Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Slak Chiropractic and chiropractic care. Don’t see the answer to your question here? Contact us today and we’ll help.
Getting Started & New Patients
Q: Are you accepting new patients?
A: Yes! We welcome new patients of all ages — from newborns to seniors. You can schedule online at drslak.com or call us at (781) 273-0099. We’ll walk you through everything before your first visit.
Q: What should I bring to my first appointment?
A: Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, and any relevant medical records or imaging (like X-rays or MRI reports) if you have them. If you’ve filled out your new patient forms online ahead of time, that’s even better — it helps us spend more time focused on you.
Q: Will I receive treatment on my first visit?
A: In most cases, no. After your health history review and exam, we will take the time to review your findings to ensure chiropractic care is a good fit for your situation. We’ll typically begin your first treatment at the next visit. We want you to start feeling better as quickly as possible.
Q: How long does a first appointment take?
A: Plan for about 30 minutes for your first visit. This includes time for a full health history conversation, your physical exam, and x-rays if indicated.
Q: Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a chiropractor?
A: No referral is needed. Chiropractors are primary care providers, which means you can come to us directly — no prescription or physician referral required.
What We Treat
Q: What conditions do you address at Slak Chiropractic?
A: We help a wide range of conditions for patients of all ages. Common reasons patients visit us include:
- Back pain and sciatica
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches and migraines
- Disc problems (herniated or bulging)
- TMJ / jaw pain
- Posture problems
- Pregnancy-related pelvic and low-back pain
Pediatric conditions:
- ear infections
- torticollis
- colic
- constipation
- tongue-tie
- latching difficulties
Not sure if your condition is something we can help with? Call us at (781) 273-0099 — we’re happy to talk through your situation before you book.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?
A: Yes. Sciatica — the sharp, shooting pain that travels from your lower back down one or both legs — is often caused by a compressed or irritated nerve in the spine. Chiropractic adjustments can help relieve that pressure, reduce inflammation, and restore normal movement without medication or surgery. Many of our patients see significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.
Q: Can you help with headaches and migraines?
A: Absolutely. Many headaches — including tension headaches and some migraines — are linked to tension and restricted movement in the neck and upper spine. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with soft tissue work and posture guidance, can reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches for many patients.
Q: Do you treat disc problems like herniated or bulging discs?
A: Yes. Disc problems are one of the most common reasons patients come to us. Chiropractic care can help take pressure off irritated discs, improve spinal alignment, and reduce the pain, tingling, or numbness that often comes with disc issues. We’ll do a thorough evaluation first to make sure our approach is the right fit for your specific situation.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with posture problems?
A: Yes — and posture problems are more common than ever with so many people working at desks or spending hours looking at phones. We assess your posture as part of every new patient exam and create a plan that combines spinal adjustments with specific exercises and ergonomic advice to help you stand and sit with less strain over time.
Chiropractic Care Explained
Q: What is a chiropractic adjustment, and does it hurt?
A: A chiropractic adjustment is a controlled, precise movement applied to a specific joint — most often in the spine — to restore proper alignment and motion. Most patients feel immediate relief or a sense of release. Some people feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward, similar to how your muscles feel after a good workout. We always explain what we’re doing and why before we do it.
Q: How is chiropractic care different from physical therapy?
A: Both focus on relieving pain and restoring function, but the approaches are different. Physical therapy primarily uses exercises, stretching, and manual techniques to rebuild strength and mobility. Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and correcting problems in the spine and nervous system through precise adjustments. Many patients benefit from both, and we’re happy to co-manage care with other providers when that’s the best path forward.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe?
A: Yes. Chiropractic care has a strong safety record and is one of the most widely studied forms of conservative musculoskeletal treatment. It is far safer than many common alternatives, including long-term use of pain medications or surgery. As with any healthcare, we perform a thorough evaluation before recommending any treatment to make sure it’s appropriate for you.
Q: How many visits will I need?
A: It depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and your health goals. Some patients feel significant relief in just 2 to 4 visits. Others with chronic conditions may benefit from ongoing care over several weeks or months. After your initial exam, we’ll give you a clear, honest recommendation — with a timeline and explanation — so you always know what to expect.
