Frequently Asked Questions | Effective Chiropractic PG

Effective Chiropractic PG County Answers Your Questions

Going to a chiropractor often comes with many questions, especially if you’ve never been to one before. To make new patients feel comfortable about their chiropractic care, Effective Chiropractic PG County in Lanham, Maryland has taken the time to answer frequently asked questions. Please read on for further information and feel free to contact our office with any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding chiropractic care. Focused on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, we’re here to help in any way we can!

What are your chiropractors’ qualifications?

You’re in capable hands with our fully-licensed and experienced chiropractors at Effective Chiropractic PG County! We pride ourselves on providing intimate chiropractic care from a dedicated team that takes the time to get to know you and ensure you receive a superior level of care.

Dr. Anthony Hardnett, owner/chiropractor, received his Bachelors in Biology with an emphasis in Exercise and Nutritional Sciences from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. He also graduated with honors from Life University Chiropractic College with a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree, along with a Clinic Excellence Award. Dr. Hardnett is board-certified in Integrative Medicine, which utilizes multiple treatment options found within traditional and alternative medicine to help patients recover from injuries. He’s also had extensive post-doctorate education relating to MRI interpretation and how it’s related to the treatment of disc-related injuries.

Our other chiropractor, Dr. Jacob Becker, pursued athletic training and kinesiology in college before earning his Doctorate in Chiropractic degree from Life University Chiropractic College. Dr. Becker is board-certified by the National Board of Chiropractic in Chiropractic Practice, Physiotherapy, and Adjunctive Procedures. Learn more about our chiropractors and staff on our About Us page.

How can I benefit from seeing a chiropractor?

Chiropractors place emphasis on treating patients with a holistic approach. Whether you have lower back pain, or you suffer from migraines, chiropractors view you as a whole person, not just as a specific injury. We take a closer look at how nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, heredity, and the environment all affect your health and wellness. By focusing on the cause of your pain or discomfort instead of treating only the symptoms, we provide effective care without the use of surgery or pain medications. Because we often make recommendations about nutritional and lifestyle changes, unexpected benefits of chiropractic care may include improved digestion, increased energy levels, lower blood pressure, headache relief, reduced inflammation, improved mobility, insomnia treatment, improved athletic ability, and immunity boosts. In short, there are many beneficial reasons to visit a chiropractor!

Should my children see a chiropractor?

Studies indicate that chiropractic care can be beneficial for children, especially those who suffer from a chronic condition such as colic, ear infections, or acid reflux or those who actively participate in sports in which injuries may occur. Similar to visiting the doctor and dentist regularly, visiting a chiropractor can also instill healthy habits from an early age. A chiropractor can help your child improve their posture and strengthen their growing bones, tendons, and muscles during development. Effective Chiropractic PG County provides chiropractic care for patients of all ages, including children.

How long do your sessions usually last?

This may vary from patient to patient, but first visits generally an hour with some of the follow up visits requiring less time. No two patients are alike, and we adjust our sessions accordingly.

How often will I need to visit a chiropractor?

This is largely dependent on the severity of your condition. During your initial consultation, we’ll develop the best course of treatment for your needs. How often you’ll need to return to see our chiropractor will vary according to your medical history, condition, and specific treatment goals. Helping you live your best life pain-free is our top priority. You can count on us to assess your needs honestly and accurately thanks to our many years of expertise. If you suffer from a chronic condition, we may recommend a longer course of treatment or more frequent visits.

When will I start to feel results from chiropractic care?

Your age, how active you are, and how long you’ve had the specific ailment or condition are all factors affecting your body’s natural healing abilities. Generally speaking, we find that younger patients often respond to chiropractic treatments much faster than older patients. Some patients feel better after the first visit, while others take a little longer to feel the results.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

Typically, no. Chiropractic adjustments apply minimal amounts of force and pressure. Some soreness may occur after your first appointment, akin to the type of soreness you’d expect from beginning a new exercise program. However, we do our best to ensure your comfort during all procedures. Many of our patients experience a sense of pain relief after treatments. If you do experience minor discomfort after your visit, we recommend drinking plenty of water, applying ice packs to the affected areas, or lightly stretching your body. It should subside.

