Frequently Asked Questions
Culver City Chiropractic – Culver City & Hawthorne
1. Are chiropractic adjustments safe?
Yes. Modern chiropractic is a research-backed, drug-free approach to musculoskeletal health. Dr. Hogan combines gentle, diversified adjustments with low-force options (Activator®, Thompson drop) when needed, ensuring every technique matches the patient’s age, bone density, and comfort.
2. Do I need a medical referral before scheduling?
No referral is required for most plans. You can book directly with our front desk; we’ll verify benefits and, if your primary-care physician wants updates, we’re happy to coordinate.
3. Which insurance plans do you accept?
- In-network: Blue Shield PPO
- Out-of-network (we submit claims on your behalf): Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem PPO, and most other major carriers.
If you carry a plan not listed, call us—many policies still reimburse out-of-network chiropractic at generous rates.
4. How many visits will I need?
That depends on the goal:
| Goal | Typical Range* | What to Expect |
| Acute strain or minor misalignment | 1 – 3 visits | Rapid pain relief, mobility restored |
| Disc, sciatica, or radiculopathy | 12 – 24 visits over 8–12 weeks | Often includes spinal decompression and SoftWave® |
| Performance & injury prevention | Monthly or seasonal tune-ups | Keeps joints moving freely |
*Every care plan is built around your exam findings, lifestyle, and time constraints. You’ll always know the “why” behind each visit.
5. What conditions do you treat?
- Herniated / bulging discs
- Sciatica & neuropathy
- Knee pain and plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder, elbow, and wrist overuse injuries
- Headaches, neck and low-back pain
- Pregnancy-related pelvic or low-back discomfort
- Pediatric falls, sports sprains, “text-neck”
If it hurts, is inflamed, or limits movement, chances are we can help—or refer to the right specialist.
6. Do you offer massage, acupuncture, or deep-tissue laser?
We focus on evidence-based chiropractic, SoftWave regenerative therapy, and computer-guided spinal decompression. If you need massage or acupuncture, we’ll recommend trusted partners nearby.
7. What is SoftWave therapy, and is it painful?
SoftWave sends unfocused acoustic waves through injured tissue to flush inflammation, activate stem cells, and speed repair—without needles, incisions, or post-treatment downtime. Most patients feel only a brief “tapping” sensation and notice easier movement the same day.
8. Can I just “crack” my own back?
Self-twisting often releases the wrong segments, creating temporary relief but leaving the real restriction untouched. Dr. Hogan completed 4,200 hours of anatomy, biomechanics, and clinical training to deliver corrections safely and precisely—something no DIY stretch can duplicate.
9. What does an adjustment feel like?
You may hear a quick “pop”—gas escaping the joint capsule—as the vertebra repositions. Patients typically describe a light pressure, followed by a sense of ease or warmth. Mild post-visit soreness (like after a workout) is possible and fades within 24 hours.
10. Can people with osteoporosis receive care?
Yes. We use low-force tools and table-assisted techniques that avoid end-range twisting, making adjustments safe for fragile bones once we have reviewed bone-density reports or imaging.
11. Is some back pain just “normal”?
Pain is common, not normal. It’s a signal that something—joint alignment, soft tissue, or nerve function—is off. Addressing small problems early prevents chronic degeneration and lost playing time at work, in the gym, or on the field.
12. Will you “snap” my neck?
No. Cervical adjustments are controlled, specific, and far gentler than the Hollywood cliché. Many patients prefer instrument-assisted or drop-table cervical work, which involves almost no rotation at all.
13. Will I have to keep coming forever?
Our job is to correct the issue, teach you how to maintain it, and leave the choice of periodic wellness visits up to you—much like dental cleanings or tune-ups for your car. Some athletes and desk-workers love a monthly reset; others pop in only when life knocks things out of line.
14. Are chiropractors “real” doctors?
Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) complete a four-year, post-graduate program at an accredited chiropractic college and must pass National Board exams plus state licensing, similar in classroom hours to medical or dental school—just with a focus on neuromusculoskeletal health rather than pharmacology or surgery.