Chiropractic Care in Vienna, Virginia (VA)

A chiropractic adjustment involves a chiropractor using their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled force to correct spinal misalignments. The goal of restoring spinal alignment is to improve spinal motion and flexibility, normalize nerve function and brain-body communication, reduce pain and inflammation, calm the stress response, and improve overall health.

Yes, chiropractic adjustments are very safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. They are a non-invasive, drug-free approach to restoring spinal and nerve function, reducing pain and inflammation, preventing and managing injuries, and calming the body’s stress response.

The frequency of visits to a chiropractor depends on the individual’s spinal and overall health condition, the severity of symptoms, and their overall health goals. Initially, more frequent visits are often necessary to correct the underlying spinal and nerve imbalances, followed by less frequent maintenance or wellness care to sustain the health benefits.

If you have severe osteoporosis, cancer in the spine, a spinal fracture, or an increased risk of stroke, you should always consult with your chiropractor and provide a full medical history before beginning treatment. Your chiropractor may avoid adjustments to certain areas of the spine, modify the techniques used, and refer to other health professionals when appropriate.

Chiropractic care can help with a wide range of conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, asthma, joint pain and stiffness, vertigo, sciatica, neuropathy, hip pain, shoulder pain, menstrual irregularities, gut problems, colic, ear infections, and sports injuries. It can also improve athletic performance and sleep, lower stress, increase energy, and can improve overall health.

Chiropractic care benefits overall health by restoring proper spinal alignment and motion which enhances brain and nerve function. This can lead to improved nerve communication between the brain and organs as well as balancing of the autonomic nervous system which regulates the fight or flight and rest and digest responses. As a result, chiropractic care helps reset the body’s functional state by calming the fight or flight response and allowing energy and resources to be directed towards healing, repair, and growth.

During your first chiropractic visit, you can expect a thorough consultation and goal setting, a physical and postural examination, and possibly X-rays to measure and assess your spine’s condition. On the subsequent visit, Dr. Gustitus will present a personalized care plan to help you recover your health, reach your goals, and then maintain your best health.

Yes, chiropractic care is suitable for children and can help with various issues such as colic, irritability, ear infections, growing pains, sports injuries, scoliosis, and general wellness. Pediatric chiropractic adjustments are gentle, very safe, and tailored to a child’s specific needs. Dr. David Gustitus is certified in chiropractic pediatrics.

Yes, chiropractic care can help with headaches and migraines by addressing spinal misalignments typically in the neck and upper back that may be causing nerve irritation, tension, inflammation, and pressure of the nerves that go to the head and neck. Regular adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and correcting spinal and postural misalignments to restore body biomechanics, nerve health and communication, systemic balance, and overall health. Physical therapy aims to rehabilitate the musculoskeletal problems causing pain and injuries through exercises, stretching, and manual therapy. Both can complement each other for a more comprehensive approach.

A typical chiropractic visit can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case, the techniques used, and the rehabilitation program required.

Some patients may experience minor side effects, mainly during the first week of care, such as temporary soreness or stiffness after an adjustment. These effects are usually short-lived and mild and are due to the changes in alignment and joint motion that are being introduced. As spinal alignment and function improves, these symptoms go away.