Overview
A chiropractic adjustment is a precise, hands-on manipulation of a joint — most often a vertebra of the spine — used to restore normal motion, reduce pain, and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves and soft tissue. At Philiatros Healthcare in Belleville, Illinois, Dr. Charles Portwood has performed adjustments for more than 30 years across patients age 1 to 101, from infants with feeding and sleep issues to seniors managing arthritis and post-surgical stiffness.
No two spines are the same, and no two adjustments should be either. Dr. Portwood selects the technique — diversified manual, drop-table (Thompson), instrument-assisted (Activator), or low-force mobilization — based on your age, body type, diagnosis, and personal comfort. If you prefer not to be “cracked,” tell us — we have multiple gentle alternatives that produce the same therapeutic result.
Conditions treated
- Low back pain and lumbar sprain/strain
- Neck pain and cervical sprain/strain
- Tension and cervicogenic headaches
- Migraines (as part of a multimodal plan)
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Mid-back and rib pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Postural pain from desk work and driving
- Sports injuries and recovery
- Pregnancy-related low back and pelvic pain
- Pediatric musculoskeletal complaints
- Extremity joint pain (shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, wrist)
What to expect
Consultation & history
We start by listening. Dr. Portwood reviews your symptoms, prior injuries, imaging, medications, and goals to build an accurate picture before any hands-on work.
Examination & diagnosis
A focused orthopedic, neurological, and palpatory exam identifies the joints, muscles, and nerves involved. When indicated, in-office diagnostic ultrasound (RMSK) confirms the source of pain.
Technique selection
Based on your exam, age, and preference, Dr. Portwood selects the safest and most effective adjusting style — manual, drop-table, instrument-assisted, or low-force mobilization. You always know what is about to happen before it happens.
Adjustment & adjunct care
The adjustment itself takes seconds. Most visits also include soft-tissue work, stretching, or home-care instruction so the correction holds between visits.
Reassessment
We recheck progress at regular intervals. If you are not improving as expected, we change the plan or refer — we do not keep treating something that is not responding.
Why patients choose Philiatros for adjustments
Many chiropractic offices treat every patient with the same technique on the same schedule. We do not. Every treatment plan at Philiatros is built around your diagnosis and your tolerance, not a one-size-fits-all package.
What that looks like in practice:
- Diagnosis first — we use exam findings, your imaging, and (when appropriate) in-office musculoskeletal ultrasound before recommending care
- Multiple techniques available — manual, drop-table, Activator instrument, and low-force options for patients who prefer no cracking
- All ages — pediatric, prenatal, adult, athlete, and geriatric protocols
- Honest scope — if adjustments are not the right tool for your problem, we will tell you and refer you to who is
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
No. A properly performed adjustment is quick and typically pain-free — most patients describe immediate relief or a feeling of release. Some mild soreness for 24 hours after the first visit is normal, similar to how you might feel after a new workout.
I do not like being "cracked." Do you have other options?
Yes. Dr. Portwood is trained in several low-force techniques — including drop-table (Thompson), Activator instrument adjusting, and gentle joint mobilization — that achieve the same goal without the audible pop. Just tell us at your first visit and we will use a technique you are comfortable with.
How many visits will I need?
It depends entirely on your diagnosis. Acute strains often resolve in 3–6 visits. Chronic or disc-related conditions may need a longer course combined with decompression or rehab. We give you a clear estimate after the exam, reassess at regular checkpoints, and never push care you do not need.
Is chiropractic care safe for children and seniors?
Yes — when adjusted appropriately for the patient. Pediatric and geriatric adjustments use a fraction of the force used on a healthy adult. Dr. Portwood treats patients from age 1 to 101 and adjusts technique to match each patient’s tissue tolerance.
Do I need a referral or imaging to be seen?
No referral is needed in Illinois. Bring any recent X-ray, MRI, or CT you already have, but most patients do not need new imaging to start care. If imaging is clinically indicated, we will order it.
Do you treat patients from Scott AFB and the surrounding area?
Yes. We see patients from Belleville, Shiloh, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Swansea, Mascoutah, and Scott Air Force Base.