Warwick Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
As you can imagine, we are asked questions all the time so we thought it’s time to create a FAQs page for our site to house the most common questions we get asked.
We’ve conveniently segregated them into different categories to make it easier for you to find the question you might be asking yourself. Of course, if your question isn’t answered here, please feel free to contact us 360-951-4504 anytime and we would be delighted to help you.
Quick Start FAQs
Warwick Chiropractic & Massage — Q&A Knowledge Base
Where is Warwick Chiropractic located and what are the hours?
Warwick Chiropractic & Massage is located at 8650 Martin Way E, Ste 207, Lacey, WA 98516, and is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
How can I schedule an appointment or walk in?
Patients may walk in without an appointment, although scheduling ahead is also available via our online system or by calling (360) 951-4504.
What conditions does Warwick Chiropractic treat?
Warwick Chiropractic treats musculoskeletal and spine-related issues, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, nerve pain (numbness or tingling), work injuries, auto accident injuries, posture problems, and degeneration.
What are the core services offered?
The practice provides chiropractic adjustments, the proprietary “Warwick Way” care protocol, Zone Technique, cold laser therapy, and massage therapy through its massage arm.
What is the “Warwick Way”?
The “Warwick Way” refers to our standardized, evidence-informed protocols ensuring consistent chiropractor and therapeutic care across providers for optimal outcomes.
Tell me about MassageLacey (the massage side)
MassageLacey is the massage side of the practice. Licensed therapists offer a range of techniques, including Swedish, deep tissue and medical massage, in the same building and under the same phone number as the chiropractic clinic. Massage is by appointment, so call (360) 951-4504 for current availability.
Who are the massage therapists?
The massage team includes therapists who specialize in modalities such as deep tissue and Swedish massage, working out of the same facility as the chiropractic practice.
Do you accept insurance / what about cost estimates?
We have an Insurance Guide and a “Good Faith Estimate” for pricing transparency, and many insurance plans are accepted.
What makes Warwick Chiropractic & Massage distinct?
Our key differentiators are the “Warwick Way” standardized protocols, integrated chiropractic & massage services under one roof, Zone Technique, walk-in availability, auto accident specialization, and over 1,000 five-star Google reviews.
Condition Questions
Can back pain be helped by chiropractic care?
Yes, for many people. Clinical guidelines include spinal manipulation among the drug-free options for low back pain. At your first visit we’ll examine you, look for what’s driving your pain, and tell you plainly whether chiropractic care is likely to help.
Can you help sciatica?
Yes. Sciatica is one of the most common reasons people walk in. We’ll check where the nerve irritation is coming from, and many patients start treatment the same day. Sciatica usually takes 6–8 visits to settle. If your exam shows signs that need medical attention, such as worsening leg weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control, we’ll refer you right away.
What can chiropractic do for neck pain?
As with back pain, we adjust the neck and decompress joints increasing range of motion and reducing inflammation that causes pain.
Is chiropractic care good for shoulder pain?
Yes. Some chiropractors don’t adjust extremities, but Dr. Warwick is experienced in adjusting the shoulder and other joints, and he often combines adjustments with massage therapy and cold laser. We’ll also check whether the pain is coming from the shoulder itself or from your neck.
Does chiropractic care help headaches?
Often, yes, especially headaches that start in the neck. Many of our patients tell us their headaches ease as their neck moves better. If a headache is sudden and severe, or comes with vision changes, weakness or confusion, seek medical care right away.
Can chiropractic care help with whiplash from a car accident?
Yes. Whiplash is one of the injuries we see most often. We use gentle adjustments, soft-tissue work and, where it suits you, cold laser to ease pain and help restore movement. Car accident injuries usually take 8–12 visits or more. Our team also documents your care in detail to support your PIP or insurance claim.
Is chiropractic treatment effective for work-related injuries?
Yes. Whether your work injury comes from repetitive strain, poor posture or an accident, chiropractic care can help ease pain and restore movement. We use adjustments, traction and trigger point therapy, and we accept L&I claims. Work injuries usually take 8–12 visits or more.
Can cold laser therapy help with arthritis pain?
