and safer care for every patient they see.
What happens on my first visit to a chiropractor?
Your first experience at Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC involves two appointments. During your first visit, you will complete a detailed health history (available online before you arrive), discuss your current concerns and any history of injuries or accidents, and have X-rays taken to evaluate your spine. At your second visit, Dr. John or Dr. Mechelle Hanna will walk you through a full report of findings – explaining what the X-rays revealed, what it means for your health, and what a care plan looks like. If your case is accepted for chiropractic care, you receive your first adjustment at that second appointment. The whole process is educational from the start.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
For most patients, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt – and at Matthews Family Chiropractic, the experience is particularly gentle. The team uses the Pierce Results Method, which applies a precise, controlled force to realign vertebrae without any twisting or rotational movements. Your neck and back remain in a straight, neutral position throughout the adjustment. There are no loud cracks or aggressive pops that some people associate with chiropractic care. New patients in the Matthews, NC area who are nervous about adjustments often report being surprised by how comfortable the process was. Some mild soreness after a first adjustment is normal, similar to how muscles feel after starting a new exercise routine, and it typically passes within a day or two.
How much does a chiropractor cost in Matthews, NC?
The cost of chiropractic care in Matthews, NC typically ranges from $50 to $200 per visit, depending on the services provided. Your first visit generally costs more because it includes a full health history review, a physical exam, and X-rays to identify the root cause of your problem. Follow-up adjustment visits are usually less expensive. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, cost-effective care programs are designed around your specific treatment needs, and both medical insurance and cash-pay patients are welcomed. If you are unsure what your out-of-pocket costs will be, the staff can help you understand your options before your first visit. Call (704) 845-0699 for more information.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care in Matthews, NC?
Many health insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, though coverage varies by plan, provider, and the number of visits allowed per year. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, the team accepts both medical insurance and cash-pay patients. If you are unsure whether your plan covers chiropractic treatment, the staff can help you sort through your options before your first visit. Patients who have been in auto accidents can also use personal injury or auto insurance to cover treatment for whiplash and related injuries, and the team helps patients navigate those insurance and claim-related questions directly so you are not left figuring it out on your own.
How many chiropractic visits will I need for back pain?
The number of visits you will need depends on several factors – including how long you have had the problem, the severity of your subluxations, any prior injuries, and your overall health goals. For acute back pain in Matthews, NC, many patients begin noticing improvement within a few weeks of consistent care. Chronic conditions or more advanced spinal degeneration typically require a longer commitment. At your second visit, Dr. Hanna will give you a clear care recommendation based on your X-rays and health history – not a one-size-fits-all answer. Treatment plans are designed to be cost-effective and are focused on correcting the root cause of your pain rather than simply managing symptoms over time.
Can a chiropractor help with back pain?
Yes, chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available for back pain. Back pain is most commonly caused by vertebral subluxations, herniated discs, muscle strain, or poor posture – all of which respond well to chiropractic adjustment. In Matthews, NC, back pain is a leading reason patients first visit a chiropractor. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, the team begins with X-ray analysis through the Pierce Results Method to identify exactly what is causing your pain before making any adjustments. Treatment may also include massage therapy, targeted exercises, and nutrition counseling, depending on your specific case. The goal is always to find and fix the root cause – not to keep you dependent on ongoing care indefinitely.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes, chiropractic care is one of the most effective drug-free options for sciatica. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve – which runs from your lower back down through your hips and legs – becomes compressed, usually by a herniated disc or vertebral misalignment. In Matthews, NC, Dr. John Hanna uses the Pierce Results Method to identify exactly which vertebra is putting pressure on the nerve through precise X-ray analysis. Once the problem is pinpointed, a targeted adjustment is made to relieve that pressure at the source. Many patients in the Charlotte area have found lasting relief from sciatica through chiropractic care and have been able to avoid injections or surgery by getting evaluated and treated early.
What is the difference between a subluxation and a herniated disc?
A subluxation is a vertebral misalignment – where one or more spinal bones have shifted out of their proper position and put pressure on nearby nerves. A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, occurs when the cushion of tissue between two vertebrae bulges out or ruptures, which can also compress nerves and cause pain. The two conditions are different but often related. In some cases, an uncorrected subluxation leads to increased stress on a disc over time, eventually contributing to a herniation. In Matthews, NC, Dr. John Hanna uses X-ray analysis through the Pierce Results Method to differentiate between these conditions and determine the most appropriate care approach for each patient before making any adjustment.
