Frequently Asked Questions in Mesa AZ

Chiropractic care is holistic medicine designed to heal the body through natural means. Chiropractic care does not involve the use of drugs or surgery, they use a combination of manual adjustments, exercise, soft tissue manipulation, and various other treatment modalities to improve your pain and function.

Chiropractic care focuses on supporting the entire body—not just treating isolated symptoms. A chiropractor is trained to work with your bones, joints, muscles, and nerves to help improve how your body functions as a whole.

Instead of looking at just one area of discomfort, care is approached more broadly. That can include evaluating how you move, your posture, and even lifestyle factors like nutrition and stress, all of which can play a role in how you feel day to day.

Chiropractors help address a wide range of issues affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. At Optimal Spine and Pain Relief, we most often see patients for low back pain, neck pain, and headaches, but we also treat many other conditions. Our care is especially focused on helping those recovering from auto accidents, work-related injuries, and sports accidents, providing tailored treatment to reduce pain and restore function.

A chiropractic adjustment is basically a specific movement the chiropractor uses to help a joint move the way it’s supposed to again. Simple in idea, a little more precise in practice.

It can be done by hand, or sometimes with a small handheld instrument (like an Arthrostim). Nothing too intimidating—just different ways to get a similar result.

It’s not just the spine:
A lot of the time we’re working on the spine, but adjustments can also be done on shoulders, hips, ribs, and other joints depending on what’s going on.

The goal is pretty straightforward:
We’re trying to improve movement, reduce discomfort, and help your body function a bit more naturally overall. Not forcing anything into place—just restoring motion where it’s been limited.

What it usually feels like:
Most of the time, you’ll be lying face down on a table. The chiropractor will use their hands—or sometimes an instrument—to apply a quick, controlled movement to a joint.

It’s a quick process, but when it’s done right, it can make a noticeable difference in how things feel and move afterward.

Chiropractic care is widely considered safe when it’s provided by a trained professional and after a proper evaluation. Before starting treatment, a chiropractor will check for any signs or conditions that might make care inappropriate.

For most healthy patients, any side effects tend to be mild—things like temporary muscle or joint soreness, similar to how you might feel after a new workout.

Honestly… it depends.

It depends on what’s going on with your body, how long it’s been there, and how you respond to care. There’s not really a clean, one-size-fits-all answer.

Each person responds differently, so the right plan depends on your current condition, overall health, and what you’re hoping to achieve. Care is typically tailored to fit your individual needs rather than following a fixed schedule.

It kind of unfolds as you go:
We usually get a better sense after the first visit or two—how your body is responding, what’s improving, what still needs attention—and then adjust from there.

Here’s the kind of stuff people tend to notice—though everyone’s body responds a little differently:

A drug-free approach:
It’s non-surgical and doesn’t involve medication, which many people like when they’re looking for a more natural way to manage discomfort or support their body.

Relief for back and neck discomfort:
Adjustments can really help with certain types of neck or back pain.

Headache support:
Some headaches—especially tension-type or ones linked to spine alignment—can improve with care. Not a guaranteed fix overnight, but over time, a lot of people notice a difference.

Better joint mobility:
When joints move more freely, stiffness tends to fade. Everyday activities—bending, reaching, twisting—just feel a bit easier.

Posture support:
If you’re hunched over screens, driving, or just sitting too much (who isn’t these days?), adjustments can help relieve strain and support better posture.

Chiropractic care is generally safe for a lot of people, especially when it’s used for common issues like back or neck pain—but like most treatments, it isn’t completely risk-free.

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. People sometimes feel a bit sore, stiff, or tired afterward, kind of like after trying a new exercise. That usually goes away within a day or two.

There are some less common but more serious risks to be aware of. For example, certain neck adjustments have been linked (rarely) to problems like stroke. It’s not something that happens often, but it’s one reason some people are cautious about neck manipulation in particular.

In general, chiropractic care might not be the best fit for everyone—especially people with conditions like osteoporosis or certain spine issues.

