If you’ve searched for a chiropractor near me recently, you’re not alone. Millions of people turn to chiropractic care each year to relieve back pain, address neck pain, improve their posture, manage stress, and lead healthier lives, all without the need for drugs or surgery. But if you’re new to chiropractic, the information online can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about chiropractic care: what it is, who it helps, how it works, and why Westwood Family Chiropractic is a trusted choice in Bergen County, NJ. Whether you’re looking for pain relief, prenatal support, or wellness care, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is Chiropractic Care, and Why Does It Matter?
Chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-invasive healthcare approach focused on aligning the spine and optimizing nervous system function. When your spine is misaligned, a condition known as subluxation can cause nerve interference, pain, and reduced mobility.
At Westwood Family Chiropractic, our goal is to correct those misalignments using gentle spinal adjustments, restore proper movement, and empower your body to heal naturally. Chiropractic care is:
- Drug-free and safe for all ages
- Proven to relieve back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica
- Ideal for long-term wellness, not just pain relief
- A holistic approach that supports whole-body health
The History of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care began in 1895 and has evolved into a widely accepted healthcare profession. Over the years, research has demonstrated its effectiveness for neuromusculoskeletal conditions, while techniques have diversified to serve everyone from newborns to seniors.
Today, chiropractors use a blend of traditional and technology-assisted methods to assess posture, nervous system function, and movement patterns.
Terms To Know
- Subluxation: A misalignment of the vertebrae that interferes with nervous system function. Even minor misalignments can disrupt communication between the brain and the body.
- Adjustment: A precise, controlled force applied to spinal joints. Adjustments restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and improve nervous system function.
- Webster Technique: A specific chiropractic care technique used during pregnancy. It balances pelvic muscles and ligaments to support optimal fetal positioning.
- Activator Method: A tool-assisted technique using a handheld instrument to deliver gentle, targeted adjustments. Ideal for sensitive patients, seniors, or children.
- Spinal decompression: A motorized technique that gently stretches the spine. It reduces pressure on spinal discs and nerves, often used for herniated discs and bulging disc cases.
- Sciatica: Pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, typically radiating from the lower back into the leg.
- Wellness care: Ongoing chiropractic care designed to maintain spinal health and prevent future issues, even when you’re not in pain.
How Chiropractic Care Works (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you might wonder what to expect. At Westwood Family Chiropractic, our process is designed to be clear, comfortable, and centered around your specific needs. Here’s how we guide every patient from consultation to their first adjustment, and beyond.
Initial Consultation & History
You’ll sit down with Dr. Cathy and Dr. Jett Gurman to discuss your health concerns, pain symptoms, past injuries, stress levels, and overall goals for chiropractic care.
Spinal Evaluation & Posture Scan
We examine your spine for visible or functional imbalances and use tools or posture photos to evaluate the curve of your neck, back, and hips.
Orthopedic & Neurological Tests
These assessments test reflexes, muscle strength, joint function, nervous system sensitivity, and your range of motion to identify what areas need support.
X-rays (if needed)
Not everyone needs X-ray imaging, but they can help us detect degeneration, herniated discs, or structural misalignments that might not be visible from the outside.
Report of Findings & Custom Plan
We explain what we found, what it means, and how we plan to help. You’ll receive a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
First Adjustment
Once we’ve reviewed your findings, we will begin care. Spinal manipulation is typically gentle and brief, and many patients feel immediate pain relief or a sense of release.
Pros and Cons of Chiropractic Care
Pros:
- Natural pain relief: Chiropractic care addresses the source of discomfort rather than masking symptoms with medication.
- Improved posture and mobility: Regular care enhances spinal alignment and flexibility, making everyday movement easier.
- Supports whole-body wellness: Adjustments can improve sleep, digestion, immune system function, and stress response.
- Safe for all life stages: From pregnancy to aging adults, chiropractic care can be adapted for everybody.
- Personalized treatment plan: Care is tailored to individual needs and health goals.
Cons:
- Not a one-time fix: Long-term issues often require consistent chiropractic care to achieve full results.
- Requires lifestyle changes: Results improve when paired with proper ergonomics, exercise, and posture habits.
- Not suitable for all conditions: Chiropractic may not resolve all types of pain or systemic illness, and referrals are made when necessary.
Services We Offer at Westwood Family Chiropractic
At our practice, we offer a variety of chiropractic services to meet the needs of every patient, including:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Our primary focus is on correcting spinal misalignments, which helps to alleviate nerve pressure, enhance mobility, and promote long-term pain relief. This holistic approach supports your body’s natural healing process and is effective for:
Instrument Adjusting
By utilizing handheld tools such as the Activator, we are able to deliver precise and gentle adjustments that are particularly well-suited for a variety of individuals, including infants, seniors, and anyone who is in search of low-force care options for their health and well-being.
Prenatal & Postnatal Care
We provide chiropractic care during and after pregnancy to relieve lower back pain, balance the pelvis, and support a smoother labor. Specialized methods like the Webster Technique help optimize space for the baby. Common concerns we address include:
- Round ligament pain
- Sciatica during pregnancy
- Pelvic misalignment
Learn how chiropractic care supports pregnant women in every trimester in our prenatal chiropractic care blog.