Pediatric & Family Care
Q: Do you care for children and infants?
A: Yes — and it’s Dr. Linda’s specialty. We’ve treated patients as young as a few days old. Pediatric chiropractic uses very gentle, low-force techniques that are specifically suited for young, developing bodies. Many parents bring their children in for conditions like torticollis (wry neck), plagiocephaly (flat head), ear infections, colic, constipation, tongue-tie, and difficulty latching during breastfeeding.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe for infants and babies?
A: Yes, when performed by a trained and experienced chiropractor. Infant adjustments use very light pressure — often no more than the gentle pressure you’d use to test the ripeness of a tomato. We’ve been treating infants for decades and take every precaution to ensure care is both safe and appropriate for your child’s age and development.
Q: Can chiropractic help with ear infections in children?
A: Many parents bring their children to us after repeated ear infections, especially when antibiotics aren’t providing lasting relief. Research suggests that chiropractic adjustments in the upper cervical spine may help improve drainage and immune function in the ear. We don’t replace medical care for ear infections — we work alongside it as a natural, supportive option.
Q: Can you help my baby who has trouble latching while breastfeeding?
A: Yes. Latching difficulties in newborns are sometimes related to tension in the neck or jaw caused by birth. Gentle chiropractic care can help release that tension and improve your baby’s range of motion, making feeding more comfortable. We’ve helped many newborns and their mothers get breastfeeding back on track.
Q: My child has a flat spot on their head (plagiocephaly). Can chiropractic help?
A: We can play a supportive role. Plagiocephaly is often associated with a preference to turn the head in one direction — sometimes linked to muscle tension or restriction in the upper neck (torticollis). Gentle adjustments and cranial adjustments can help improve neck mobility, which allows your baby to move more freely and reduce the uneven pressure on the skull. We work collaboratively with your pediatrician on these cases.
Q: Do you have a separate intake process for children?
A: Yes. We have a dedicated new patient form and intake process specifically for children. Visit drslak.com/new-patient-child to get started, or call us and we’ll walk you through it.
Pregnancy Care
Q: Is it safe to see a chiropractor during pregnancy?
A: Yes — chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and often very beneficial. We use gentle techniques and positioning to accommodate your changing body at every stage of pregnancy. Many of our pregnant patients find relief from the pelvic pain, low back pain, and round ligament discomfort that’s so common during pregnancy. All our doctors are Webster certified.
Q: Can chiropractic care help with pelvic pain during pregnancy?
A: Absolutely. Pelvic pain is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimester. Chiropractic adjustments — including techniques like the Webster Technique — can help balance the pelvis, reduce tension in surrounding ligaments, and relieve the pressure that causes pelvic and sacral pain.
Insurance, Cost & Scheduling
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Yes. We accept several insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, and Mass General. We recommend calling your insurance before your first visit. We will verify your chiropractic benefits and give you a clear picture of any out-of-pocket costs after your initial visit. Call (781) 273-0099.
Q: What if I don’t have insurance?
A: No problem. We offer affordable self-pay options and can work with you to find a plan that fits your budget. We believe cost should never be a barrier to getting the care you need — talk to us and we’ll find a solution.
Q: How do I schedule an appointment?
A: You can schedule online at drslak.com/schedule-an-appointment or call us directly at (781) 273-0099 during office hours. We have morning and afternoon availability Monday through Thursday, and Saturday morning hours as well.
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Our current hours are:
- Monday & Wednesday: 7:30–11:00 AM and 2:00–4:30 PM
- Tuesday & Thursday: Morning and 2:00–6:00 PM
- Thursday morning: 7:30 AM–12:00 PM
- Tuesday morning: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30–10:30 AM
- Friday & Sunday: Closed
Q: Where is Slak Chiropractic located?
A: We’re located at 23 Adams Street, Burlington, MA 01803. We’re conveniently accessible for patients from Burlington, Woburn, Billerica, Bedford, Wilmington, and Lexington.