Yes! Chiropractors help people get out of pain every day. Scientific studies have been published recently in well known medical journals that support its effectiveness for back pain, neck pain and headaches. It is more effective, with fewer side effects, than addictive opiates for spinal pain.
Chiropractic care is one of the safest treatments available for back pain. The risk of serious adverse effects is much lower than that of NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, and opiates. Driving to an appointment carries more risk than a chiropractic adjustment. The risk of stroke that has been previously associated with neck manipulation has been shown to be the same for people who visited their medical doctor and were not manipulated. This means that that type of stroke was likely already occurring prior to seeing a chiropractor, since the symptoms can be similar to musculoskeletal neck pain.
Cracking your own back does not lead to arthritis. One doctor tested this by cracking the knuckles of only one hand for his whole life. When he xrayed the two hands he found no difference between them.
Read more about cracking your own back.
If your back or neck pops while you are stretching, that is fine, but you should not make a habit out of cracking your own spine. The reason is that when you try to crack your own spinal joints, the only ones that pop are the joints that are already moving. While that can temporarily give you some relief, you need a trained chiropractor to specifically adjust the joints that are not moving well to fix the problem.
For certain kinds of headaches, specifically, tension type headaches, a chiropractor can usually relieve them with a few adjustments. Some headaches have different causes, so it is important to get a proper diagnosis to guide your treatment.
Read more about Headaches.
Absolutely! Adjustments can be very helpful during pregnancy, as the pelvic bones need to expand in preparation for birth. Many OB/GYNs and midwives recommend chiropractic for their patients.
Read more about Chiropractic during Pregnancy.
No, there is nothing addictive about chiropractic treatments. Adjustments also do not stretch out your joints or ligaments making you more prone to future injuries. Once you see how helpful an adjustment can be, though, you might not put up with your usual aches and pains anymore.
The best pillow for you depends on your sleeping position. Side sleepers need a thick pillow to take up the space between your head and shoulders, while back sleepers need a very thin pillow to avoid putting their neck in a bent position all night.
Read more about How to Sleep for Neck Pain.
Follow-up appointments at Dr. French’s Norwalk office typically take 15-20 minutes. Your first visit takes longer — approximately 30-35 minutes — because it includes a health history consultation and physical examination before any treatment begins.
Chiropractors treat musculoskeletal conditions affecting the spine, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. Dr. French commonly treats back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, whiplash, sports injuries, auto accident injuries, shoulder pain, and pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain.
Most patients find chiropractic adjustments comfortable and experience immediate relief. You may hear a popping sound — this is simply gas releasing from the joint, similar to cracking a knuckle. Some patients with significant muscle guarding experience mild soreness for 24-48 hours after their first adjustment, similar to how muscles feel after a workout. This is normal and temporary.
It depends entirely on your condition and how your body responds to treatment. Acute conditions from a recent injury often resolve in 4-8 visits. Chronic conditions present for months or years take longer. Dr. French reassesses your progress at every visit and gives you an honest estimate based on how you’re actually responding — not a predetermined package.
Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the spine and musculoskeletal system using spinal manipulation, joint adjustments, and soft tissue techniques. Physical therapists focus primarily on rehabilitation through exercise, stretching, and strengthening. Many conditions benefit from both approaches, and Dr. French refers to physical therapists when rehabilitation exercises are the primary need.
Yes. Chiropractic care is safe for children and adolescents. Techniques are adapted to be gentle and appropriate for younger patients. Dr. French treats children for postural issues, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal complaints.
Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care, though coverage varies by plan. Some plans require a referral, some have visit limits per year, and deductibles apply. Dr. French’s Norwalk office accepts most major insurance plans. Call (203) 939-9700 or visit the insurance and payment page to verify your specific coverage.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Athletic or casual clothes work well. You don’t need to bring anything special for your first visit other than your insurance card, photo ID, and completed new patient forms — which you can download in advance.
Yes — sciatica is one of the most common conditions treated at Dr. French’s Norwalk practice. Chiropractic care identifies the source of sciatic nerve compression — whether a herniated disc, piriformis syndrome, or sacroiliac dysfunction — and addresses it directly. Most patients with sciatica see significant improvement without surgery. Learn more about sciatica treatment →
Yes. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries from auto accidents respond well to chiropractic care, especially when treatment begins early. Dr. French works with auto insurance and provides documentation for personal injury claims. Learn more about auto accident care →
As soon as possible. Early evaluation and treatment after an acute injury — whether from a car accident, sports injury, or fall — prevents the injury from developing into a chronic condition. Waiting for pain to “go away on its own” often allows compensatory movement patterns and scar tissue to develop that make treatment more difficult later.
The popping sound is called cavitation — it’s the release of gas (primarily carbon dioxide) from the fluid inside the joint when the joint is gently separated during the adjustment. It’s the same mechanism as cracking your knuckles. The sound itself is not what produces the therapeutic effect — the benefit comes from restoring normal joint movement.
No. Connecticut allows patients to see a chiropractor directly without a physician referral. Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage purposes — check your specific plan. Call (203) 939-9700 with any questions about referral requirements for your insurance.
Yes. Tech neck — the forward head posture and cervical strain that develops from prolonged phone and screen use — is one of the most common postural conditions Dr. French treats. A combination of cervical adjustments, posture correction, and home exercises addresses both the immediate pain and the underlying postural pattern.
When you try to crack your own spine, the only joints that pop are the ones already moving freely — which temporarily relieves tension but doesn’t address the restricted joints causing the problem. A trained chiropractor specifically identifies and adjusts the joints that are not moving correctly. This is why self-manipulation provides temporary relief but doesn’t fix the underlying issue the way a specific chiropractic adjustment does.
Still Have Questions?
If your question isn’t answered here, call the office at (203) 939-9700 — Dr. French or his staff will be happy to answer before you book your first appointment. There’s no obligation and no pressure.
Ready to schedule? Book online or call (203) 939-9700. New patients are welcome at 148 East Avenue, Suite 1D, Norwalk, CT. Same-day appointments available for patients in acute pain.