It can help some people. Research on low-level laser is encouraging for some types of joint pain and mixed for others, so we use it as an add-on to your adjustments, not a stand-alone cure. Our Erchonia cold laser is FDA-cleared, and at your exam Dr. Warwick will tell you whether it’s likely to help your joints. If it isn’t, he won’t add it.
How does the Zone Technique help with chronic fatigue?
Zone Technique isn’t a treatment for chronic fatigue, and we don’t claim it boosts energy or fixes sleep. In Zone Technique, Dr. Warwick checks six areas of the body as part of a whole-body assessment, which helps him decide where to adjust. If ongoing fatigue is your main concern, see your medical provider first. We’re happy to work alongside them. Some patients tell us they feel less tense and sleep better once their neck or back pain eases.
Can chiropractic care relieve pain from a herniated disc?
Often, yes. Many people with herniated disc pain improve with conservative care. We use lumbar flexion-distraction, a gentle table-based form of traction, along with adjustments and soft-tissue work to ease pressure on the irritated disc and nerve. If your exam shows signs that need medical attention, such as worsening leg weakness or changes in bladder or bowel control, we’ll refer you right away.
Is massage therapy beneficial for stress-related muscle tension?
Definitely. Our massage therapy at Warwick Chiropractic, offered Monday through Friday, targets stress-induced muscle tension. Our skilled therapists use techniques like deep tissue and trigger point therapy to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress, leaving you feeling rejuvenated.
Can chiropractic care help with numbness or tingling in the arms or legs?
Often, yes, when it comes from an irritated nerve in the neck or lower back. We’ll find where the irritation is coming from and use adjustments and soft-tissue work to ease the pressure. Numbness can also have causes outside the spine, such as diabetes, so if your exam points that way we’ll refer you to your doctor. Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, needs emergency care.
How does chiropractic care support pregnancy-related back pain?
Back and pelvic pain are common in pregnancy, and gentle chiropractic care is a drug-free option many expectant mothers use. We use gentle techniques adapted for pregnancy, like the Sacral-Occipital Technique (SOT), to ease pressure on the pelvis and lower back. Let your OB or midwife know you’re seeing us, and tell us about any pregnancy complications.
Can cold laser therapy treat plantar fasciitis?
Cold laser can be part of the plan. Research on low-level laser for plantar fasciitis is encouraging but mixed, so we use it alongside other care, such as adjusting the foot and ankle and stretching advice, rather than on its own. Our Erchonia cold laser is FDA-cleared, and Dr. Warwick will tell you at your exam whether it’s likely to help.
Does chiropractic care help with scoliosis symptoms?
Chiropractic care can’t straighten or cure scoliosis, but it can help with the back pain and stiffness that often come with it. We use adjustments and soft-tissue work tailored to your spine to help you move more comfortably. If your curve is changing, especially in a child or teen, your medical provider should monitor it.
Can the Zone Technique improve digestive issues?
No. Chiropractic care, including Zone Technique, isn’t a treatment for digestive conditions such as bloating, reflux or irregular digestion. If you have symptoms like these, see your medical provider. In Zone Technique, the digestive zone is one of six areas Dr. Warwick checks during a whole-body assessment to decide where to adjust. It’s one input alongside a standard exam, not a diagnosis.
Is chiropractic care effective for TMJ (jaw) pain?
It can help, especially when jaw pain is tied to tension in the jaw muscles or neck. Our chiropractors use gentle adjustments and soft-tissue techniques to ease tension and improve jaw movement. If your exam suggests a dental cause, we’ll suggest you see your dentist.
Can chiropractic care help with rib pain?
Yes, rib pain can result from misaligned ribs or spinal joints. At Warwick Chiropractic, we use precise adjustments and techniques like the Thompson-Drop Method to realign the ribs and spine, reducing pain and restoring comfortable movement.
How does cold laser therapy benefit peripheral neuropathy?
Some patients with peripheral neuropathy use cold laser to help with pain, tingling and numbness, but the research is still limited and results vary. We use it as an add-on, not a cure, and it doesn’t replace care from your doctor for the underlying cause, such as diabetes. Dr. Warwick will tell you at your exam whether it’s worth trying.
Can chiropractic care help children with growing pains or injuries?
