Chiropractors
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Dr. Sidney Yadidi
Dr. Sidney Yadidi, D.C., is a Santa Monica native and the founder of Chiro Worx, bringing a comprehensive approach to chiropractic care rooted in education, collaboration, and individualized treatment. After graduating with honors from University High School, Dr. Yadidi earned his Bachelor's degree from Cal State University, where he double majored in Psychology and Pre-med, developing a foundation that informs his holistic understanding of patient health and wellness. Dr. Yadidi pursued his passion for healing through hands-on experience, volunteering at a local chiropractic office and completing clinical training at UCLA hospital before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Southern University of Health Sciences. Following graduation, he continued advancing his expertise through specialized seminars focused on spine-related injuries, ensuring his patients receive evidence-based, cutting-edge care. Certified in the Webster Technique for prenatal care, Dr. Yadidi treats a wide spectrum of conditions including back pain, neck pain, migraine headaches, scoliosis, TMJ disorder, shoulder pain, hip pain, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, disc herniation, nerve impingement, sports injuries, and auto-related injuries. His treatment philosophy centers on patient education, empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery journey and understand the root causes of their ailments. Dr. Yadidi's patient-centered approach emphasizes tailored treatment plans that address each individual's unique needs, promoting faster recovery and long-term wellness. He is available by appointment only, ensuring dedicated attention to every patient who walks through the doors of Chiro Worx.
In-Depth Guide
Your Guide to Chiropractors
Quick summary, treatment expectations, and practical details to help you choose care confidently.
Chiropractic care is a doctoral-level healthcare profession treating musculoskeletal disorders — especially spine-related conditions — through spinal adjustment and hands-on therapy. Over 35 million Americans visit chiropractors each year. It has strong clinical evidence for low back pain, neck pain, and headaches, and is endorsed as a first-line treatment by the American College of Physicians. It's broadly covered by insurance, including Medicare. The characteristic "pop" during an adjustment is harmless gas release from the joint — not bones cracking.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a licensed healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system — with particular emphasis on the spine — and the ways these disorders affect overall health and nervous system function. It is one of the most widely used forms of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States, with more than 35 million Americans visiting chiropractors each year.
The profession was founded in 1895 by Daniel David Palmer, who proposed that misalignments of the spinal vertebrae — which he called subluxations — could interfere with the nervous system and disrupt the body's innate healing capacity. While the subluxation theory remains debated within contemporary chiropractic science, the core therapeutic intervention — spinal manipulation — has accumulated a substantial evidence base demonstrating its effectiveness for pain, particularly low back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
Chiropractors (DCs) complete a rigorous four-year doctoral-level program following undergraduate education, studying anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, biomechanics, nutrition, and clinical diagnosis alongside specialized manipulation techniques. They are licensed primary care providers in all 50 states and are trained to take health histories, perform examinations, order and interpret imaging, and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
Modern chiropractic has evolved well beyond traditional spinal manipulation. Many chiropractors now integrate soft tissue work, therapeutic exercise, nutritional counseling, rehabilitative stretching, and lifestyle medicine. Some specialize in sports chiropractic, pediatric care, prenatal care, or functional neurology.
How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Chiropractic care works primarily through its effects on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The spine houses and protects the spinal cord — the central highway of the nervous system — making spinal health directly relevant to whole-body function. When spinal joints are restricted, misaligned, or moving abnormally, the consequences ripple through surrounding muscles, nerves, and tissues.
The Chiropractic Adjustment
The cornerstone of chiropractic treatment is the spinal adjustment (or spinal manipulation) — a precise, controlled force applied to a specific spinal joint to restore normal motion, reduce pain, and improve function. There are dozens of techniques, ranging from high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts to gentler instrument-assisted or low-force mobilization methods.
The audible pop during an adjustment is caused by the release of dissolved gas from the synovial fluid within the joint (cavitation) — not by bones "cracking." It is harmless.
