Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — and the research backs it up. Chiropractic is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for musculoskeletal pain, particularly back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Multiple clinical studies show chiropractic adjustments reduce pain, restore mobility, and in many cases outperform medication and surgery for non-emergency spine conditions. At Just For The Health Of It, Dr. Cara and her team combine chiropractic with functional medicine and rehab to address the root cause, not just the symptoms.

The honest answer most clinics give is 6 to 12 for acute issues and more for chronic. That is technically true but useless without context. What actually determines your care plan is what we find when we examine you — the type of injury, how long it has been there, how your body responds to initial treatment, and what else is going on systemically. Dr. Cara builds your plan around your actual case. We will give you a real answer after your first visit.

Most major insurance plans cover chiropractic care, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the majority of PPO and HMO plans. Coverage varies by plan. Our team is happy to help verify your coverage before your first visit.

In the right hands, yes. Outcome depends heavily on the practitioner — chiropractic is closer to a sport than a procedure. Technique, experience, and clinical judgment matter enormously. Serious complications from a skilled chiropractor are exceptionally rare — far rarer than the risks of long-term pain medication or unnecessary surgery.

Most patients describe it as a relief — a release of pressure they did not realize they were holding. You may hear a popping sound, which is simply gas releasing from the joint. It is not painful. Many patients feel lighter and more mobile immediately after their first adjustment.

No — your initial care plan has a clear beginning, middle, and end. That said, most of our patients choose to continue with regular wellness adjustments long after their pain is gone — not because they have to, but because regular chiropractic makes them feel that good. Many of our longest-term patients are the healthiest people we know.

No referral needed. Washington State allows direct access to chiropractic care. Call and book directly.

Yes — and this is one of the most important things to understand after a crash. Adrenaline and inflammation can completely mask pain for 24 to 72 hours. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and spinal misalignment often do not become symptomatic until days later. Delaying treatment risks your health and can weaken your insurance claim. Get evaluated immediately.

Washington State gives you up to 3 years to file a personal injury claim — but waiting hurts both your recovery and your case. Most insurance companies expect treatment to begin within 2 weeks of the accident. There is a narrow window after any injury where your body is most responsive to treatment — the sooner Dr. Cara and her team evaluate you, the bigger the impact we can make.

Yes. Washington State requires all auto insurance policies to include PIP coverage, which pays for medical treatment — including chiropractic, massage, and rehab — regardless of fault. PIP typically covers between $10,000 and $35,000 in medical expenses, though coverage varies by policy. You should not be paying out of pocket after an accident.

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury caused by the rapid back-and-forth snapping of the neck during a collision. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, and arm tingling. At Just For The Health Of It, we treat whiplash with chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, and physical rehab — the most effective non-surgical approach available.

No. Come in first — we will coordinate directly with your auto insurance. Whether you later work with a personal injury attorney is entirely your call. Treatment comes first, paperwork comes second.

At Just For The Health Of It, functional medicine starts by investigating why you feel the way you do — not just masking symptoms. Dr. Clarissa Swanson uses advanced lab testing (hormone panels, stool analysis, mineral hair testing, genetic markers) to identify root causes, then builds a fully personalized plan. This is Integrative Functional Wellness: care that resolves the source rather than managing it indefinitely.

We commonly treat hormone imbalance, CIRS (mold illness), gut dysfunction, thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, autoimmune conditions, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, brain fog, metabolic syndrome, PCOS, anxiety, and chronic pain. Many patients have seen multiple providers without answers. If your labs “look normal” but you still feel off, functional medicine is designed for exactly that.

Yes — hormone optimization is one of Dr. Clarissa’s core specialties. We start with comprehensive testing before recommending anything. Protocols are individualized and may include supplementation, lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, and prescription hormones when appropriate. We don’t guess — and we don’t do one-size-fits-all hormone protocols.

CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) is a complex, multi-system illness triggered by mold and other biotoxin exposures — and one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in conventional medicine. Symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and light sensitivity. We use the Shoemaker Protocol — the gold standard for CIRS — and offer VCS screening and full biotoxin lab panels. Many of our CIRS patients had been dismissed for years before finding answers here.

No referral needed. We work with most major insurance plans for eligible visits and are transparent about specialty lab costs before ordering anything. Call (360) 241-6630 for a quick benefits check. New patients can also start with our Functional Medicine Intake form online.