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
Yes, chiropractic adjustments are a proven, drug-free approach to treating neck pain. Neck pain is commonly caused by vertebral misalignment, compressed discs, whiplash from an auto accident, or strain from poor posture and repetitive activity. In Matthews, NC, neck pain is a frequent complaint among people who spend long hours at a desk or commuting. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, Dr. John and Dr. Mechelle Hanna perform gentle adjustments that do not involve twisting or rotating the spine. Your neck and back remain in a straight position throughout the entire adjustment, making the process more comfortable – especially for patients who are nervous about having their neck worked on for the first time.
Can chiropractic care help with headaches and migraines?
Many headaches and migraines are linked to tension in the upper back, shoulders, and neck, or to subluxations that restrict blood flow and nerve communication in the cervical spine. Chiropractic adjustments address these root causes directly, offering a drug-free alternative for patients who have not found lasting relief through medication. In the Matthews, NC area, patients dealing with chronic headaches often find that regular adjustments reduce both the frequency and intensity of their episodes over time. Before treatment begins, the team performs a thorough exam, reviews your health history, and takes X-rays to identify any spinal factors contributing to your headaches. The goal is to resolve the problem at its source, not just manage the pain.
Can chiropractic care help with shoulder pain?
Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat many types of shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, shoulder bursitis, and impingement syndrome. Shoulder pain is sometimes caused directly by a problem in the shoulder joint itself, but it can also result from spinal misalignment in the neck or upper back that creates referred pain in the shoulder area. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, Dr. John Hanna takes X-rays to identify the source of shoulder pain before beginning treatment. He has helped patients with shoulder problems for over 30 years, using a combination of chiropractic adjustment, targeted exercises, and massage therapy. Treatment is always tailored to the specific condition you are experiencing.
Can chiropractic care treat carpal tunnel syndrome?
Chiropractic care can be an effective, non-surgical approach to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel occurs when the bones of the wrist shift or tendons swell, compressing the median nerve and causing pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. In Matthews, NC, many patients dealing with carpal tunnel symptoms – often from repetitive desk work or manual labor – have found relief through chiropractic treatment. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, gentle wrist adjustments are used to realign the wrist bones and relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Treatment is most effective when started early before the condition progresses, but adjustments can provide meaningful relief at any stage of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Can chiropractic care help with fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tenderness throughout the body. While there is no single cure, chiropractic care can play a meaningful role in managing fibromyalgia symptoms by reducing spinal misalignments that contribute to nerve sensitivity and amplified pain responses. Patients in the Matthews, NC area with fibromyalgia often find that regular gentle adjustments help reduce overall pain levels and improve their quality of life when used alongside other treatments. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, the approach is always individualized – the team reviews your full health history and X-rays before designing a care plan. If chiropractic care is not the right fit for your specific case, you will be referred to the appropriate provider.
Can chiropractic help after a car accident in Matthews, NC?
Yes, chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments for injuries from car accidents, particularly whiplash. When your vehicle is hit, the sudden force can whip the neck back and forth, damaging the cervical spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments. Symptoms like neck stiffness, headaches, and upper back pain may not appear until hours or days after the accident. At Matthews Family Chiropractic, the team treats auto accident patients and helps with insurance and claim-related questions, making the process easier for patients already dealing with an injury. If you have been in an accident in the Matthews or south Charlotte area, getting evaluated promptly – before symptoms have time to worsen – is strongly recommended.
Can a chiropractor adjust pregnant women?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy and can provide meaningful relief from the back pain, hip discomfort, and pelvic tension that many expectant mothers experience. As the body changes to accommodate a growing baby, spinal misalignments and pelvic imbalances become more common – and more uncomfortable. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, Dr. John and Mechelle Hanna use the Webster Technique, a gentle chiropractic method specifically designed for prenatal care that focuses on balancing the pelvis and relieving tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Adjustments during pregnancy are modified to avoid any pressure on the abdomen and are safe at every stage. Many patients in the south Charlotte area find that regular prenatal adjustments help them stay more comfortable throughout their pregnancy.
Can a chiropractor adjust a newborn?
