Frequently Asked Questions in Clarksville TN

Chiropractic is a healthcare approach that focuses on the care, correction, and maintenance of the spine and nervous system. Your nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerve connections to every organ, is the master control system of your body. It regulates vital functions like your immune response, blood pressure, hormones, and overall organ health.

When your spine is out of alignment or not functioning properly, it disrupts the nervous system, leading to dysfunction in other areas of the body. This misalignment, called subluxation, can increase stress on your body, decrease function, and make you more susceptible to illness and disease.

Chiropractors, like us at Wild Roots Wellness, use various techniques to restore spinal alignment and improve nervous system function, promoting the body's ability to heal and thrive naturally. By treating the whole person—structural, biochemical, and emotional factors—we aim to enhance overall health, not just alleviate pain. Chiropractic care is a proactive approach to wellness, helping you maintain optimal function and prevent future health issues.

Chiropractors primarily focus on improving the function of the spine and nervous system, which has a profound impact on overall health. While chiropractic care is well-known for treating conditions like back pain, neck pain, and headaches, it goes far beyond just addressing pain. At Wild Roots Wellness, we treat a wide range of conditions by focusing on the root cause of dysfunction, not just the symptoms.

Chiropractic care can help with issues related to nervous system imbalances, such as digestive disorders, sleep disturbances, hormonal imbalances, immune system dysfunction, and even stress-related conditions. By realigning the spine and improving nerve flow, chiropractic care supports the body’s ability to heal and function optimally, providing relief from many different health challenges.

Additionally, we see improvements in patients with conditions like sciatica, migraines, poor posture, chronic fatigue, and other ailments that are connected to spinal misalignment and nervous system interference. Chiropractic care can also play a significant role in preventive health, helping maintain overall wellness and preventing future problems from arising.

A chiropractic adjustment is a hands-on or instrument-assisted technique used by chiropractors to correct misalignments in the spine, called subluxations. When the spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and dysfunction in other parts of the body.

During an adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled, precise force to a specific joint in the spine to restore proper alignment and movement. This reduces interference in the nervous system, allowing the body to function more effectively and heal itself naturally. Chiropractic adjustments not only relieve pain and tension but also improve the overall function of the nervous system, promoting better health and well-being.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we use a variety of chiropractic techniques tailored to each patient’s needs to ensure the adjustment is gentle, effective, and aligned with your health goals.

Yes, chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment. It is a non-invasive approach to healthcare with minimal risks, often providing relief without the need for medication or surgery. Like any healthcare procedure, there are some risks, but serious complications are extremely rare. Most patients experience relief or improved mobility after an adjustment, and some may have mild soreness, similar to what you might feel after a workout, which usually resolves quickly.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we prioritize patient safety by thoroughly evaluating your health history, condition, and needs before administering any care. We use techniques that are gentle and specifically tailored to each individual, ensuring the safest and most effective treatment possible.

The number of chiropractic treatments you’ll need varies depending on your individual health condition, goals, and how your body responds to care. After a thorough initial evaluation, including a detailed assessment of your spine and overall health, we create a personalized care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Some patients may experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, while others with more chronic or complex issues may require ongoing care to achieve long-lasting results. At Wild Roots Wellness, our goal is not just to alleviate symptoms but to address the root cause of dysfunction, helping you achieve long-term health and wellness. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust your care plan as needed to ensure the best outcomes.

Chiropractic care offers a wide range of benefits, not only for relieving pain but also for improving overall health and function. At Wild Roots Wellness, we focus on addressing the root causes of health issues, helping the body heal naturally and function at its best. Some key benefits of chiropractic care include:

• Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments effectively alleviate pain in the back, neck, joints, and muscles by correcting spinal misalignments that contribute to discomfort.
• Improved Nervous System Function: By restoring proper alignment in the spine, chiropractic care enhances nerve communication between the brain and the rest of the body, promoting better organ function and overall health.
• Increased Mobility and Flexibility: Regular chiropractic adjustments help improve joint function, reducing stiffness and increasing range of motion.
• Enhanced Immune System: A well-functioning nervous system supports a stronger immune response, helping the body better defend against illness.
• Stress Relief: Chiropractic care can help reduce physical and emotional stress by improving the body’s ability to adapt and function more efficiently.
• Better Posture: Regular adjustments help correct postural imbalances, improving spinal alignment and reducing the strain on muscles and joints.
• Overall Wellness: Chiropractic care promotes overall well-being, supporting not just pain relief but also improved digestion, sleep, hormonal balance, and vitality.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we use chiropractic care as part of a holistic approach to help patients achieve lasting health and prevent future health issues.

