Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic Questions? Start Here.
Choosing a chiropractor often comes with questions, especially if this is your first experience with chiropractic care.
At Smith Chiropractic in Reno, Nevada, Dr. Cameron Smith believes patients should understand their care, feel comfortable asking questions, and know what to expect before moving forward.
Below are answers to some of the questions patients commonly ask about chiropractic care, appointments, services, and the Smith Chiropractic approach.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor evaluates concerns involving the musculoskeletal system, including the spine and joints, and how those areas may relate to movement and function.
Chiropractic care may include hands-on adjustments and other appropriate techniques based on the patient’s history, evaluation, needs, and goals.
At Smith Chiropractic, Dr. Cameron Smith takes an individualized approach rather than applying the same treatment plan to every patient.
What makes Smith Chiropractic different?
Smith Chiropractic focuses on individualized, function-focused chiropractic care.
Dr. Cameron Smith looks beyond a single symptom and takes time to understand how you move, what you are experiencing, how it affects your daily life, and what you want to get back to doing.
The philosophy behind the practice is:
Function Over Feeling
Feeling better matters, but so does being able to move, work, train, enjoy the outdoors, keep up with your family, and participate in the activities that matter to you.
What happens during my first chiropractic appointment?
Your first appointment is dedicated to understanding you. Dr. Cameron reviews your health history, listens to your current concerns and goals, and completes an appropriate chiropractic evaluation.
At your second appointment, he explains his findings, answers your questions, and discusses his recommendations. If a chiropractic adjustment is appropriate and you choose to proceed, your first adjustment takes place during that second visit.
Will I receive a chiropractic adjustment on my first visit?
Your first visit is reserved for your health history and evaluation. Your first adjustment takes place at your second appointment, if appropriate, after Dr. Cameron reviews his findings and recommendations with you and you agree to begin care.
Are chiropractic adjustments the same for everyone?
No.
Patients have different bodies, histories, comfort levels, goals, and reasons for seeking chiropractic care.
Dr. Cameron Smith tailors care to the individual rather than using the same approach for every patient.
Do I need to be in pain to see a chiropractor?
No.
Many patients first seek chiropractic care because of pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, but others are interested in mobility, movement, musculoskeletal function, or maintaining an active lifestyle.
Your goals and current needs help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
What conditions do people commonly see a chiropractor for?
Patients may visit a chiropractor because of concerns such as back discomfort, neck discomfort, joint stiffness, movement restrictions, sports-related discomfort, or other musculoskeletal concerns.
Some patients may also seek care related to the changing physical demands of pregnancy or maintaining mobility as part of an active lifestyle.
Because symptoms can have many possible causes, proper evaluation is important before determining whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Can chiropractic care help with back pain?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some types of musculoskeletal back pain.
Back pain can have many possible causes, so Dr. Smith begins by understanding your symptoms, history, activity level, and evaluation findings before recommending care.
Can a chiropractor help with neck pain?
Some forms of neck discomfort may involve musculoskeletal factors such as movement restrictions, joint function, activity, posture, or previous strain.
An individual evaluation can help determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation.
Does Smith Chiropractic offer sports chiropractic care?
Yes.
Dr. Cameron Smith works with athletes and active adults dealing with the physical demands of training, recreation, and active lifestyles.
He also has a personal connection to sports and outdoor activity through mountain biking, dirt biking, snowboarding, and his background coaching mountain biking.
Sports chiropractic care at Smith Chiropractic focuses on the individual, their activity, movement, concerns, and goals.
Do I need to be a competitive athlete to see a sports chiropractor?
No.
Sports chiropractic can also be relevant for recreational athletes, weekend warriors, runners, cyclists, skiers, gym-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and other active adults.
You do not have to compete professionally for your activity and movement goals to matter.
Does Smith Chiropractic offer prenatal chiropractic care?
Yes.
Smith Chiropractic provides individualized chiropractic care for pregnant patients.
Pregnancy can change posture, weight distribution, mobility, and the physical demands placed on the musculoskeletal system. Dr. Smith tailors care to each patient’s needs, comfort level, and stage of pregnancy.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy should complement, not replace, appropriate prenatal and obstetric medical care.
Is chiropractic care available for children?
Yes.
Smith Chiropractic offers pediatric chiropractic care designed to be age-appropriate and individualized to the needs and comfort of each child.
