Chiropractic Care
What chiropractic care is, the conditions it is used for, what a course of care can involve, and what to expect at River City.
Chiropractic care is a licensed healthcare profession focused on the musculoskeletal system: the joints, muscles and connective tissue that let you move. Most people come to a chiropractor for pain, and most of that pain is in the back or neck.
What it is used for
Chiropractic care is most often used for low back pain, neck pain, headaches related to the neck, and other musculoskeletal complaints. It is conservative care, meaning it is non-surgical and does not involve prescription medication.
Assessment comes first
A first appointment begins with questions about your current problem and your health history, followed by a physical examination to reach a working diagnosis. Where it is needed to confirm a diagnosis, imaging or lab tests may be used.
Routine imaging is not part of ordinary care. For acute low back pain without clear clinical indicators, current guidance is to avoid spinal imaging in the first six weeks, and not to repeat imaging simply to monitor progress.
Dr. Davis explains what he finds, recommends a plan of care, and reviews the risks and benefits with you before anything begins.
What care can involve
Depending on your diagnosis, care may include manual treatment such as spinal manipulation, mobilization, soft tissue work, and advice on activity, exercise and self-care. Care is individualized: what is appropriate depends on your condition, your health history and your goals.
Some conditions settle in a few visits and some take longer. That is discussed with you rather than fixed in advance.
When another provider is the right answer
Chiropractic care is one part of conservative musculoskeletal care, not a substitute for medical assessment. If your condition falls outside that scope, Dr. Davis will refer you to the appropriate physician or specialist, or work alongside them.
Seek urgent medical care rather than booking an appointment
Call 911 or go to an emergency department if back or neck symptoms come with any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin, buttocks or inner thighs.
- New, progressive or severe weakness in a leg or arm.
- A sudden severe headache unlike any you have had before, or neck pain with slurred speech, facial droop, visual changes or difficulty walking.
- Significant trauma, such as a fall from height or a serious collision.
- Back or neck pain alongside fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer.
If you are unsure, being evaluated medically first is the safe choice.
Your health history matters
Before any hands-on treatment, tell Dr. Davis about your current medications, any blood thinners, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, recent trauma or infection, a cancer history, previous spinal surgery, or a pregnancy. These change what is appropriate to do, and sometimes whether hands-on treatment is appropriate at all.
Mild, temporary soreness or stiffness after manual treatment is common and usually settles within about a day. Serious complications are very rare. Any procedure carries some risk, and Dr. Davis will discuss the risks and benefits with you before treatment.
An evidence-informed approach
Care at River City is guided by current evidence, clinical judgment and your own circumstances and preferences. Where the evidence for something is limited, you will be told that.
River City Chiropractic Center is on Sabrina Drive in East Peoria, serving patients from across the Greater Peoria area.
Sources & further reading
- American Chiropractic Association — What Research Shows — ACA’s summary of the research on chiropractic care, with links to the underlying studies and guidelines
- American Chiropractic Association — Choosing Wisely recommendations — includes avoiding routine spinal imaging for acute low back pain without clear clinical indicators, and not repeating imaging to monitor progress
- American Chiropractic Association — Evidence-Based Practice in Chiropractic Management — position statement, ratified 2004, revised 2017, reviewed 2018
What we help with
Chiropractic care for common musculoskeletal complaints, from back and neck pain to headaches, sports injuries and everyday movement problems.
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Back Pain & Sciatica
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a healthcare provider. Here is how… -
Neck Pain & Whiplash
Neck pain and whiplash-associated symptoms, how they are assessed at River City, and when medical evaluation is needed… -
Headaches Related to the Neck
Many headaches involve tension in the neck and upper back. Here is how headache is assessed at River… -
Sports & Overuse Injuries
Training and overuse complaints, how they are assessed at River City, and what conservative care can involve. -
Posture & Mobility
Practical advice on sitting, standing and working comfortably, and how chiropractic care can help with posture-related discomfort.