Mechanisms of Effect
- Joint mobilization: Restoring normal joint motion reduces mechanical stress on surrounding structures and decreases pain signaling.
- Neurological effects: Spinal manipulation stimulates mechanoreceptors in joints and muscles, which can inhibit pain signals and improve proprioception.
- Muscle relaxation: Adjustments reduce hypertonic muscle activity around restricted joints, alleviating spasm and tension.
- Inflammation reduction: Studies show decreases in inflammatory markers following spinal manipulation.
- Central sensitization modulation: For chronic pain patients, manipulation appears to reduce central nervous system hypersensitivity.
Key Insight: A 2017 randomized controlled trial published in JAMA found that spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain produced statistically significant reductions in pain and improved function compared to usual care. The American College of Physicians now includes spinal manipulation as a first-line recommendation for both acute and chronic low back pain — ahead of NSAIDs and muscle relaxants as an initial approach.
Beyond the Adjustment
Contemporary chiropractors use many tools beyond manipulation: soft tissue therapy (myofascial release, trigger point work), therapeutic exercise, spinal decompression, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and posture and ergonomic counseling.
Conditions Chiropractic Care Can Help With
Evidence Summary
| Condition | Evidence Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Acute low back pain | Strong | Multiple RCTs; ACP first-line recommendation |
| Chronic low back pain | Strong | Endorsed by clinical guidelines |
| Neck pain | Strong | Including cervicogenic headache |
| Tension-type headache | Moderate–Strong | Comparable to prophylactic medication in some trials |
| Migraines (cervicogenic component) | Moderate | Most benefit when cervical spine is involved |
| Sciatica / disc herniation | Moderate | Conservative management; outcome comparable to surgery for many patients |
| Osteoarthritis (knee, hip) | Moderate | Adjunct to other care |
Back and Spine Conditions
- Back Pain — Among the most evidence-supported treatments for both acute and chronic low back pain, endorsed by guidelines from multiple major medical organizations.
- Chronic Pain — Drug-free pain management and functional improvement for persistent pain syndromes.
- Arthritis — Gentle chiropractic care and mobilization can improve joint function and reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients.
Head and Neck
- Migraines — Cervicogenic headaches and migraines with a musculoskeletal component respond well to manipulation and soft tissue work.
Nervous System and Systemic
- Fibromyalgia — Chiropractic care addressing spinal restrictions and muscle tension can reduce pain and improve sleep.
Sports and Acute Injuries
- Sciatica, disc herniations, whiplash, rotator cuff syndromes, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and athletic performance optimization are all common within chiropractic scope.
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit
A first chiropractic appointment typically lasts 45–60 minutes and involves a thorough assessment before any treatment is performed.
Before You Arrive
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing you can move easily in
- Bring a list of current medications, supplements, and any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI reports)
- Complete intake paperwork sent in advance
- Be ready to describe your pain: location, intensity, onset, and what makes it better or worse
Health History and Examination
Your chiropractor will review your health history, then perform a physical examination including postural assessment, range of motion testing, orthopedic and neurological tests, and palpation of the spine and surrounding tissues. X-rays may be taken on-site if imaging is necessary for safe treatment.
Your First Treatment
Many chiropractors begin gentle treatment at the first visit after completing their assessment. You will lie on a specialized adjusting table. Your chiropractor will perform targeted adjustments to restricted joints. You may hear the characteristic "pop," which is normal and harmless. Additional therapies such as massage, muscle stimulation, or ice may be applied.
After Your Visit
Some patients feel immediate relief; others experience mild soreness in the treated area for 24–48 hours — similar to how muscles feel after a workout. Drink plenty of water. Your chiropractor will recommend a treatment schedule — often 2–3 times per week initially, tapering as you improve.
What Most People Miss: Chiropractic care works best when combined with rehabilitative exercise. Adjustments restore joint mobility, but strengthening the muscles that support spinal alignment prevents recurrence. Ask your chiropractor whether a home exercise program is part of your treatment plan.
