Frequently Asked Questions in Sutherlin OR

Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating and preventing disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. Doctors of Chiropractic are primary care doctors who specialize in spinal health and well-being, maximizing patient function through Movement Based Healthcare.

At North River Chiropractic, we focus our treatment on conditions affecting the spine and related structures, addressing Back Pain, Neck Pain, Headaches, Sciatica, Degenerative Disease (arthritis), Sports Injuries and many others.

An ‘adjustment’ is a manual therapy technique used to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Most of the Chiropractic Adjustments at North River Chiropractic are administered by hand applying a controlled, sudden force to the affected joint. Additional techniques such as joint mobilization, Flexion/Distraction and the use of other specific tools are used in many cases.

Yes, Chiropractic Treatment is very safe! The risk of serious complications from Chiropractic Treatment is very low, especially when compared to other common treatments for back and neck pain, such as prescription medications, injections and surgery.

The number of Chiropractic Treatments depends on your individual condition, goals, response to treatment and follow-through with at-home care, such as prescribed stretching and exercise.

There are many benefits to Chiropractic Care that include Pain Relief, Improved Range of Motion, Improved Sleep Quality, Reduced Stress and Anxiety, Enhanced Athletic Performance and many more!

The most common side-effects with Chiropractic Care are mild muscle/joint soreness and stiffness, but these are usually short-lived; similar to your first time back at the gym for a good workout after a long hiatus. Other more serious risks are very rare and mitigated with a thorough examination prior to treatment.

Most people find a Chiropractic Adjustment to be a relatively comfortable experience, with some describing it as a “release” or feeling of relief. Some factors, such as the severity of your condition and individual pain tolerance can affect your experience; Chiropractic Physicians use a variety of individualized techniques to minimize discomfort during treatment.

Dr. Goodman has been a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) in Oregon since 2008 and has had the opportunity to work with many patients suffering from a wide range of conditions. He is committed to continuing education to stay current with up-to-date research and treatment techniques. North River Chiropractic works with a network of other medical providers in the community to refer patients if Chiropractic Care is not suitable or effective.

• New Patient Appointment: typically 60 minutes
• Follow-up Appointments: typically 15-30 minutes

Doctorate of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree programs are 4-year graduate programs at accredited Universities (there are currently 18 accredited schools in the U.S. as of 2025). 3-4 years of undergraduate study at a University is required for application to a D.C. program and most applicants have earned a Bachelor Degree (BS/BA) prior to admission. A series of National and State specific Board Examinations are required for licensure following the completion of the doctorate program.

Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy can be extremely beneficial to address joint and muscle pain during pregnancy. As pregnancy progresses, gentler techniques are used to maintain patient comfort and safety. It is important for pregnant women to talk to their OB-GYN prior to seeking Chiropractic Care. In many cases, Dr. Goodman will be in contact with the OB-GYN regarding care throughout the pregnancy. In addition, many women have tremendous relief with post-partum Chiropractic Care.

No, Chiropractic Care is not addictive. Chiropractic Care is a non-invasive treatment focused on restoring the body’s function and people don’t develop physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. Many patients do choose to continue regular Chiropractic Care, known as “maintenance” care, similar to how people maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise and proper nutrition.

Some Chiropractic Adjustments are accompanied by a ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ sound, which many people associate with “bones popping back into place”. However, the sound is simply the release of nitrogen oxide within the joint capsule where pressure has built up and is not indicative of whether or not a Chiropractic Adjustment “was successful”.

A growing number of Health Insurance Plans have benefits for Chiropractic Care. Navigating Health Insurance is very complicated, so it is important for you to speak with your Insurance Provider prior to your visit to find out about your specific benefits and whether North River Chiropractic is an ‘in-network’ or ‘out-of-network’ provider. North River Chiropractic does not have a Direct Billing system in place for every Health Insurance company. In the case North River Chiropractic does not have a Direct Billing system in place for your Insurance Provider, we can provide you with a ‘Superbill’ (detailed receipt of you visit) for you to submit to your Health Insurance Provider for reimbursement.

Yes, Chiropractic Care can be very effective for treating back and neck pain. A growing body of research studies confirm that Movement Based Healthcare (Chiropractic and Physical Therapy) should be the first line of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, as opposed to prescription medications, injections and/or surgery.

• Headaches fall into 2 very distinct categories, Organic or Inorganic. It is important to consult with a competent Healthcare Professional to determine the underlying cause of your headaches. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and assess headaches.
• Inorganic headaches (aka. Primary Headaches) include various headache types such as tension headaches, cluster headaches and cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck), which can respond very well to Chiropractic Care.
• Organic headaches (aka. Secondary Headaches) typically require an immediate referral to an Emergency Department or Neurologist for advanced imaging/testing. Organic headaches are very serious and can be the result of Brain Tumors, Infections, Vascular Problems, Head Trauma and other serious conditions.

• Yes, Chiropractic Care can be beneficial for athletes in treatment of Pain and Inflammation, Improving Range of Motion, Enhancing Athletic Performance, Preventing Future Injuries and Rehabilitation and Recovery.
• Nearly every professional sports organization has a Chiropractor as part of their medical staff. As of 2025:
  • NFL: All 32 National Football League teams have a Chiropractor on their medical staff.
  • MLB: 28 of 30 Major League Baseball teams have a Chiropractor on their medical staff.
  • NBA: 24 of 30 National Basketball Association teams have a Chiropractor on their medical staff.
  • NHL: 31 of 32 National Hockey League teams have a Chiropractor on their medical staff.
  • MLS: 18 of 24 Major League Soccer teams have a Chiropractor on their medical staff.
  • US Olympics: The US Olympic team employs multiple Chiropractic Physicians as part of their Medical Staff

Yes, Chiropractors can help many patients improve their posture through spinal adjustments, muscle strengthening exercises and education of proper posture and body mechanics.