Chiropractic adjustments often feel relieving and can provide quick improvement in pain and mobility. In some cases, if an area is very sensitive or inflamed, touching it may cause a brief increase in discomfort, but this usually eases once the adjustment is completed, leaving a noticeable sense of relief afterward. A skilled chiropractor will usually adjust their approach to keep things as comfortable as possible for you.

At Optimal Spine and Pain Relief, our main focus is helping patients recover from auto accident injuries, but we also treat back pain, neck pain, and joint discomfort. Every treatment plan is customized based on your specific condition and recovery goals, combining chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and guided exercises to restore function and relieve pain.

We take the time to fully understand what’s going on in your body before starting care—no rushing, no guesswork—just a clear plan tailored to you.

Care costs are also made easy and transparent. We keep pricing straightforward, offer flexible payment options, and help navigate insurance so you can focus on healing with confidence.

Most visits usually run about 45 minutes to an hour. During that time you will tal to the chiropractor to check and see how you are feeling,  take a look at what’s going on with your body, and get the treatment you need

It’s not rushed, but it’s not overly long either—just enough time to cover everything without feeling like you’re sitting forever.

Chiropractors spend a lot of time in school before they start treating patients. They earn a doctorate, which means years of classes, labs, and actual hands-on practice with real people.

They also have to pass exams to get licensed, so it’s not just about showing up—it’s about proving they really know what they’re doing.

Basically, they spend years learning how the spine, joints, and muscles all work together, so they can help you move better and feel better safely.

The “crack” sound you sometimes hear during an adjustment is just gas bubbles popping in the joint, kind of like when you crack your knuckles.

It’s just part of the joint moving back into place. Some people hear it, some don’t, and either way, This sound has little to do with the therapeutic relief provided from adjustments which primarily comes from the actual motion to the joint

You can try to crack your neck or back, but it’s not the same as a professional adjustment. Chiropractors are highly trained to know exactly where and how to apply force safely to help the joints move properly.

Trying to adjust yourself can sometimes make things worse, cause extra soreness, or miss the spot that actually needs help. So it’s usually better to leave the real adjustments to a pro.

Some insurance plans cover chiropractic care and some don’t — it really just depends on your plan. We accept Aetna, United Healthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield. We’re happy to check your benefits for you and let you know what’s covered so there aren’t any surprises. And if your insurance doesn’t cover it, that’s okay — we’ve got affordable cash options too to make care easier to get.

Chiropractors specialize in helping the body’s bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves work more effectively. While we frequently address issues like low back pain, neck discomfort, and headaches, our care also extends to a variety of other common aches, strains, and musculoskeletal concerns to help you move better and feel your best.

Yes! Chiropractic care can sometimes help with headaches, especially the ones that come from tight muscles or tension in the neck and shoulders. Adjustments and some gentle stretches can take some of the pressure off and help you feel a bit better. It doesn’t always fix every headache, but a lot of people notice an improvement over time.

The main difference is in how they approach things. Chiropractic care mostly focuses on the spine and joints, using adjustments to help with alignment, movement, and overall function. Physical therapy is more about exercises, stretches, and strengthening to help your body recover and move better.

Here at our office, we follow a collaborative approach: while Dr. Conway handles the hands-on adjustments, I complement that work by guiding patients through specific stretches and exercises to build strength and support their recovery.

Yes! Chiropractic care can help improve posture. Adjustments and stretches can make it easier for your spine and joints to sit in the right spots, and over time that can make slouching or rounded shoulders less of a problem. It’s not instant, but with regular care and a few habits at home, posture can definitely get better.

The chiropractor uses his hands (or sometimes a small tool) to apply a quick movement to a joint. The goal is to help it move better and get back in proper alignment.

You might feel a bit of pressure or hear a pop. Afterward, some people feel looser or more comfortable right away, while for others it takes a few visits to notice a bigger change.

Chiropractic care can be safe for kids, but it’s a bit different than for adults. Chiropractors use much gentler techniques for little ones, and the goal is usually to help with things like posture, growing pains, or general spine and joint health.

Of course, every child is different, so a chiropractor will check them carefully first to make sure it’s safe and appropriate. Most parents say their kids actually enjoy it and feel better afterward.