How to Choose a Qualified Chiropractor
Credentials to Know
| Credential | What It Means |
|---|---|
| DC (Doctor of Chiropractic) | Core 4-year doctoral degree — required to practice |
| CCSP (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician) | Post-graduate sports injury specialization |
| DACBR | Diplomate in chiropractic radiology |
| ICPA certification | Pediatric chiropractic specialization |
| Webster Technique certified | Prenatal chiropractic specialization |
All practicing chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited program and must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examination and obtain a state license. Verify your chiropractor's license through your state's chiropractic licensing board.
Questions to Ask
- What technique(s) do you primarily use?
- Do you offer gentle or instrument-assisted adjusting options?
- Do you have experience with my specific condition?
- Will you coordinate with my other healthcare providers?
- What is your recommended course of treatment and how will we measure progress?
Find a qualified chiropractor near you: Browse our chiropractic directory and filter by specialty, location, and insurance acceptance.
Related Specialties
- Pain Management — Front-line natural intervention for back, neck, and joint pain.
- Sports Medicine and Recovery — Sports chiropractors work with athletes at every level to prevent injury, accelerate recovery, and optimize biomechanical performance.
- Prenatal and Postnatal Care — The Webster Technique and other prenatal methods help manage pregnancy-related back pain and support optimal fetal positioning.
- Pediatric Natural Health — Gentle pediatric chiropractic addresses a wide range of childhood musculoskeletal and developmental concerns.
- Mental Health and Wellness — Chronic pain reduction through chiropractic care has meaningful downstream effects on mood, sleep, and quality of life.
- Functional Nutrition — Many chiropractors integrate nutritional counseling and anti-inflammatory dietary guidance into their care plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions when performed by a licensed DC. Serious adverse events are extremely rare. The most common side effects are temporary soreness or stiffness in the treated area, resolving within 24–48 hours. Cervical (neck) manipulation carries a very small risk of adverse events; if you have concerns, ask about gentle low-force alternatives. Always disclose your full health history — including osteoporosis, blood thinners, or prior spinal surgery — before treatment.
Acute injuries may resolve in 6–12 sessions. Chronic conditions often require 12–24 or more sessions, with more frequent visits initially tapering to a maintenance schedule. Your chiropractor should re-evaluate progress at regular intervals and be transparent about expected outcomes.
No — though many patients choose periodic "maintenance" or "wellness" chiropractic care after their acute condition resolves, similar to regular dental check-ups. For many people, occasional visits help maintain spinal health and address new mechanical issues before they become symptomatic. This is a personal choice, not a requirement.
Initial consultations typically range from $65–$200 depending on location and whether X-rays are taken. Follow-up adjustments range from $40–$80. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover chiropractic adjustments. Workers' compensation and auto insurance plans frequently include chiropractic coverage. Check your specific plan benefits before your first visit.
Pediatric chiropractic is a recognized specialty. Chiropractors trained in pediatric techniques use very gentle, low-force adjustments — nothing like adult manipulation. Parents commonly seek chiropractic care for children with colic, torticollis, scoliosis, sports injuries, and postural issues. Always look for a chiropractor with specific pediatric training and certification.
Both DCs and osteopathic physicians (DOs) perform spinal manipulation, but their training differs. DOs complete conventional medical school and have a full medical scope of practice; manipulation is one tool among many. DCs focus almost exclusively on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, with deeper specialization in manipulation techniques. For structural and musculoskeletal concerns, chiropractors typically have more extensive hands-on training.
Yes — chiropractic care is one of the most broadly covered complementary therapies. Medicare covers chiropractic adjustments for spinal subluxation. Most major private insurers cover chiropractic care. Workers' compensation and auto insurance plans routinely include it. Coverage limits and copays vary — confirm your specific plan details.
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