FAQs

What conditions does a chiropractor treat?

Chiropractors treat more than just neck and back pain. Although a lot of patients seek chiropractic care for both conditions, here at Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness, Dr. Drew Cummings cares for patients dealing with headaches, migraines, sciatica, disc issues, sports injuries, joint dysfunction, postural problems, chronic muscle tension, shoulder pain, and more. Because we focus on root cause treatments, we look at the whole body, not just where it hurts. Curious if we can help you and your complaint? Give us a call!

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest, most researched non-invasive treatment options for musculoskeletal pain. Every patient at Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness receives a thorough exam before treatment and personalized ongoing care. This ensures care is appropriate for your specific condition, age, health history, and presentation on each visit.

Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Most patients feel immediate relief, not pain. Adjustments are quick, controlled movements designed to restore proper motion within a targeted joint. You may hear a popping sound, but this is just gas releasing from a joint. Mild soreness afterward is normal and typically fades within 24 hours.

How many visits will I need to feel better?

It depends on your condition and many other factors such as how long you’ve been dealing with it, and your body response to initial treatment. Many patients notice a meaningful difference between 2-4 visits, while chronic issues may require a longer plan. After your initial exam, Dr. Drew Cummings will give you a clear and honest recommendation as to the frequency and length. No endless plan designed to keep you coming back forever.

What should I expect on my first appointment/visit?

Your first visit to Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness will begin with a detailed consultation, a digital posture scan and analysis, a discussion of goals, and if appropriate, a tailored adjustment. Plan for about 45-60 minutes on the first visit. You will leave with a clear understanding of what’s going on and a personalized treatment plan to move forward.

Do you accept insurance?

Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness is a self-pay clinic, which means we do not bill insurance directly. This allows us to keep pricing transparent, spend more time with each patient, and build care plans based on what you need, not what insurance dictates. We are happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Do I need to have a referral to see a chiropractor?

No referral needed. Chiropractors are primary care providers for musculoskeletal health, meaning you can book directly with Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness without going through your primary care physician first.

What is the difference between a chiropractor, physical therapist, and a massage therapist?

Chiropractors specialize in restoring joint function through adjustments and identifying the root cause of pain. Physical therapists focus on rehabilitation and exercise-based recovery. Massage therapists work on soft tissue and muscle tension. At Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness, Dr. Drew Cummings often integrates elements of all three – adjustments, soft tissue work, and corrective exercises – for a more complete result.

Can chiropractic care help with headaches and migraines?

Yes. Many headaches and migraines often originate from tension or dysfunction in the upper neck. Chiropractic adjustments, combined with targeted soft tissue work and dry needling (when appropriate), can significantly reduce both the frequency and intensity of a headache or migraine for many patients.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Chiropractic care during pregnancy is safe and can help with low back pain, pelvic discomfort, and sciatic symptoms. Dr. Drew Cummings uses gentle, pregnancy-specific techniques and adjustment tables designed to keep both mom and baby comfortable through every trimester. Did you know that Dr. Drew Cummings has taken care of multiple pregnant mamas from first trimester to birth?

Can children and infants see a chiropractor?

Yes. Pediatric chiropractic uses extremely gentle techniques. Kids can benefit from care for issues like colic, sleep difficulties, posture problems, latching, sports injuries, and general wellness support.

What makes Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness different from other chiropractic clinics?

We are not assembly-line style practice. At Apex Chiropractic & Functional Wellness you’ll see Dr. Drew Cummings every visit. We take the time to find the root cause of your pain instead of treating symptoms on repeat. Every plan is personalized, every visit is unhurried, and our goal is to get you better, not keep you coming back forever. Dr. Drew Cummings has a collegiate-athlete background, having played NCAA basketball and uses this experience and knowledge to help facilitate care and movement to each patient on a personal level.

What is the popping and cracking sound during a chiropractic adjustment?

That sound is called a cavitation and is completely harmless. When Dr. Cummings performs an adjustment, the quick movement creates a small change in pressure within the joint, releasing gas from the surrounding fluid. The popping sound is not bones cracking and is not required for a successful adjustment. Some techniques produce the sound, and others don’t, both can be equally effective. Unsure if you like the popping sound during an adjustment? Call us and we will talk through all our techniques, what they look like, and if it is a good fit for you!

What kind of education and training does a chiropractor have?

Chiropractors complete extensive training comparable to other primary healthcare providers. After earning an undergraduate degree, Dr. Drew Cummings attended an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) program, which included coursework in anatomy, neurology, radiology, orthopedics, physiology, and clinic diagnosis, plus hundreds of hours of hands-on clinic training. Dr. Drew Cummings is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic providing evidence-based care to patients throughout Huntsville and North Alabama.

Do chiropractors prescribe medication?

No. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication, and that is by design. Our approach focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying cause of your pain through adjustments, soft tissue work, dry needling, and corrective exercise. If medication specific questions arise or imaging becomes necessary during your care, Dr. Drew Cummings will coordinate with your primary care physician or refer you to the appropriate specialist.