Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a natural hands on approach to spinal care based on adjustments that aid in the proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure. This type of treatment will enable the body to heal itself without medication or surgery.


Are Chiropractors Doctors?

Chiropractors are not medical doctors but doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractors go through just as much schooling if not more than their medical counterparts.


What types of pain do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are most known for their expertise to treat those with back, neck and overall body pain. They also treat those with muscle, ligament and joint disorders. Basically, any pain related to your spine or extremities chiropractors can treat.


What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the learned skill of using a specific hands on force in a precise direction applied to a joint that is locked up or not moving properly. The purpose of this safe and natural procedure is to eliminate interference in the nervous system involving spinal function and overall health.


Do adjustments hurt?
A chiropractic adjustment is a highly controlled hands on technique that rarely causes discomfort. Chiropractic methods use minimal force and gentle pressure. Many patients feel immediate relief after their adjustments. It is no different than starting an exercise program, sometimes it can take a little getting used to.


Why do adjustments make a popping sound?
The noises you may hear while being adjusted are joints releasing little pockets of air. A chiropractic adjustment does NOT affect the bones on either side of a joint. It affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together. It’s very similar to the release of gas bubbles when you cork a champagne bottle.


Will an adjustment completely remove my pain?
Each patient is different, depending on your condition some patients feel immediate relief while others may need several adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments have a very good reputation of reducing if not alleviating pain.


Is it safe for pregnant women to be adjusted?
Many expectant mothers find that chiropractic adjustments improve pregnancy and make delivery easier for themselves and their baby. Chiropractic care may be able to get your lower body in proper alignment for an easier birth.   Chiropractic adjustments can reduce the likelihood of miscarriage, control morning sickness, and lower your risk of pre-term delivery.

If you are pregnant and looking for a pediatric chiropractic care, call Dr. Kennedy today.


Is it safe for children to be adjusted?
Yes! There have been several large-scale research studies verifying the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. The amount of force used to adjust an infant is comparable to the amount of force you use to test a ripe tomato at the grocery store. Those of you with kids know that they are certainly able to withstand a lot more pressure than that! Chiropractors have been helping kids lead healthier lives for over 100 years. Here is a list of common childhood conditions that families have seen great impact from chiropractic care that you may not have thought of as chiropractic issues. Chiropractors do not necessarily treat or cure these conditions, but they have been shown to help in profound ways by treating the children suffering from them and enhancing their general health.

  • ADHD & Autism Spectrum Disorders
  • Ear infections
  • Common Cold
  • Colic
  • Constipation
  • Growing pains
  • Scoliosis
  • Bed wetting
  • Breastfeeding difficulties
  • Birthing Trauma
  • Sports injuries (like Little League Elbow)If you are looking for a pediatric chiropractic care, call Dr. Kennedy today.

Once I start going to a chiropractor, do I have to keep going forever?
Like most everything, that depends. You only have to continue going as long as you wish to maintain the health of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Going to a chiropractor is much like exercising at the gym or eating healthy. As long as you keep it up, you’ll reap the benefits. You may wish to enjoy the benefits of chiropractic only for a short time, but chiropractic care should be a continuing part of your lifestyle.


What insurance do you accept? 
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid and offer cash plans to those with no insurance.


What type of payment do you accept?
We accept Master Card, Visa, Discover, American Express, Debit Card, Check and Cash.


Is there an insurance copay or deductible?
Insurance copays and deductibles depend on each individual’s insurance plan. We offer a complimentary insurance check to obtain this information or you may contact your insurance company directly to obtain your insurance coverage.


How much does treatment cost?
Generally, first consults are approximately $65 – $150, and regular visits around $40 – $75. Most health insurance plans cover some level of chiropractic care.


How many visits does insurance cover?
This all depends on each individual insurance carrier. We offer a complimentary insurance check to find out exactly what your coverage is before you start your treatment.


How long is the first visit?
Your first visit will last about an hour. This is to allow Dr. Kennedy to achieve a thorough consultation and examination.

Note, some chiropractors in Wauwatosa will spend less time with you, in an effort to maximize profits. So if you are looking for a chiropractor for the first time, make sure to understand their process.


What is a new patient visit like?
You and Dr. Kennedy will review your new patient paperwork as well as receive a complete chiropractic exam. You and Dr. Kennedy will form a treatment plan and you will most likely receive your first chiropractic adjustment.


How many times do I need to be seen?
This varies, you and Dr. Kennedy will discuss this as part of your treatment plan. Usually, it will be between 1-3 times per week in the beginning of treatment.


How soon can I be seen?
We have same day appointments available.


What is spinal decompression?
Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. This changes the force and position of the spine. The change takes pressure off the spinal disks, which are gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine, by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This in turn, helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs so they can heal.