Will I need x-rays before beginning chiropractic care?

Musculoskeletal issues are usually detected using x-rays. When you visit a chiropractor, your initial consultation will include a thorough physical examination and a discussion of your medical history. Laboratory analysis and x-rays may be necessary to ensure that you receive the best care.

Will I still need to visit other health care professionals?

This depends on your condition, but chiropractors usually work closely with other health care professionals. We often provide referrals to other specialists in the health care industry as part of our recommended treatment plan.

What type of conditions does chiropractic care treat?

Whether you suffer from a chronic condition, were injured in an auto accident, or sustained a sports-related injury, chiropractic care treats a variety of conditions and symptoms, including the following:

Upper & Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain
Headaches & Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Auto Accident Injuries
Arthritis
Herniated Discs
Knee Pain
Muscle Spasms
Muscular Tension
Pinched Nerves
Shoulder Pain
Hip Pain
Whiplash
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Joint Pain
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neuropathy
Osteoarthritis
Rotator Cuff Injuries
Stiffness/Soreness
Tendinitis
Sprains & Strains
Sports Injuries
Work Injuries
Pregnancy & Pediatric Conditions

Do you provide treatment for acute or chronic pain?

Chiropractors treat both acute and chronic pain. Whether your pain is dull and constant or comes about unexpectedly with a sharp, shooting sense of urgency, our treatment effectively provides relief from pain and discomfort. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong – don’t ignore it!

What sorts of treatments does your chiropractic care include?

There’s no “one size fits all” with chiropractic care. Treatments are customized to suit every patient’s needs. Our chiropractic care may include any of the following types of treatments:

What should I bring with me to my first appointment?

We recommend either arriving early for your first appointment to give yourself plenty of time to fill out our new patient paperwork or downloading our patient forms and filling them out before coming to our office. You’ll find a CT Intake Form, a Personal Injury Form, and a Personal Injury Questionnaire listed on our website for your convenience. You should be prepared to answer questions about your medical history and any prescriptions or over-the-counter supplements you’re taking. If you have previous x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or diagnostic reports, be sure to send us those or bring them with you. If you wear orthotic shoes or braces, we’ll probably want to examine them. Bringing a small notebook to take notes or to use as a reference with your listed questions or concerns for the chiropractor is also recommended.

How should I dress for my chiropractic appointments?

Because you’ll remain fully clothed during your chiropractic appointments, we recommend dressing comfortably in non-restrictive items of clothing, including yoga pants, leggings, or sweatpants. Because exercises may be necessary during your appointment, we recommend wearing tennis shoes, flats, or orthotic shoes if you wear them. It’s best to avoid clunky layers, jewelry, hats, belts, and other accessories.

What if I need custom orthotics or orthopedic supplies?

Effective Chiropractic PG County maintains a large inventory of custom orthotic and orthopedic supplies to help our patients live a pain-free lifestyle. From back and knee braces to custom foot orthotics and pillows, you’ll find everything you need here. We’d be happy to ensure the right fit for your specific ailment or condition, and we’ll never upsell you on anything you don’t need!

Where is your office located?

We have three convenient offices in PG County and surrounding areas to serve you. Our Lanham location can be found at 7400 Riverdale Road. Our Millersville location can be found at 683 Old Mill Road, while our Crofton location can be found at 1625 Crofton Centre.

I work full-time. Are you available on evenings and weekends?

Our hours of operation vary by location, but we try to be flexible for our patients with evening and weekend hours available by appointment. Request an appointment online or by reaching out to us.

Does my insurance cover chiropractic care?

This depends on your insurance provider and coverage specifics. Some plans only cover certain procedures. Be sure to contact your insurance provider for a full explanation of your benefits before making an appointment. You may also contact us to discuss any billing, financing, or claim issues.

Do you offer free consultations? What can I expect during my consultation?

Absolutely! During your free initial consultation, we’ll go over your condition and symptoms, your specific health goals, and your overall concerns about achieving your goals. Our consultation will include a thorough physical exam so that we can get a clearer picture of your condition while coming up with a customized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms of pain and discomfort. Contact us today to get started!