Frequently Asked Questions in Lake Oswego OR

Chiropractic in Lake Oswego OR is a natural form of healthcare that focuses on restoring balance to the body by improving the function of the spine and nervous system. The profession began in 1895 when D.D. Palmer delivered the very first chiropractic adjustment, marking the start of what has become one of the most widely used forms of natural healthcare in the world. At its core, chiropractic is a vitalistic form of care — meaning it emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal and thrive when the nervous system is free of interference. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff uses gentle, specific adjustments to help the body work the way it was designed to. We believe true wellness comes from getting back to the basics — quality sleep, nourishing food, regular movement, and a healthy nervous system. Chiropractic care is not just about fixing pain; it’s about creating a strong foundation for long-term health.

Chiropractors often care for people with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but the benefits go far beyond pain relief. The spine houses and protects the nervous system, and 31 pairs of nerves exit the spine to connect with muscles, organs, and tissues throughout the body.

When these nerves are working properly, the body functions more efficiently — but when they’re irritated or compressed, a wide variety of health concerns can arise. We help patients with posture issues, sports injuries, stress-related tension, and discomfort from everyday life. Because the nervous system connects to every part of the body, chiropractic care can also support better digestion, sleep, and energy.

At Form & Function, we focus on treating the whole person, not just the symptom, with a combination of adjustments, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance.

A chiropractic adjustment is a precise technique used to realign the spine and restore proper motion in the joints. Adjustments may be done by hand (manual adjustments), where Dr. Jeff applies a gentle but specific force to a spinal segment, or with an instrument that delivers a lighter, more targeted correction.

The spine is made up of three main regions — the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), and lumbar (lower back) — and each area plays a key role in how your body moves and functions. By correcting misalignments in these areas, chiropractic care improves communication from the body to the brain and from the brain back to the body.

This not only relieves discomfort but also helps your nervous system function at its highest potential.

Yes — chiropractic care has been practiced safely for over 125 years and is considered one of the safest, most effective natural forms of healthcare in Lake Oswego OR.

When performed by a licensed chiropractor like Dr. Jeff, adjustments are gentle, specific, and always tailored to the patient’s needs and comfort level. Before any hands-on treatment begins, every new patient at Form & Function goes through a thorough consultation and exam.

This visit gives patients the chance to share their health history, ask questions, and express any concerns so Dr. Jeff can design the safest and most effective plan of care.

The number of visits depends entirely on your health goals, history, and current condition. Someone in acute pain, or recovering from a car accident, may need more frequent care to stabilize and heal, while a generally healthy person may only come in monthly for wellness care.

We will design a plan that fits your specific needs in Lake Oswego OR rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. At Form & Function, our goal is to create lifelong patients — not because you “have” to keep coming back, but because you feel your best when chiropractic care is part of your lifestyle.

Chiropractic care in Lake Oswego OR helps the body work the way it was meant to by removing stress from the spine and nervous system. Patients often notice less pain and greater freedom of movement, but the benefits extend far beyond comfort. Improved alignment can make everyday activities easier, support better athletic performance, and reduce the wear and tear that builds up over time.

Many people also find they handle stress more effectively and feel more resilient overall. At Form & Function, our goal is to restore both the form of the spine and the function of the nervous system — helping you live with greater ease, energy, and vitality.

Chiropractic is a very low-risk, non-invasive form of healthcare. The most common side effect is mild soreness or stiffness after an adjustment, which usually fades within 24 hours — similar to how you might feel after starting a new workout. Compared to medications or surgery, chiropractic care offers a natural, safe path to recovery and wellness.

For most patients, adjustments are not painful at all — in fact, they often bring an immediate sense of relief. However, when the body has been under stress for years, releasing those old patterns can sometimes feel intense. This discomfort is usually short-lived and can be soothed with rest and an ice pack if needed. The vast majority of patients describe chiropractic adjustments as comfortable, relaxing, and deeply beneficial for both body and mind.

Dr. Jeff Devine has been in practice for over two decades, providing expert chiropractic care to thousands of patients seeking both relief and long-term wellness. Many patients remain with our office for years, drawn not only to the improvements they experience in their health but also to the welcoming, neighborhood atmosphere that sets us apart.

At Form & Function, we operate our office the way we wish all healthcare providers would — with transparency, respect for your time, and genuine investment in your wellbeing. By combining the highest standards of clinical care with an approachable, community-oriented environment, we give patients confidence in the quality of their treatment while ensuring they feel comfortable and supported throughout their care.

The time you spend in our office depends on your needs and the type of visit. A first exam and consultation usually lasts about an hour and a regular adjustment visit is typically 15–20 minutes, though it can vary if you’ve been assigned specific physical therapies or exercises to support your care. There is no cookie-cutter schedule.

Chiropractors complete rigorous training that includes undergraduate study, extensive clinical work, and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Dr. Jeff Devine is a proud graduate of Palmer West Chiropractic College and has been serving patients since 2001.

With over two decades of experience, he continues to study advancements in chiropractic, nutrition, and holistic care so patients benefit from both tradition and modern science. We believe education never stops — for both doctors and patients.

Yes!!!!! It is our firm belief that pregnant mamas DESERVE chiropractic care and prenatal chiropractic care is a specialty at Form & Function. Pregnancy places unique physical demands on the body as weight distribution shifts, ligaments loosen under the influence of hormones, and the spine and pelvis adapt to accommodate the growing baby. These changes can create imbalances or discomfort, which precise, gentle adjustments help to correct.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy may reduce pain, improve pelvic alignment, and support a smoother labor and delivery. On occasion, patients have even chosen to be adjusted immediately before heading to the hospital for childbirth. Following delivery, we recommend that newborns also be evaluated, as the birth process can place stress on the infant spine and nervous system. In fact, we are often honored to be the very first stop for families on their way home from the hospital. We take great pride in that level of trust, and provide safe, gentle pediatric adjustments to support healthy development from the very beginning of life.

