Chiropractor FAQ: Answers From Our Garland, TX Clinic

Chiropractic care is a hands-on, drug-free approach to diagnosing and treating problems with the spine, joints, muscles, and nerves. A chiropractor uses adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, traction, and exercise to reduce pain and restore normal movement, with a focus on helping the body heal and function well.

Chiropractors treat neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, joint pain, and injuries from car accidents, work, sports, and daily activities. At Smiley Chiropractic, Dr. Thanh Pham, DC focuses on auto accident, whiplash, and personal injury care.

No. In Texas you can see a chiropractor directly without a referral. You can schedule with Smiley Chiropractic yourself, whether you're in pain, recovering from an injury, or looking for wellness care.

Smiley Chiropractic is at 4431 W Walnut St, Suite C, Garland, TX 75042, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 41 Google reviews. We serve Garland, Mesquite, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Wylie, and Dallas. Call (972) 494-5155 for a same-day appointment.

No. Your treatment plan has clear goals, and once you reach them you decide whether to continue. Some patients choose occasional maintenance visits because daily stress, posture, and activity keep loading the spine, but ongoing care is always your choice.

Yes. More people are seeing chiropractors in their later years. Dr. Pham modifies techniques for comfort and safety, often using low-force methods such as the Thompson drop-table and flexion-distraction for older patients or those with arthritis.

Dr. Pham modifies chiropractic techniques for younger patients, using lighter, gentler methods. Call (972) 494-5155 to ask whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your child's age and condition.

Yes, chiropractic care can help after a car accident because it addresses common crash injuries such as whiplash, neck pain, back pain, headaches, and soft-tissue strain. Go to the emergency room first for severe pain, head injury, numbness, weakness, or loss of consciousness.

As soon as possible, ideally within the first few days. Many injuries don't cause symptoms right away, and gaps between the accident and your first visit make injuries harder to document for an insurance or injury claim.

Adrenaline masks pain right after a crash, and inflammation in injured muscles, ligaments, and discs builds over the next 24 to 72 hours. That's why whiplash, back pain, and headaches often show up or get worse days later — and why an early exam matters.

Bring your photo ID, auto insurance information, the claim number if you have one, the police or crash report, your attorney's contact information if you have one, and a list of your symptoms and any medications.

It depends on the injury. Mild soft-tissue injuries may improve in a few weeks, while disc injuries or severe whiplash can take longer. Dr. Pham re-examines you during care and adjusts your plan based on how you're progressing.

Whiplash is a neck injury caused when the head snaps rapidly forward and back, usually in a rear-end collision. It strains or sprains the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck and can also irritate nerves and discs.

Common whiplash symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches starting at the base of the skull, shoulder or upper-back pain, tingling or numbness in the arms, dizziness, fatigue, and trouble concentrating. Symptoms can begin hours or days after the accident.

Yes. Chiropractic care for whiplash combines gentle adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, traction, and guided exercise to reduce pain and inflammation and restore normal neck movement. Dr. Pham starts with a full exam to rule out injuries that need other care.

Often, yes. Texas auto policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $2,500 unless you rejected it in writing, and PIP pays regardless of who caused the accident. Care may also be covered by the at-fault driver's insurance or through a Letter of Protection with your attorney.

A Letter of Protection is an agreement from your personal injury attorney that your treatment bill will be paid from your case settlement. Smiley Chiropractic accepts LOPs, so you can start treatment now without paying up front.

No. You can see Dr. Pham whether or not you have an attorney. If you already have one, we coordinate with them and provide the records they need.

Yes. We document your exam findings, diagnosis, treatment, and progress at every visit, and we provide records and reports to your insurer or attorney with your permission.

Yes. We treat strains, sprains, back and neck pain, and repetitive-stress injuries from work. Call (972) 494-5155 so we can review your claim details before your visit.

Cost depends on the services you need. Many accident patients pay nothing up front through PIP, the at-fault driver's insurance, or a Letter of Protection. Call (972) 494-5155 and we'll explain your options and any costs before treatment begins.

A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, controlled force applied to a joint that is fixated, locked up, or not moving properly. It restores normal motion, reduces pain and muscle tension, and takes pressure off irritated tissues.

Chiropractic care is widely considered safe when performed by a trained, licensed chiropractor. Dr. Pham reviews your history and examines you before treatment, uses gentle low-force techniques when appropriate, and refers you to a medical doctor if your condition needs other care.

Most patients feel relief right after an adjustment. An injured joint may be tender, so you might feel mild discomfort during treatment, and some people feel slightly sore for a day afterward, similar to after exercise.

The pop is gas being released from the fluid inside the joint capsule as the joint moves. It's the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles, and it doesn't mean anything is breaking.

Dr. Pham uses Diversified, Thompson drop-table, and flexion-distraction techniques, along with myofascial release, intersegmental and manual traction, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, heat and ice therapy, and rehabilitation exercises.

Not necessarily. Pain that shoots down an arm or leg can come from a pinched nerve, but irritated joints, muscles, and discs can cause similar symptoms. Dr. Pham's exam helps find the actual source of your pain before treatment begins.

Your first visit includes a conversation about your symptoms and health history, a physical examination, and X-rays if needed. Dr. Pham then explains what he found and recommends a personalized treatment plan.

The free consultation is a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Pham about your symptoms, injury, or accident, and his recommendation on whether chiropractic care is right for you. Examinations, X-rays, and treatment are not part of the free consultation; we explain any costs before additional services are performed.

Yes. Same-day appointments are often available. Call (972) 494-5155 or request a free consultation and our team will contact you to schedule.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30am to 6:00pm, and Thursday from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Sí. En Smiley Chiropractic hablamos español y también vietnamita. Llame al (972) 494-5155 para una cita el mismo día.

Sí. Muchas lesiones como el latigazo cervical no se sienten de inmediato. Lo evaluamos a fondo, le damos tratamiento quiropráctico y preparamos la documentación médica para su caso. Aceptamos cartas de protección (LOP).