Yes. We see children and teens for things like sports injuries and back or neck pain, using gentle techniques suited to their age. If your child’s pain could have another cause, we’ll recommend they see their pediatrician.
Why do I wake up sore every morning?
Waking up stiff or in pain is usually a sign that your body isn’t recovering properly during sleep. The most common culprits are a worn-out or unsuitable mattress that fails to support your spine, a pillow that holds your neck at the wrong angle, or a sleep position that places sustained strain on your back or shoulders for hours at a time. Other contributing factors include sitting too much during the day, high stress levels, and underlying spinal issues that get aggravated overnight.
The good news is that sleep-related pain is usually fixable. Small changes — the right pillow height, a knee pillow for side sleepers, or simply how you get out of bed in the morning — can make a noticeable difference quickly.
For a full breakdown of causes and solutions, see Dr. Warwick’s Chiropractor’s Guide to Sleep and Back Pain.
Insurance & Logistical Questions
Do I need a referral to your office?
No, if you have back pain, neck pain, whiplash injury, auto accident, work injury, wrist pain, sciatica, shoulder pain or more, just come in and we will examine you and help you.
Is your chiropractic care covered by insurance?
Yes it is. You can call us to find out your exact coverage based on your insurance, call us 360-951-4504.
Are you a chiropractor near me that accepts walk ins?
Being walk in friendly is one of our mantras. We do accept appointments as well if you need to be seen at a specific time, but we are always walk in friendly. We are open 9 am – 6 pm, Monday – Thursday and 9 am – 1 pm on Friday.
What are your hours?
You can see our hours on our site or our Google listing. We are currently open Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, credit cards are accepted for payment.
Are you the best chiropractor near me?
If you’re in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, or anywhere in Thurston, Mason, Lewis or Pierce County, we’re close by and walk-in friendly, with over 1,000 five-star Google reviews. Our chiropractic and massage office aims to help patients get out of pain and back to doing what they enjoy.
Do insurance plans cover chiropractic?
Yes. Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans, Personal Injury Protection, workers’ compensation, and some Medicare plans. Call us 360-951-4504 to see what your insurance will cover.
Are you walk in friendly?
Yes, we are walk in friendly. If you need chiropractic care, simply walk in and we will take care of you. We are open Monday – Thursday, 9 am – 6 pm, and Friday, 9 am – 1 pm.
Do you accept Medicare?
Yes, we accept Medicare assignment when Medicare is your primary insurance. We are not preferred providers for some Medicare replacement plans, so please call our helpful staff at 360-951-4504 to find out if your particular Medicare plan covers.
Do you take insurance?
Yes, we are in network with many major insurance companies, although every plan is different. Please call our helpful staff at 360-951-4504 to find out your particular coverage. You can see a list of our in network insurance companies and helpful insurance information here: https://drdavidwarwick.com/insurance/
Do you accept Tricare?
TriCare does NOT cover chiropractic care. TriWest DOES. For more details please contact the office at 360-951-4504 for further details.
Accident Questions
Do you accept accident cases? What about personal injury cases? Or accident injuries?
Absolutely, it’s a key service and we have helped many patients with their auto accident issues. Helping accident injury victims is one of our key services. We help with injuries like whiplash and other impact based injuries caused by car accidents including back and neck pain.
We accept PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claims, as well as Third Party (waiting for settlement) claims. We also work with top personal injury attorneys in Thurston, Pierce, and King Counties, who are also able to help you navigate the legal aspect of your auto accident case.
Chiropractic and massage are both covered by personal injury cases.
Do you accept workers comp?
Yes we see a lot of patients with workers comp. No problem! Dr. Warwick may be your attending physician on the case, and we accept Washington Dept of Labor & Industries claims, as well as self insured work comp claims. Chiropractic and massage are both covered by work comp claims.
I wasn’t the at fault party in the accident; who pays for my visits?
Washington is a no-fault state which means YOUR automobile insurance pays for your injuries initially through a PIP (Personal Injury Protection) claim, or if you do not have PIP coverage, your bill is held until final settlement is made by the at fault party’s insurance.
Do you accept Personal Injury cases?
Yes, we accept ALL personal injury cases. Don’t have an attorney, we’ll assist you with finding one. We work with the best across five counties, as well as out of state attorneys.