No — chiropractic is not addictive. Some patients do choose to continue care long-term, but only because they feel so much better when their spine and nervous system are functioning well. Unless feeling good, moving freely, and having more energy is considered addictive, there’s nothing to worry about.

The sound some patients hear during an adjustment is called cavitation. It happens when a quick change in pressure within the joint allows tiny gas bubbles in the joint fluid to release — similar to the “pop” you hear when opening a can of sparkling water.

This sound is not bones breaking or anything harmful. In fact, some adjustments make a cavitation sound and others do not, yet both can be equally effective. The true goal of the adjustment is restoring motion and alignment so the nervous system can communicate clearly.

We don’t recommend it. When people try to adjust themselves, they usually get movement in the joints that are already loose, not in the ones that actually need correction. This can create more imbalance and instability over time. A chiropractic adjustment is precise and specific — restoring form to the spine and function to the nervous system in ways you can’t
replicate on your own.

At Form & Function Chiropractic, we bill Medicare and automobile (PIP) insurance directly for covered services. For all other insurance plans, we operate as an out-of-network / non-billing provider and will happily provide you with a detailed superbill so you can submit for possible reimbursement on your own.

This model keeps your care simple, transparent, and free from the restrictions or delays that often come with traditional in-network billing. You’ll always know the exact cost of treatment up front — with no surprise bills, deductibles, or insurance-driven treatment limitations.

We are always glad to supply receipts, documentation, or guidance to help you self-submit if your plan offers out-of-network benefits. Our priority is care that puts your health first, not what an insurance company decides to cover.

Yes. Back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor, and research shows spinal adjustments are effective in reducing both pain and disability. In one U.S. clinical trial, patients with low back pain who received chiropractic care were twice as likely to report significant improvements in daily function compared to those who received standard medical care alone.

Many patients also return to work and normal activities sooner, with less stiffness, easier movement, and reduced reliance on pain medications. Chiropractic addresses the root cause by restoring proper alignment and nervous system function, rather than simply masking the pain.

Yes. Neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. In fact, roughly 1 in 4 chiropractic patients report neck pain as their primary issue. Misalignments in the cervical spine can irritate nerves and muscles, leading to stiffness, pain, or even radiating symptoms into the shoulders and arms. Gentle adjustments restore motion, reduce tension, and allow the nervous system to function properly. Many patients notice improved mobility and relief even after just a few visits.

Yes. Many headaches, including migraines and tension headaches, are linked to stress in the neck and upper spine. When those areas are misaligned, nerves and blood vessels can be irritated, triggering pain. Adjustments reduce this irritation, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system.

Research shows that patients receiving chiropractic care often report fewer and less intense headaches — and in some cases, complete relief. We especially love working with migraine patients, because they often experience some of the most profound improvements. Many are able to reduce or even stop migraine medications, which themselves can carry side effects, and finally get back to living their lives without being held back by pain.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy are both valuable, but they focus on different aspects of health. Physical therapy primarily works with muscles, soft tissue, and rehabilitation after injury, using exercises and stretches to build strength and restore function.

Chiropractic care focuses on the spine and nervous system, correcting misalignments that interfere with how the body communicates and heals. There is no other modality that works directly with the central nervous system in the way chiropractic does, making it uniquely powerful for whole-body health. In practice, we find that combining the two often gives patients the best outcomes, which is why we work closely with local physical therapists. Many times, patients notice better and faster results when chiropractic and PT are used together.

Yes. Sports injuries often involve strained muscles, irritated joints, or repetitive stress that can throw the spine and body out of balance. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper motion, improve flexibility, and reduce nerve irritation, helping athletes recover faster. By keeping the spine aligned, chiropractic also lowers the risk of re-injury and enhances overall performance.

Dr. Jeff plays recreational soccer himself and sees his own chiropractor regularly — a reminder that even doctors and athletes rely on chiropractic to stay strong, healthy, and active. In addition, our office provides concussion screenings, which are critical in monitoring brain health and protecting athletes from the long-term risks of repeated head trauma and neurodegenerative disease.

Absolutely. Poor posture often develops from long hours at a desk, repetitive movements, or the physical changes of aging. Research shows that the average American adult sits for 6–8 hours a day, which puts significant stress on the spine and nervous system.

For kids and teens, a growing concern is “text neck,” caused by looking down at phones and devices for hours each day, which can create lasting strain on the neck and upper back. Chiropractic adjustments help correct these imbalances, and when combined with targeted exercises and lifestyle advice, they retrain the body to hold itself in a healthier position. Improved posture not only looks better, it also reduces strain on muscles, joints, and even organ function.

Physiologically, an adjustment restores proper motion to restricted joints, reduces stress on the surrounding muscles and ligaments, and decreases irritation to the nearby nerves. This helps the nervous system regulate the body more effectively, which supports healing, balance, and better overall function. Externally, many patients notice themselves sitting taller, breathing easier — and yes, even smiling — because they feel the relief of improved movement and know they’re taking good care of their body.

Yes. Children benefit from chiropractic care at every stage of development. Infants may experience stress on the spine during birth, toddlers take plenty of tumbles as they learn to walk, and older kids face new challenges from sports, heavy backpacks, or hours of screen time. Pediatric adjustments are very gentle and always tailored to each child’s size and needs. Parents often notice improvements in sleep, behavior, posture, and overall wellbeing as their children grow with healthy spines and nervous systems. At Form & Function, we believe in this care so much that our own team members have their children adjusted as often as possible — it’s part of how we keep our families healthy, too.