Optimal Spine and Pain Relief is located at 3614 E Southern Ave Ste A105 Mesa, AZ 85206. Cross street Val Vista and Southern. Safeway complex next to Hungry Howies

Yes we accept insurance. We accept Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medicare. We will verify your eligibility and benefits and explain them to you.

We aim to make treatment accessible by accepting most major insurance plans such as Aetna,  Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and United Healthcare, and, while also offering reasonable self-pay rates, memberships  and flexible payment options—so getting the care you need feels manageable, not overwhelming.

Our chiropractic care is all inclusive. If you are looking for cash pricing, we offer a pay as you go for $55. You will receive not only a chiropractic adjustment but mechanical traction, electrical muscle stimulation, moist heat therapy as well.

All services are provided based on clinical appropriateness. Certain therapies may be modified or excluded if medically contraindicated, as determined by the doctor.

Yes we offer memberships, care plans and pay as you go.

A membership is a great, cost-effective way to keep up with regular chiropractic care. It’s usually used for maintenance, so you can stay feeling good and prevent issues before they get worse. It offers either 2 or 4 visits a month. It has the benefit of a lower out of pocket cost monthly.You can add extra visits each month at a discounted rate.

A care plan is more for people dealing with intense pain—either from an accident or a chronic issue. It includes physical therapy, your visits never expire, and can even be shared with family members. It’s a more complete approach if you need extra help getting back to feeling your best

Yes! Chiropractic adjustments, stretches, and other treatments can help relieve the nerve pressure that causes sciatica. It can reduce pain, improve movement, and even help prevent flare-ups, so you can get back to your normal activities faster.

Absolutely! We often see patients after car accidents. We can help with back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and whiplash-type injuries, and work with your body to get you moving better and feeling more comfortable as you recover. We also provide lien based care.

I know the word 'lien' sounds a little intense, but it’s actually a really helpful tool for our patients who have been in an accident.

Think of it as a 'Care Now, Pay Later' agreement. If you’ve been injured and it wasn’t your fault, we want to get you feeling better right away—but we also know that medical bills can be a huge stress while you’re waiting for an insurance settlement.

Here is how it works:

• You get treated today: Dr. Conway performs your adjustments and I’ll help you with your stretches so you can actually get back to your life.
• No upfront costs: You don't have to worry about paying out-of-pocket for every visit right now.
• The 'Lien' is a promise: We send a document to your attorney that says, 'Hey, we’re taking care of your client now, and we’ll just wait to be paid out of the final settlement.'

It’s basically a way to make sure your health doesn’t have to wait on a slow-moving legal case. We focus on your spine, your lawyer focuses on the paperwork, and you don't have to worry about the bill until the case is all wrapped up!

Your First Visit:
We make your first visit all about you—unhurried, personal, and tailored to your needs. After a brief health history, we’ll have an open conversation about what’s been bothering you and what you hope to achieve.

Careful Assessment:
We’ll perform a gentle, thorough evaluation of your posture, movement, and overall body function. If needed, imaging like X-rays can provide a clearer picture, helping us plan your care more precisely.

Starting Treatment:
Treatment can begin the same day. This might include gentle chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, or supportive techniques—always at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

Your Second Visit:
We’ll review our findings, explain what’s going on in plain language, and create a personalized care plan based on your goals and lifestyle. Pricing is explained clearly so you know your options without any surprises.

At Optimal Spine and Pain Relief, chiropractic care can be helpful for a wide range of conditions. The techniques used are grounded in research, meaning they’re supported by evidence showing they can improve both pain levels and overall function. The focus is on using proven methods to help you move better, feel better, and get back to your daily activities.

If you’re searching for a trusted chiropractor near Apache Junction, Mesa, or Gilbert, you want someone your community can rely on. Personal referrals are always a great way to find a qualified provider, but if you don’t have one, checking online reviews can help. At Optimal Spine and Pain Relief, we’re proud to have over 150 five-star Google reviews, reflecting the care and results our patients in Apache Junction, Mesa, and Gilbert have come to trust.