Chiropractic treatment is generally considered very safe when performed by a licensed and trained professional. It is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healthcare with minimal risks. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks, though serious complications are extremely rare.

The most common side effect of a chiropractic adjustment is mild soreness or stiffness, similar to what you might experience after exercise, and this typically resolves within a day or two. In extremely rare cases, more serious complications such as a vertebral artery dissection (leading to a stroke) or nerve damage have been reported, but these incidents are exceedingly uncommon.

Research shows that the rate of vertebral artery dissection in connection with chiropractic care is estimated to be about 1 in 1 to 5 million cervical adjustments. This incidence is similar to the rate at which spontaneous dissections occur in the general population, indicating that many individuals who experience a dissection after an adjustment may have already been in the process of a dissection before seeking care.

At Wild Roots Wellness, patient safety is our top priority. We conduct a thorough evaluation of your health history, condition, and any risk factors before beginning care. Our adjustments are tailored to your specific needs, using techniques that ensure the safest and most effective outcomes possible.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful. Most patients experience immediate relief after an adjustment, and the process is typically gentle and controlled. However, if an area is already inflamed or tender, you might feel mild discomfort during or after the adjustment, similar to the feeling you get after a workout. This soreness usually subsides within a day or two.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we use a variety of techniques tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that adjustments are as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to relieve pain and improve your overall function, so we always prioritize your comfort and well-being during treatment.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we go beyond traditional chiropractic care by focusing on your overall health and well-being. Our approach is centered on truly listening to you, understanding your unique health concerns, and creating a personalized plan to address the root cause of any dysfunction. We believe that healing comes from within, and by supporting your nervous system, we help your body function at its best.

What sets us apart is our commitment to holistic care. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we incorporate functional health coaching, nutritional guidance, and natural remedies like herbal support to promote long-term wellness. We take the time to educate and empower you so that you not only feel better but also understand how to maintain and improve your health for the future.

By choosing Wild Roots Wellness, you’re choosing a partner in your health journey—one that prioritizes whole-body healing, patient-centered care, and long-lasting results.

Appointment length varies depending on the nature of the visit. The initial consultation typically takes longer, as it includes a comprehensive health history, physical exam, and development of a personalized care plan. This allows the doctor to thoroughly understand your health needs. Follow-up appointments are generally shorter for your convenience, focusing on adjustments and progress updates. If additional therapies, such as HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) or cold-laser therapy, are provided, the appointment duration may vary accordingly.

Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to ensure they are well-equipped to care for patients. After completing an undergraduate degree with a focus on sciences, aspiring chiropractors attend a chiropractic college, where they earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. This program typically takes 4 years and includes rigorous coursework in anatomy, physiology, neurology, biomechanics, and diagnostic imaging, as well as hands-on clinical training.

In addition to their academic education, chiropractors must pass national board exams and meet state licensing requirements. Many chiropractors, including those at Wild Roots Wellness, pursue additional certifications and training in specialized areas such as functional neurology, nutrition, and other holistic therapies to better serve their patients. Chiropractors are also required to complete continuing education to stay current with the latest research and techniques.

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and highly beneficial for pregnant women. Many women experience back pain, pelvic discomfort, and other musculoskeletal issues during pregnancy due to changes in posture and body alignment. Chiropractic care can help alleviate these discomforts by ensuring proper alignment of the spine and pelvis, which can also promote a smoother labor and delivery process.

At Wild Roots Wellness, our doctors have additional perinatal chiropractic training, including Webster Certification, which is a specialized technique designed to support pelvic alignment and balance during pregnancy. We use gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques to ensure the safety and comfort of both mother and baby. Beyond pain relief, chiropractic care during pregnancy supports overall wellness by improving nervous system function, reducing stress, and helping the body adapt to the physical changes of pregnancy.

No, chiropractic care is not addictive. However, many patients choose to continue receiving care regularly because of the ongoing benefits they experience, such as improved mobility, pain relief, and enhanced overall well-being. Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining spinal health and nervous system function, much like regular exercise or a balanced diet supports overall health.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we tailor treatment plans to meet each patient’s specific needs, whether you're seeking care for a specific issue or aiming to maintain long-term wellness. The decision to continue care is entirely up to you and based on your individual health goals.

The "crack" or "popping" sound you hear during a chiropractic adjustment is caused by the release of gas bubbles from the joint. Joints in the spine are surrounded by a fluid called synovial fluid, which helps lubricate and cushion the joint. When the joint is adjusted, pressure changes within the joint space, and gases like nitrogen and oxygen are rapidly released, producing the popping sound.

