My friend tells me chiropractors crack bones; is that right? No. Chiropractors perform precise adjustments and manipulations of the spinal and extremity joints—not bones. The goal is to restore normal joint motion, relieve localized pain, and optimize nervous system function. Is chiropractic treatment safe? Serious adverse events from chiropractic neck adjustments are estimated at roughly 1 in 2,000,000 treatments. In contrast, common over-the-counter pain medications cause serious complications in about 1 in 10,000 people. Chiropractic malpractice rates are notably low, reflecting the safety of non-invasive, conservative care. What conditions is chiropractic care effective for? Lower Back & Neck Pain: Extensively documented to match or outperform standard medical care and physical therapy alone. Other Studied Applications: Clinical studies show positive outcomes for infantile colic, dysmenorrhea, childhood asthma, and soft-tissue sports strains. C-section and other active scars – Our office specializes in resolving and relieving C-section scars and other active scars that cause back, neck, and other mechanical conditions months or years after the surgery. Extremity problems – Our office has extensive experience in treating and resolving hand and elbow pain and numbness as well as shoulder joint problems naturally and non surgically. Headaches – Migraine, tension, TMJ; we have helped thousands get relief naturally. Foot and ankle dysfunction – Years of experience in track and field have allowed us to help many with the impact issues that cause running injuries as well as foot pain and plantar fasciitis. Sciatica and sacroiliac pain syndromes – We solve the cause from the ground up. Improve the way you walk and improve the hip and leg pain that comes with it. Running injuries and injury avoidance – We help you improve how you run and reduce the pain from running due to impact. We understand runners after being the medical director for USATF NJ for 26 years. Our Approach & Credentials Are all chiropractors alike? No. Providers have different specialties and techniques. Dr. Charschan is an Internationally Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (ICCSP), requiring national board credentials and ongoing yearly education specializing in athletic rehabilitation and biomechanics. What should I look for in a good chiropractor? Soft Tissue Integration: Look for certified techniques like Myofascial Release and Graston Technique (IASTM) to resolve fascial adhesions and speed up healing. Active Rehab: Providers should offer guided exercise rehabilitation (like our on-site universal gym suite), so patients gain long-term stability and strength. Great diagnostic skills – Our use of treat- test-treat protocols improves outcomes by testing the work done during that visit. We evaluate you every visit and personalize the care to fit your unique needs. No one-size-fits-all protocols for our patients. It all begins with a thorough history and evaluation during your first visit. Visits & Insurance How long does the first appointment take? Plan for approximately 60 minutes. This includes your physical evaluation, functional examination, and consultation. Patients can download registration forms online ahead of time to save paperwork time. How long are follow-up appointments? Second Visit (Report of Findings): About 20 minutes. Routine Treatment Visits: 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the care required for that visit. Do I need a doctor’s referral? Usually, no. Most insurance carriers provide Direct Access without a primary physician referral. However, some HMO plans still require one. If your HMO requires a PCP referral, please obtain it before your appointment to use in-network benefits. How do I schedule an appointment? Call our North Brunswick office at (732) 846-6400 or our Scotch Plains office at (732) 829-0009, and we will be happy to schedule you. New patients are always welcome. You can also book online using this link.