Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions – problems involving the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. The most common reasons people see a chiropractor are low back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, and joint pain, along with injuries from accidents, sports, and repetitive work.
The evidence base is strongest for musculoskeletal complaints, and that is where a good chiropractor should focus. This page covers what chiropractic care treats, what it does not, when to see a chiropractor rather than another provider, and what to expect on a first visit.
What conditions does a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractic care addresses conditions arising from the joints, muscles, discs, and nerves – particularly of the spine. Below are the conditions we most commonly treat, and where to read more about each.
| Condition | Common symptoms |
|---|---|
| Low back pain | Aching, stiffness, or sharp pain in the lower back; worse with sitting or bending |
| Neck pain | Stiffness, restricted turning, pain into the shoulders |
| Sciatica | Pain radiating from the low back into the buttock and leg, often with tingling |
| Headaches | Pain starting at the base of the skull, often with neck tightness |
| Whiplash | Neck pain, headaches, and stiffness after a car accident or collision |
| Herniated and bulging discs | Back or neck pain with radiating symptoms into an arm or leg |
| Joint pain | Shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, wrist, and elbow pain and restriction |
| Sports and overuse injuries | Strains, sprains, and repetitive-motion problems |
| Work and posture strain | Pain from prolonged sitting, lifting, or repetitive tasks |
| Peripheral neuropathy | Burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands and feet |
What does a chiropractor actually do?
A chiropractor evaluates how your spine and joints move, identifies restrictions and irritated tissue, and uses hands-on treatment to restore normal motion and reduce pain. The best-known technique is the adjustment, but most care combines several methods.
A typical plan may include chiropractic adjustments to restore joint movement, soft-tissue work and therapeutic massage for muscle tension, rehabilitation exercises to build strength and stability, and advice on posture and daily activity. Depending on the problem, we may add spinal decompression for disc-related pain, laser therapy, or acupuncture.
What does a chiropractor not treat?
Chiropractic care is not appropriate for infections, fractures, tumors, internal organ disease, or medical emergencies. A responsible chiropractor screens for these conditions and refers you to the right provider rather than attempting to treat them.
Being direct about this matters. Chiropractic care has good support for musculoskeletal problems, and claims that adjustments treat unrelated medical diseases are not supported by evidence. At our office, every new patient gets an examination that screens for findings outside our scope – and if what you have needs a physician, a neurologist, or an emergency department, we will tell you plainly and help you get there.
When should you see a chiropractor?
It is reasonable to see a chiropractor when you have pain or stiffness in the spine or joints that is not improving on its own, when pain follows an injury or accident, or when a recurring problem keeps interfering with work, sleep, or activity.
Practical situations that warrant an evaluation:
- Back or neck pain lasting more than a week or two without improvement
- Pain after a car accident, fall, or sports injury – even if it seems mild at first
- Headaches that accompany neck tightness or stiffness
- Pain, numbness, or tingling radiating into an arm or leg
- Reduced range of motion, or pain that limits your normal activity
- Recurring flare-ups of a problem you have had before
Some symptoms need emergency care instead: loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness in the limbs, back pain with fever or unexplained weight loss, or severe pain after major trauma. Those warrant immediate medical evaluation.
What happens at your first chiropractic visit?
The first visit is primarily an evaluation. We take a history, examine your movement, joints, muscles, and neurological function, and determine what is actually driving your symptoms – then explain what we found in plain language.
You should leave that appointment knowing three things: what is likely causing your problem, whether chiropractic care is a reasonable approach for it, and roughly how long improvement should take. If your situation calls for imaging or a different provider, we will say so. Treatment often begins the same day when the examination supports it.
Is chiropractic care safe?
For most people, yes. The most common side effect is temporary soreness after an adjustment, similar to the stiffness that follows a new workout. Serious complications are rare, and a thorough examination beforehand is what identifies patients for whom manipulation is not appropriate.
Certain conditions call for modified technique or a different approach entirely – significant osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, recent fracture, blood-thinning medication, or a history of certain vascular problems among them. This is why the exam comes before treatment, and why an honest chiropractor adapts the approach to the patient rather than applying the same technique to everyone.
Do you need a referral to see a chiropractor?
In Missouri, no. Chiropractors are primary-contact providers, so you can schedule directly without a physician referral. Some insurance plans have their own referral requirements, which is worth checking with your carrier.
We are happy to verify your benefits before your first visit so you know what your plan covers.
Chiropractic care in St. Peters, MO
Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre has served St. Peters and St. Charles County since 1995. Our four doctors bring more than 130 years of combined experience across chiropractic care, acupuncture, laser therapy, and rehabilitation.
We are located at 331 Jungermann Road in St. Peters, and see patients from O’Fallon, Dardenne Prairie, St. Charles, Cottleville, and Weldon Spring. Call (636) 928-5588 or request an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common reason people see a chiropractor?
Low back pain, by a wide margin, followed by neck pain and headaches. Together these account for the majority of chiropractic visits, and they are also the conditions with the strongest supporting evidence for manual therapy.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on the problem, how long you have had it, and how you respond. A recent, straightforward strain may resolve in a handful of visits; a chronic problem typically takes longer. We re-examine as we go and adjust the plan rather than committing you to an open-ended schedule.
Does a chiropractic adjustment hurt?
Generally no. Most people feel relief or reduced tension immediately afterward. The popping sound is gas releasing from the joint, not bones cracking. Mild soreness for a day afterward is common early in care.
Can a chiropractor help with joint pain outside the spine?
Yes. Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows all fall within chiropractic scope, and extremity joints are a routine part of practice – including sports and overuse injuries.
Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Most major plans include some chiropractic coverage, though the number of visits and your out-of-pocket cost vary. We verify your benefits before care begins so you know your costs up front.
Can I see a chiropractor while pregnant?
Yes. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is common, using modified positioning and gentler technique. Many patients seek it for low back and pelvic pain. Let us know you are pregnant when you schedule so we prepare appropriately.
Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Crosby Wiemann, DC, President, Crosby Chiropractic & Acupuncture Centre. Read Dr. Crosby’s full bio.
Last reviewed: July 2026
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.