Treatment Questions
How many times do I need to come in for treatment?
Basically, as many times as you need to be better. We don’t offer long term treatment plans, so we aim to get you out of pain as quickly as possible. You can come in as often or not as you like. Your choice.
How long does it normally take?
After paperwork is filled out, the first visit at our chiropractic office typically takes 30–60 minutes for us to examine you, discuss your issue, and complete your treatment.
Do you treat children or just adults?
We treat people of all ages, from children to seniors in their 90s. Care for children uses gentle techniques adapted to their age and size.
Do I have to get my neck cracked?
No, we have several methods of achieving the same result if you don’t want a manual adjustment. We can use trigger point therapy and instruments to achieve the same result.
Can pregnant women benefit from Chiropractic care?
Yes, many women see a chiropractor during pregnancy. Low back, mid-back and upper back pain are common in pregnancy, and gentle chiropractic care offers a drug-free option. Let your OB or midwife know you’re seeing us.
Once I start chiropractic treatment, do I have to go forever?
No. First we will determine if chiropractic care can help you by taking a history and performing a physical examination. If we determine that chiropractic can be of benefit, then we will suggest an estimated, finite treatment period. If chiropractic care is not indicated, we will suggest other sources of help or refer you to another doctor. Every case is different and each person’s response varies.
Does Chiropractic treatment hurt?
Chiropractic treatment rarely hurts and usually feels good. Some patients experience soreness at the beginning of care which usually quickly resolves.
Cold Laser Questions
Is cold laser covered by insurance?
Some. Cold laser is sometimes an out of pocket expense, depending on your insurance, and other times certain insurances will cover it. We do accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards, including Care Credit, for out of pocket expenses and work with our patients to make it as affordable as possible.
Can cold laser help with my back pain?
Yes, we have successfully used cold laser therapy for many conditions including back pain.
How many cold laser appointments will I need for my condition?
The number of cold laser therapy appointments will be determined at the initial exam visit.
General Chiropractic Questions
Why is there a popping sound when a joint is adjusted?
Adjustment of a joint may result in the release of a gas bubble between the joints, which makes a popping sound. Just like when you crack your knuckles.
What is the purpose of an adjustment?
The adjustment helps to restore joint motion which reduces/inhibits pain, reduces/inhibits muscle spasm/tightness, reduces/inhibits joint inflammation and improves muscle balance.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
An adjustment is the primary method of treatment utilized by doctors of chiropractic. Chiropractic adjustments are performed on spinal and extremity joints that have been diagnosed as being hypomobile/fixated/dysfunctional. There are various adjustment techniques, but typically adjustments are applied by hand with a low force, controlled velocity contact on a specific joint or spinal segment.
What causes spinal or extremity joint fixation/dysfunction?
Loss of joint mobility usually comes from: 1. An injury, such as a sports injury, work injury or auto accident. 2. Repeated strain from overuse, posture or a poor work setup. An example of this would be carpal tunnel syndrome. Stress, poor sleep and inactivity can also add to muscle tension.
What is the most common cause of low back and neck pain?
The most common cause of low back or neck pain is a combination of having some areas too tight and stiff, while other areas are too weak. For example, your hips and pelvis may be too tight while your core abdominal muscles are too weak.
How much education is required to become a doctor of Chiropractic?
Four years of chiropractic university is required to get your doctorate of chiropractic degree, after completing a bachelor’s degree with specific science-based undergraduate requirements. The chiropractic university classes are very similar to medical school, however, the chiropractic student will spend more time on anatomy, nutrition and chiropractic technique where as the medical student will spend more time on pathology and pharmacology.
Is chiropractic safe?
Chiropractic care is generally safe. The most common side effect is mild soreness or stiffness for a day or two after an adjustment, and serious complications are rare. Your first visit includes a history and exam so we can check that chiropractic is right for you, and we’ll refer you elsewhere if it isn’t. For back pain, it’s also a drug-free alternative to regular use of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, which carry their own risks, including stomach bleeding.
What other services do you offer?
We also offer licensed massage therapy in our office. Our licensed massage therapists are experienced in treatment massage, as well as relaxation massage. See more information here: https://massagelacey.com/