Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to the questions West Omaha chiropractor patients ask most – insurance, what to expect, sciatica, acupuncture, Medicare, kids, pregnancy, and more. If you don’t see yours here, call or text us at (402) 330-8600 – we’d rather answer the question before your visit than have you guessing.

About chiropractic care

Does chiropractic care hurt?

For most patients, no. Adjustments feel like pressure and release more than pain. Some people feel mild soreness after their first visit, similar to how you’d feel after a workout. If you’re nervous, tell me at the start of the visit – I can adjust the technique or use instrument-assisted methods.

How long does a first chiropractic appointment take?

Plan on 30 minutes for your first visit. That includes paperwork, a health history conversation, an exam, and usually your first treatment. Follow-up visits are typically 5-15 minutes.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Nebraska?

No. Chiropractors are primary-access providers in Nebraska, which means you can book directly without a referral from a medical doctor. Some insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement – we’ll check that for you when you share your insurance info.

How many chiropractic visits will I need?

It depends on what you’re dealing with. Acute issues (a recent injury, a new bout of back pain) often resolve in 4-8 visits over a few weeks. Chronic issues that have been building for years usually need a longer runway – think 2-3 months of care with visit frequency tapering as you improve. I’ll give you a realistic plan after the exam, not a one-size-fits-all package.

Do chiropractic adjustments always involve cracking?

No. The popping sound is just gas releasing from a joint – it’s not required for the adjustment to work. If you don’t want it or it makes you uncomfortable, I use instrument-based techniques (like an Activator) and gentler mobilization methods that get the same result without the sound.

What if I’ve never seen a chiropractor before?

Welcome. A lot of our patients are first-timers. I’ll walk you through exactly what I’m doing and why, answer any questions (no question is too basic), and won’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. Your first visit is about the exam and understanding what’s going on – treatment is always a conversation, not a surprise.

Conditions we treat

Can chiropractic help with sciatica?

Yes, and it’s one of the conditions we treat most often. Sciatica is usually caused by a nerve being compressed or irritated somewhere along its path from the lower back to the foot. Adjustments, soft-tissue work, and targeted exercises can take pressure off the nerve and let the tissue calm down. Most sciatica patients notice improvement within 2-4 weeks of consistent care.

Can a chiropractor help with tension headaches or migraines?

Often, yes. A huge percentage of headaches start from tension and restriction in the neck and upper back. Adjustments and targeted muscle work address the source rather than masking the symptom with medication. Acupuncture is another tool we use for migraine patients – one of our patients was migraine-free for over nine months after a combined plan of adjustments and acupuncture.

Can Becker Chiropractic treat plantar fasciitis?

Yes – plantar fasciitis is one of the conditions I see regularly, and it’s often more treatable than patients expect. Treatment usually combines adjustments (not just the foot – the whole kinetic chain up through the hip), soft-tissue work on the fascia and calf, and sometimes acupuncture for stubborn cases. Most patients notice meaningful improvement in 3-6 weeks.

How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor?

Sooner is better. Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries often feel worse 24-72 hours after the accident, not right away. Coming in within the first week gives us a chance to document the injury for any insurance or legal process, catch issues before they set in, and start treatment while the tissue is still responsive. We work directly with PIP and auto insurance billing so you don’t pay out of pocket up front.

What conditions does Dr. Becker specialize in?

Back pain, neck pain, whiplash, headaches and migraines, sciatica, auto-accident injuries, sports injuries, plantar fasciitis, and pregnancy-related pain. With CCSP sports-physician training plus acupuncture certification, I’m equipped to handle the tough cases that sometimes don’t respond to adjustments alone.

Acupuncture & combined care

What’s the difference between chiropractic and acupuncture?

Chiropractic works with the joints, nerves, and muscles – the mechanical side of pain. Acupuncture works with the body’s circulation and nervous-system response using very thin needles placed at specific points. They’re complementary, not the same. A lot of our patients use both, especially for conditions like chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, or pain that hasn’t responded to one approach alone. We’re one of the few clinics in the Omaha area that offers both under one roof.

What is acupuncture, and does it hurt?

Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles placed at specific points on the body to influence the nervous system, blood flow, and muscle tension. Most patients barely feel the needles go in. You might feel a small pinch or a dull ache near the point – that’s actually a good sign that the technique is working. Sessions usually last 20-30 minutes and most people find them relaxing. Research from the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health backs acupuncture for chronic pain, headaches, and several other conditions.

