Straight answers to the questions we hear most, from people considering their first adjustment to longtime patients checking a detail. Don’t see yours? Call us at (503) 495-3454.
Getting Started
How do I know if I actually need a chiropractor, or if this will just fade on its own?
If pain is sharp, radiating, or has lasted more than a week without improving, that’s usually worth a real evaluation rather than waiting it out. Dr. Devine’s first-visit exam is built to tell you whether chiropractic care is the right tool for what’s going on, not to sell you a package regardless of what he finds.
What actually happens at a first appointment?
History, a movement and posture assessment, and hands-on evaluation of the affected area. Imaging only happens if there’s a clinical reason for it. Most first visits run 45 to 60 minutes, and many patients receive their first adjustment the same day if it’s appropriate.
Does an adjustment hurt?
Most patients feel immediate relief, not pain. If you’ve had tension built up for years, the release can feel intense for a moment, similar to a deep stretch, but it’s not the sharp pain some people expect.
Cost, Insurance, and Logistics
Do you accept my insurance?
Form & Function works with PIP claims, most major health insurance plans, and workers’ comp. Call ahead with your provider so we can verify your specific coverage before your visit.
What’s included in the $75 New Patient Special?
A full exam, health history review, and postural and spinal assessment with digital analysis. X-rays are included only if clinically necessary.
How often will I need to come in?
It depends entirely on what’s going on. Acute pain or accident recovery often starts at two to three visits a week, tapering as things improve. Long-term wellness patients are often in monthly or less. Dr. Devine sets your specific cadence after your first exam, not before.
Specific Situations
I was just in a car accident. What should I do?
Get evaluated as soon as possible, even if you feel mostly fine. Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries can take 24 to 72 hours to show symptoms. Oregon’s PIP insurance typically covers chiropractic care after an accident regardless of fault.
Is chiropractic safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when the technique is trimester-appropriate. Dr. Devine uses the Webster Technique, a gentle, pregnancy-specific protocol focused on pelvic balance, alongside light soft-tissue work coordinated with your OB or midwife’s plan.
Is it safe for kids?
Yes. Pediatric adjustments use significantly less force than adult adjustments, adjusted further for the child’s age, from newborns through teenagers.
Can chiropractic help with headaches, not just back pain?
Often, yes, particularly when the headache traces back to upper cervical joint restriction or postural strain, which is common with desk work and phone use. Dr. Devine evaluates whether that’s the driver before building a plan around it.