Pediatric Chiropractic
Gentle adjustments play a crucial role in improving various aspects of health, including posture, sleep quality, digestion, and overall development in children, starting from infancy and continuing through their adolescent years. Many parents bring their kids in for help with:
- Poor posture or tech neck
- Sleep disturbances
- Growing pains
- Digestive issues
Check out our pediatric blog to discover ways we can support your children's growth.
Family Wellness Care
Our team is committed to wellness care for every member of your family. Whether you're looking for effective pain relief, immune support, or lifestyle advice, we’re here to help.
Senior/Geriatric Chiropractic
Customized techniques are designed to assist aging adults in enhancing their mobility, alleviating joint stiffness, and improving their overall balance. These strategies ultimately contribute to a better quality of life, allowing seniors to engage more fully in daily activities. Common concerns include:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Arthritis
- Mobility limitations or fall risk
Corrective Exercises
We provide targeted movements that retrain muscle patterns and alleviate strain. These support your treatment plan and promote long-term stability. Beneficial for:
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Muscle imbalances
- Poor posture or instability
Custom Orthotics
Our innovative digital scanning system is designed to create customized foot inserts that not only correct posture but also provide significant relief from pain experienced in the feet, knees, hips, and back. This personalized approach ensures optimal comfort and support for your entire body. Orthotics often help with:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Knee pain
- Hip or low back pain caused by uneven foot mechanics
In-House Digital X-Rays
We use X-ray imaging to evaluate spinal health. This helps us assess for:
- Disc compression
- Spinal curvature
- Structural issues linked to car accident injuries
Lifestyle Coaching
Our team offers tailored guidance on various aspects of well-being, including posture, movement, nutrition, and effective stress management techniques. Our goal is to empower you to develop and maintain sustainable health habits that enhance your overall quality of life. This service supports patients working through:
- Chronic tension from sedentary work
- Stress-related muscle tightness
- Sports injury recovery
- Nutritional deficits impacting healing
Tips and Reminders for New Patients
- Dress comfortably for your first visit
- Expect to spend 45–60 minutes during your initial consultation
- Be open about your pain history and wellness goals
- You may feel lighter or sore after your first adjustment; both are normal
- Consistency is key: healing happens over time, not overnight
Analyzing the Impact: Does Chiropractic Work?
The effectiveness of chiropractic care is measured both clinically and experientially. Here's how we track your progress:
- Posture Photos: Taken at intervals to document structural changes
- Range of Motion Testing: Used to measure flexibility improvements
- Subjective Symptom Tracking: You’ll report changes in pain, sleep, energy, and stress
- Functionality Tests: We assess your ability to perform everyday activities pain-free
Many patients report:
- Improved sleep and mood
- Less need for medication
- Better digestion and circulation
- Increased energy, mobility, and focus
Why Choose Westwood Family Chiropractic?
When you're looking for a family chiropractor in Westwood, you're not just choosing a provider, you’re choosing a partner in your wellness journey. Here’s why our patients trust us:
- All-Ages Expertise: We care for infants, seniors, and everyone in between.
- Personalized Approach: No one-size-fits-all adjustments, your care is tailored to you.
- Prenatal & Pediatric Training: We’re certified in techniques like Webster for pregnancy and gentle care for children.
FAQs About Chiropractic Care
Still have questions about chiropractic care? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from new patients at our practice:
How often should you get a chiropractic adjustment?
It depends on your condition, goals, and the recommendation of your chiropractor. Acute pain or injury may require 2–3 visits per week initially, while wellness or maintenance care might involve adjustments every 2–4 weeks. At Westwood Family Chiropractic, we create a plan tailored to your needs and adjust the frequency based on your progress.
Are chiropractic adjustments good for your body?
Yes! When performed by a licensed chiropractor, adjustments are safe and beneficial. They relieve joint restrictions, reduce inflammation, and improve nervous system function. Many patients report better sleep, posture, energy, and reduced reliance on medication after beginning care.
Is chiropractic care a placebo?
No. Chiropractic care has been studied extensively and shown to be effective for conditions like low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and headaches. The benefits are due to real physiological changes, such as reduced nerve interference and improved joint motion, not the placebo effect alone.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage for chiropractic care varies depending on your plan and provider. The best way to know what’s covered is to contact us directly. Our team will guide you through your options, help verify your benefits, and work with you to find the most affordable path to care.
Your Next Step Toward Better Health
Whether you’re seeking relief from back pain, support during pregnancy, or safe care for your child, chiropractic offers a natural, effective solution. If you’ve been searching for a chiropractor near you in the Westwood area, we invite you to experience the difference that expert, family-focused care can make.
We’re located near Veteran’s Memorial Park and St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church, serving Westwood, Hillsdale, Emerson, Old Tappan, River Vale, Paramus, and surrounding areas.
Ready to get started? Book your visit with Westwood Family Chiropractic today and take the first step toward lasting relief and wellness.