Specific patient groups

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Many pregnant patients come in for low back pain, pelvic pain, and sciatica that shows up in the second and third trimesters. We use pregnancy-specific techniques and positioning (no lying face-down on the belly) and modify adjustments to the stage of pregnancy. Ask your OB if they have any concerns specific to your pregnancy, but routine prenatal chiropractic care is well-established as safe.

Can kids see a chiropractor?

Yes. Pediatric adjustments use much lighter pressure than adult adjustments and are typically quick. Common reasons parents bring kids in: posture issues from backpacks and screens, and sports injuries. If you’re not sure whether chiropractic is a fit for your child, call and we’ll talk through it.

What’s a CCSP and why does it matter?

CCSP stands for Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. It’s a post-doctoral credential issued by the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians that requires 100+ additional hours of training in sports injury assessment, biomechanics, and rehab. If you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who lives an active life, a CCSP-trained chiropractor is going to understand your injury pattern and recovery goals differently than a generalist. I’ve held my CCSP since 2010 and it informs a lot of how I treat running, lifting, and team-sport injuries.

Insurance & billing

Is chiropractic care covered by insurance?

Most major plans include chiropractic benefits, but the coverage varies a lot – visit limits, copays, and what they consider medically necessary. We accept most major insurance, Medicare, workers’ compensation, and auto/PIP claims. Call us at (402) 330-8600 or send your insurance card in advance and we’ll verify coverage before your visit.

Does Becker Chiropractic accept Medicare?

Yes. We accept Medicare for covered chiropractic services (primarily spinal manipulation for subluxation). Medicare does not currently cover acupuncture for most conditions or exams as a standalone service, but the adjustment itself is covered. Call us and we’ll walk you through exactly what your Medicare plan covers before your visit.

Does Becker Chiropractic accept workers’ compensation?

Yes. We treat workers’ comp patients regularly and bill directly to the carrier. Bring your claim number and the name of your case manager or adjuster to your first visit and we’ll handle the rest.

Practical questions

What should I wear to my first chiropractic appointment?

Something you can move in comfortably – athletic wear, leggings, or loose pants and a T-shirt. Avoid belts, heavy jewelry, or tight jeans, since they can get in the way of the exam or adjustment.

Can I walk in, or do I need an appointment?

Appointments are strongly preferred – it lets us plan enough time for a proper exam and cuts your wait. That said, if you’re in real pain and can’t book online, call us at (402) 330-8600 and we’ll do what we can to fit you in same-day.

How do I book my first appointment?

Three ways: (1) Use our online booking at beckerchiro.com/book-appointment and select “I’m a New Patient.” (2) Call or text us at (402) 330-8600. (3) Email beckerchiro@gmail.com. If you’re booking online, you’ll get a confirmation with a link to fill out your intake paperwork ahead of time so your first visit moves faster.

Location & service area

How long has Becker Chiropractic & Acupuncture been serving Omaha?

Since 2008. We’ve been in our current West Omaha location at 17785 Mason St, Ste 101 for years and are a multi-year Best of Omaha winner.

Where is Becker Chiropractic & Acupuncture located?

We’re at 17785 Mason St, Ste 101, Omaha, NE 68118 – sitting at the intersection of West Omaha, Millard, and Elkhorn, just off Pacific Street. Pacific is the main east-west route through this side of town, so wherever you’re coming from in the area, getting here is a short, simple trip. Parking is free and right outside the door.

What’s the parking situation at Becker Chiropractic?

Free, easy, and right out front. The clinic is in a single-story professional building with its own lot – no parking garages, no meters, no walking from a block away. Handicap-accessible spots are available near the entrance.

Do you serve patients coming from Millard?

Yes – Millard patients make up a big part of our practice. The clinic sits between Millard and Elkhorn just off Pacific Street, so most folks coming from Millard hop on Pacific and they’re here. We’re one of the closest options if you want chiropractic and acupuncture in the same visit.

Do you serve patients coming from Elkhorn?

Yes – Elkhorn patients are a regular part of our weekly schedule. The clinic sits between Elkhorn and Millard, easy to reach via Pacific Street, West Dodge, or 180th. Wherever you’re coming from in Elkhorn, getting here is a straightforward shot.

How far is the clinic from surrounding areas?

We’re conveniently located between Millard and Elkhorn, right off Pacific Street – the main east-west road through West Omaha. From most surrounding neighborhoods (Millard, Elkhorn, Boys Town, Papillion, Bennington), getting here is a straightforward shot up Pacific or off West Dodge. Free parking right at the door.

Didn’t find your question? Call or text us at (402) 330-8600. We’d rather answer it now than have you wondering.

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