Dr. Cameron Smith begins by understanding the child’s history and the parent or caregiver’s concerns before determining whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Pediatric chiropractic care does not replace appropriate pediatric medical care.
Does Smith Chiropractic provide care for families?
Yes. Smith Chiropractic offers personalized chiropractic care for children, parents, pregnant patients, active adults, and seniors in Reno.
Each family member receives an individual evaluation. Dr. Cameron considers their health history, current concerns, comfort, and goals before recommending whether chiropractic care is appropriate. For seniors, that conversation may include mobility, everyday comfort, and staying engaged in the activities they enjoy.
What is wellness chiropractic care?
Wellness chiropractic care is intended for patients who want to make movement, mobility, and musculoskeletal function part of their ongoing approach to an active lifestyle.
Some patients seek care even when they are not experiencing a new injury or significant pain.
The focus remains on the individual rather than promising to prevent illness or guarantee specific health outcomes.
What does “nervous system-focused chiropractic” mean?
The nervous system plays a central role in communication and coordination throughout the body.
Dr. Cameron Smith’s chiropractic philosophy considers the relationship between the nervous system, spine, movement, and musculoskeletal function when evaluating patients.
At Smith Chiropractic, nervous system-focused care does not mean making broad claims that chiropractic care can treat every health condition. The approach remains grounded in the patient’s individual presentation, evaluation, goals, and appropriate scope of chiropractic care.
What does “Function Over Feeling” mean?
Function Over Feeling reflects Dr. Cameron Smith’s belief that chiropractic care should consider more than how a patient feels at one particular moment.
A patient may care about returning to mountain biking, moving more comfortably during the workday, staying active during pregnancy, training, enjoying the outdoors, or keeping up with family.
The goal is to keep those real-life functional goals part of the conversation.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
There is no universal number of chiropractic visits that is appropriate for everyone.
Recommendations may depend on factors such as your history, current concerns, evaluation findings, goals, and response to care.
Dr. Cameron Smith can discuss his recommendations with you after evaluating your individual situation.
Will I need chiropractic care forever?
Not necessarily.
Chiropractic care should be based on the individual patient’s needs and goals.
Some people seek care for a specific concern, while others choose ongoing care because mobility and movement are important parts of their lifestyle.
The frequency and duration of care should be discussed individually rather than predetermined for every patient.
Is chiropractic care appropriate for everyone?
No form of healthcare is appropriate for every person or every condition.
Dr. Cameron Smith evaluates patients individually to determine whether chiropractic care may be suitable. If your symptoms or presentation suggest that another type of medical evaluation is more appropriate, referral or additional healthcare evaluation may be recommended.
When should I seek medical care instead of chiropractic care?
Certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Severe trauma, sudden neurological changes, loss of bowel or bladder control, significant weakness, fever with severe pain, sudden severe headaches, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate medical professional.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms require urgent care, contacting your physician or emergency medical services may be the safest next step.
Does Dr. Cameron Smith work with active adults?
Yes.
Dr. Cameron Smith has a strong personal connection to active lifestyles and outdoor recreation.
He enjoys mountain biking, dirt biking, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors, which gives him firsthand appreciation for patients who want to remain active and continue doing the activities they enjoy.
Can I talk with Dr. Cameron Smith before becoming a patient?
Dr. Cameron Smith values conversation and patient education.
He has also been active in the Reno community through the Riverside Farmers Market, where people can meet him, ask questions, and learn more about his approach in a casual setting.
For current market availability or upcoming community dates, contact Smith Chiropractic before visiting specifically to see Dr. Smith.
Where is Smith Chiropractic located?
Smith Chiropractic is located at:
1895 Plumas Street, Suite 2
Reno, NV 89509
The practice serves patients from Reno and surrounding Northern Nevada communities.
How do I contact Smith Chiropractic?
You can contact the Smith Chiropractic office by calling:
(775) 551-6500
You can also submit an appointment request through the Smith Chiropractic website.
How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Cameron Smith?
You can request an appointment online or call the Smith Chiropractic office directly.
You do not need to know which specific service you need before scheduling. Tell the team what you are experiencing, and Dr. Cameron Smith can help determine the appropriate next step after evaluating you.
Still Have Questions?
Let's Start With a Conversation.
You don’t have to figure everything out before contacting Smith Chiropractic.
Whether you’re dealing with discomfort, trying to stay active, exploring chiropractic care for your family, or simply want to understand whether Dr. Smith’s approach may be right for you, we’re happy to answer your questions.