It's important to note that this sound is completely normal and not an indication of anything harmful. Many patients associate the sound with relief, but even if no sound is heard, the adjustment can still be highly effective in restoring alignment and function.

No, you should not attempt to adjust yourself. Chiropractic adjustments require a precise understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and the nervous system. Chiropractors use specific techniques to safely and effectively target misalignments in the spine. Trying to adjust yourself could result in injury or make existing issues worse, as it’s impossible to apply the correct force and direction needed for a proper adjustment without professional training.

If you're feeling stiff or uncomfortable, it's best to see a licensed chiropractor, like those at Wild Roots Wellness, who can provide safe and effective care tailored to your specific needs.

Many insurance plans do cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies. It’s best to check with your provider or our office to understand your specific plan’s benefits.

Yes, chiropractic care is highly effective in treating back pain. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and correcting spinal misalignments, called subluxations, which are often the root cause of back pain. By performing gentle, targeted adjustments, chiropractic care helps restore proper alignment and improve the function of the spine and nervous system, providing relief from pain and improving mobility.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we take a holistic approach to addressing back pain by not only focusing on spinal adjustments but also considering factors like posture, lifestyle, and overall health. Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution for back pain, helping to alleviate discomfort and promote long-term healing without the need for medication or surgery.

Yes, chiropractic care is an effective treatment for neck pain. Misalignments in the cervical spine, poor posture, or tension in the neck muscles can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Chiropractors focus on realigning the spine to relieve pressure on the nerves and muscles, improving overall neck function.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we use gentle, specific adjustments to correct these misalignments, helping to alleviate pain and restore range of motion in the neck. Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of neck pain, providing long-term relief while also improving posture and overall spinal health.

Yes, chiropractic care can be highly effective in treating headaches, especially those caused by tension or misalignment in the neck and spine. Many headaches, including tension headaches and migraines, are linked to poor posture, spinal misalignments, or stress on the nervous system. By correcting these issues through chiropractic adjustments, pressure on nerves is reduced, and the body's natural balance is restored.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of your headaches, whether they stem from spinal misalignments, muscle tension, or lifestyle factors. Chiropractic care offers a drug-free, non-invasive approach to headache relief, helping you achieve long-term results and improved overall well-being.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy are both valuable approaches to improving musculoskeletal health, but they have different focuses and techniques.

Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the alignment and function of the spine and its impact on the nervous system. Chiropractors use specific adjustments to correct spinal misalignments (subluxations), which helps restore nerve function, reduce pain, and improve the body’s overall ability to heal itself. Chiropractic care is often used for issues like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and overall wellness by addressing the root cause of dysfunction in the spine.

Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating muscles, joints, and soft tissues through exercises, stretches, and manual therapies. Physical therapists help patients regain strength, mobility, and flexibility, often after injury or surgery. They work on improving movement patterns, restoring function, and preventing further injury.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we use chiropractic care as part of a holistic approach to address the nervous system and overall body function, while physical therapy is more focused on rehabilitation of specific muscles and movement issues. Both approaches can complement each other depending on your needs, but chiropractic care emphasizes restoring spinal alignment and nervous system health as the foundation for whole-body wellness.

Yes, chiropractors treat sports injuries by improving joint function, reducing inflammation, and enhancing recovery through adjustments, stretching, and targeted therapies.

Yes, chiropractic care can significantly improve posture by addressing both the physical alignment of the spine and the neurological factors that contribute to poor posture. Poor posture is often caused by misalignments in the spine, muscle imbalances, or prolonged habits like slouching, which place strain on your muscles and joints. However, posture is not just a structural issue—it's also controlled by the brain and nervous system.

The muscles responsible for maintaining posture are regulated by signals from the brain, and when there is neurological dysfunction, these signals can be disrupted, leading to poor posture. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments, restoring proper nerve function and improving communication between the brain and posture muscles.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we not only focus on realigning the spine but also work to optimize the function of the nervous system, helping your body naturally maintain better posture. By addressing both the physical and neurological aspects of posture, chiropractic care supports long-term postural improvements, reduces strain on muscles and joints, and helps prevent pain and injury.

During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor applies controlled, precise force to specific joints in the spine or other areas of the body that are misaligned or restricted. The goal is to correct these misalignments, known as subluxations, which can interfere with nerve function and lead to pain, discomfort, or other health issues.