Yes, newborns can safely receive chiropractic care when treated by a provider trained in pediatric techniques. The birth process – even in uncomplicated deliveries – can place stress on an infant’s neck and spine, which may contribute to issues like colic, difficulty nursing, ear infections, or excessive fussiness. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, our chiropractors have provided gentle chiropractic care for infants since 1990 using the Webster Technique. Newborn adjustments are nothing like adult adjustments – the pressure used is extremely light, similar to a gentle fingertip touch. Many families in the Matthews and south Charlotte area bring their newborns in within weeks of birth as part of a whole-family approach to health.
Is chiropractic care safe for children?
Yes, chiropractic care is safe for children when performed by a trained provider, and the adjustments used for younger patients are much gentler than those for adults. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, Dr. John and Dr. Mechelle Hanna have provided pediatric chiropractic care since 1990 using the Webster Technique – a method he learned directly from its founder, Larry Webster. The clinic sees infants through teenagers, including children dealing with ear infections, colic, postural issues, and sports injuries. Pediatric adjustments are tailored to the child’s age, size, and condition. Many families in the Matthews and south Charlotte area bring their children in as part of a whole-family approach to health, with multiple generations being cared for at the same practice.
What is the Webster Technique?
The Webster Technique is a specialized chiropractic method designed for pediatric and prenatal care. It focuses on balancing the pelvis and reducing tension in the surrounding muscles and ligaments – which can benefit infants, children, and pregnant women. Dr. John Hanna of Matthews Family Chiropractic learned the Webster Technique directly from its founder, Larry Webster, giving him a firsthand understanding of the method that goes beyond standard training. For families in Matthews, NC looking for a chiropractor experienced in working with infants and young children, this technique offers a safe, gentle approach to spinal health. Adjustments using this method are quite different from adult adjustments – the force used is light, and the process is designed to be comfortable for even the youngest patients.
What conditions can a chiropractor treat besides back pain?
Chiropractic care addresses far more than back pain. Because the spine houses the nervous system, misalignments can affect nearly every function in the body. At Matthews Family Chiropractic in Matthews, NC, patients are treated for neck pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, headaches and migraines, whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia. The clinic also sees patients for ear infections in children, colic in infants, TMJ and jaw pain, scoliosis, sports injuries, and stress-related tension. Every condition is approached by first identifying the root cause through X-ray analysis and a thorough health history review. If a condition is outside the scope of chiropractic care, the team will refer you to the right specialist rather than attempt to treat what cannot be effectively addressed through adjustments.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Matthews, NC?
In North Carolina, you do not need a physician referral to see a chiropractor. You can call and schedule directly with Matthews Family Chiropractic at (704) 845-0699 without any prior authorization from your primary care doctor. However, if you have a complex medical history, active cancer, osteoporosis, or other conditions that could affect spinal treatment, it is always a good idea to let your care team know you are pursuing chiropractic care. At your first visit, the team performs a full health history review and X-ray evaluation to assess whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific situation. If it is not, they will refer you to the right provider.
How do I know if I need a chiropractor?
You may benefit from seeing a chiropractor if you are dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, shoulder pain, or joint discomfort that has not responded well to rest or over-the-counter pain relief. But you do not have to be in severe pain to benefit from chiropractic care. Many patients in Matthews, NC visit regularly for maintenance and preventive care – keeping their spine properly aligned so small problems do not become serious ones. If you have been in an accident, experienced a sports injury, or simply feel like your body is not moving the way it should, an initial consultation and X-ray evaluation can reveal spinal issues you may not even be aware of yet.
Why do patients drive from far away to Matthews Family Chiropractic?
Patients travel from across the Charlotte metro and beyond because of the unique combination of expertise and care that Dr. John and Dr. Mechelle Hanna bring together. Dr. John’s mastery of the Pierce Results Method – learned directly from the technique’s founder – means patients receive precision-based spinal care that is difficult to find elsewhere in the region. Dr. Mechelle’s reputation for compassionate, personalized treatment keeps patients coming back and referring others. With over 35 years in practice and more than 15,400 patients served since 1990, the Hannas have built a reputation for helping people who have tried other options without success – including patients who arrived believing surgery was their only path forward.
Ready to get started? Contact Matthews Family Chiropractic today to schedule your first appointment in Matthews, NC. Call (704) 845-0699.
