Frequently Asked Questions in Traverse City MI

Chiropractic care is to your spine what dentistry is to your teeth—we help catch problems before they become major issues. But unlike a cavity that can be filled or a tooth that can be pulled, you only get one spine. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it now, so you can stay healthy, active, and pain-free for years to come.

Chiropractors don’t treat conditions—we optimize communication between your brain and body. When that connection is disrupted, all kinds of issues can develop. Our goal is to keep your nervous system functioning at its best every single day, so you can live a healthier, more vibrant life.

A chiropractic adjustment restores proper motion to your spine, helping to prevent arthritis, improve mobility and circulation, reduce pain, and—most importantly—restore optimal nerve function.

Chiropractic care has one of the safest records in both traditional and alternative healthcare. Mild soreness or stiffness can occur after the first few adjustments as your body begins to heal, but this will resolve quickly.

Care plans are tailored to your age, the type of work you do, and the overall condition of your spine. As a general rule of thumb, it often takes about one adjustment for every year of your age to help get your spine back on track.

One of the first things our patients notice is how much better they sleep. They also report more energy, less pain, improved libido, better focus and performance at work, greater endurance, enhanced athletic ability—and some even say they see and hear more clearly. That’s because your brain controls everything through your spinal cord, and when that communication is free from interference, every part of your body can function at a higher level.

The most common side effect of chiropractic care is mild soreness or stiffness in the areas that were adjusted. This typically resolves within a day or two and can be relieved with gentle movement and staying well hydrated. More serious side effects are rare but have been reported in individuals with conditions like osteoporosis or cardiovascular issues. Always inform your chiropractor if you experience any new or worsening symptoms.

Many people worry that chiropractic adjustments will be painful—but most are surprised to find the opposite is true. Adjustments often bring instant relief and leave you feeling energized and refreshed. While some soreness may occur after the first few visits as your body begins to heal, the adjustment itself is rarely uncomfortable and often feels quite good.

Our goal is for you to feel your best—now and for the rest of your life. Few offices in the country can match the level of care we provide, combined with the speed, convenience, and affordability that make it easy to prioritize your health.

Your first visit may take up to an hour, depending on how detailed your history is and what tests are needed. Once we have a clear understanding of your condition, follow-up visits typically take just 5–10 minutes—and you can walk in at your convenience.

Doctors of Chiropractic complete up to 8 years of higher education, with training comparable to that of dentists and lawyers. Their rigorous curriculum includes extensive study in anatomy, physiology, neurology, diagnosis, and even conventional medical treatments, preparing them to provide safe, effective, and informed care.

Dr. Larabee has completed 200 hours of continuing education focused specifically on caring for pregnant women and infants. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is both safe and beneficial, helping support a smoother, more comfortable pregnancy and the most graceful birth experience possible.

No—you don’t have to keep going forever. Just like eating well or exercising, you only need chiropractic care for as long as you want the benefits. You're always welcome to stop and let things build up again if you choose. Dr. Larabee has personally been getting adjusted since he was 14, and his children have received chiropractic care since birth—it’s simply a part of their healthy lifestyle.

The popping sound you hear during an adjustment is called cavitation. It happens when pressure that has built up inside a joint is released as the joint is gently stretched. While the sound itself isn’t the goal, it does indicate that pressure has been relieved and the joint can now move more freely.

Absolutely. Your body naturally makes small adjustments every day through normal movements like twisting and stretching. However, a chiropractor is trained to detect joints that have been ‘stuck’ for a long time and may be developing into more serious issues. Just like brushing your teeth at home is important, seeing a specialist—like a dentist or chiropractor—helps catch and correct deeper problems before they get worse.

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Many insurance plans do include chiropractic benefits, and we’re happy to check your coverage for you. If your plan doesn’t cover care, we offer affordable cash plans that make it easy to continue your care for as long as you’d like.

Low back pain is the most common reason people come to our office. Chiropractic care is consistently ranked among the most effective treatments for back pain. When combined with exercise and healthy lifestyle changes, it can lead to lasting improvements in both pain relief and overall quality of life.

Chiropractic care is one of the most trusted solutions for neck pain. The most common causes—poor posture from injuries, desk work, or prolonged technology use—can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments help correct posture, restore mobility, and improve circulation, often leading to fast relief and long-lasting results.

Headaches are Dr. Larabee’s specialty. While they can stem from a variety of causes, he has received extensive training in diagnosing and treating all types of headaches. If you’re struggling with headaches, Pathways Chiropractic is the right place to start finding real relief.

Physical therapy focuses on restoring movement and function to joints, muscles, and tissues that aren’t performing at their full potential. Chiropractic care, on the other hand, ensures that the brain maintains proper connection and communication with every cell, tissue, and organ—optimizing control, coordination, and overall function throughout the body.

Chiropractors are leading experts in managing sports injuries through non-pharmacological, non-surgical approaches. With specialized knowledge in biomechanics and healing, we develop customized care plans to support recovery and enhance performance for all types of sports-related injuries.

Poor posture can contribute to a wide range of health issues, including back pain, headaches, shortness of breath, and even depression. Chiropractors are among the most skilled professionals in posture correction, and Dr. Larabee takes this seriously—something you’ll notice right away if you ever see him out in public.

During your adjustment, Dr. Larabee works to restore proper movement to any joints that are stuck or not functioning correctly. Using precise hands-on techniques, he gently stretches and mobilizes the joints to bring them back into balanced motion. This improves mobility, enhances blood flow, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent the development of arthritis.

Dr. Larabee has been adjusting his children since they were just one hour old. Chiropractic care is safe for kids and plays a vital role in supporting the healthy development of their spine and nervous system. Gentle adjustments help children feel their best, function at their highest level, and grow up strong and balanced.