The adjustment can be performed manually with the chiropractor’s hands or with the help of specialized instruments. You may hear a popping or cracking sound during the adjustment, which is simply the release of gas bubbles from the joint and is completely normal.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we tailor the adjustment to your specific needs, ensuring the technique is comfortable and safe for you. By restoring proper alignment and improving nerve flow, the adjustment helps the body function more efficiently, relieving pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall health. Many patients experience immediate relief after an adjustment, and regular care helps maintain long-term wellness.

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for children. In fact, it’s a gentle and natural way to support their growing bodies. Chiropractors use specialized, age-appropriate techniques to address spinal misalignments, ensuring that care is both safe and effective for children of all ages. Adjustments for children are much gentler than those used for adults, often involving light pressure to correct any issues.

At Wild Roots Wellness, we believe that chiropractic care can help support proper development by ensuring that the spine and nervous system are functioning optimally. Chiropractic care can benefit children by helping with issues such as colic, ear infections, poor posture, and even supporting a healthy immune system. Regular adjustments can also help ensure that your child’s body grows in proper alignment, helping to prevent future health issues.

Our chiropractors have additional training in pediatric care, ensuring that your child’s experience is safe, comfortable, and tailored to their specific needs.

A subluxation is a misalignment or dysfunction in the vertebrae of the spine that interferes with the normal function of the nervous system. When vertebrae are out of alignment, they can put pressure on the nerves, disrupting the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, decreased mobility, and impaired organ function. Chiropractors focus on detecting and correcting subluxations to restore proper nerve flow and support the body’s natural healing process.

Wellness care starts before you are sick or after you have regained your health. The best time to check for vertebral subluxations is before the lack of nerve supply causes a breakdown of cells, tissues, and organs. The World Health Organization reminds us that disease takes time to develop. Chiropractors look at the subluxation timeline like this: Lack of vital nerve energy starves tissue, causing cells to die, and leads to organ malfunction, which starts a cycle of symptoms or pain. The wellness approach of frequent chiropractic checkups to locate and correct vertebral subluxations helps prevent sickness and disease.

Newborn infants should be checked for vertebral subluxations hours after birth. The birth process, even under natural and controlled conditions, is potentially traumatic. During the pushing stage of labor, the spine, particularly the neck, may be subluxated as the baby is compressed and pushed down the birth canal. Although birth subluxations may cause immediate symptoms, such as respiratory problems, there may be far reaching effects that are manifested for years. The child’s ability to fight against disease, for example, may be lowered. Colds, ear infections, colic, and other illnesses may result.

Whole-body vibration therapy utilizes a vibrating platform to deliver therapeutic micro-oscillations. Current research supports vibe plate therapy as a successful means to impact the physical, mental and wellness-based components of health. Studies have shown effectiveness with detoxification, weight loss, increased muscle contraction, improved hormones and improved strength and balance in the elderly, just to name a few. Our patients experience these benefits as part of their multi-faceted approach in the office.

With your help, and by listening to you, we look at the factors that have brought you to where you are today with your health. Thoughts (mental stress), Traumas (physical injuries/spinal misalignments), and Toxins (the chemical and biological onslaught of a toxic world) are all factors that contribute to the spiraling decline of one’s health.

Recommendations for appropriate testing to identify and correct or remove those contributing factors is always part of the first steps.
Once initial testing is complete, then we develop and deliver to our patients a plan of action to begin improving the body’s natural healing mechanisms and removing those stressors on their body that are holding them back from functioning and experiencing life at their true potential.

Our treatment strategies include lifestyle modification coaching for stress relief, nutritional support/coaching, food allergy testing, healing the gut through correction of the microbiome and gut dysbiosis, detoxification, balancing of hormones, balancing and enhancement of natural immune function, and herbal recommendations to assist and enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Primitive reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements that develop in the brainstem and spinal cord during infancy. These reflexes are essential for survival and normal development, helping babies with basic functions such as feeding, grasping, and movement. As the brain matures, these reflexes are typically integrated into the nervous system and replaced by more voluntary, controlled movements.

If primitive reflexes are retained beyond infancy, it indicates that certain areas of the brain and nervous system have not fully developed or matured as they should. Retained primitive reflexes can interfere with motor skills, posture, balance, coordination, and even cognitive functions. In children, this can manifest as difficulty with learning, focus, or behavioral challenges. In adults, retained reflexes can contribute to issues like poor posture, chronic tension, and neurological imbalances.

Chiropractic functional neurology focuses on identifying and addressing retained reflexes through targeted rehabilitation to help the nervous system mature and function more effectively.