Naperville Chiropractor: Integrative Chiropractic Care at Synergy Institute

You’ve been dealing with pain long enough. Maybe it’s your back locking up every morning, or neck stiffness that won’t quit no matter how many pillows you try. Maybe you’ve been through the cycle — ibuprofen, a few stretches from YouTube, maybe even a round of physical therapy that helped temporarily but didn’t last. And now you’re searching for a chiropractor in Naperville, hoping to find someone who actually figures out what’s going on and delivers real pain relief — instead of just cracking your back and sending you on your way.

I get it. I hear this from patients every single week.

I’m Dr. Jennifer Wise, a Doctor of Chiropractic and Acupuncturist with over 26 years of clinical experience here in Naperville. I’m a Palmer College of Chiropractic graduate, and I founded Synergy Institute in 1999 because I saw too many patients falling through the cracks of a healthcare system that treats symptoms instead of finding the actual source of pain.

What makes our approach different? I don’t use a single technique on every patient. I review your imaging, examine your spine, and then choose from four different adjustment techniques — including a computer-guided instrument for patients who want effective chiropractic care without the cracking. And when chiropractic alone isn’t enough, I combine it with acupuncture, spinal decompression, SoftWave therapy, or other treatments matched to your specific condition. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how I approach chiropractic care, what techniques I use and when, what conditions respond best, and how to know if we’re the right fit for you.

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Quick Facts: Synergy Institute at a Glance

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What to Look for in a Naperville Chiropractor

Naperville has no shortage of chiropractors. A quick Google search pulls up dozens of options, and most of their websites say the same things — “personalized care,” “evidence-based techniques,” “we treat the whole person.” So how do you actually tell the difference?

Here’s what I’d tell a friend to look for:

Do they take imaging before adjusting you? This is a big one. Some chiropractors adjust you on the first visit based on palpation alone — without ever looking at what’s happening structurally inside your spine. That’s like a mechanic trying to fix your engine without opening the hood. Imaging shows disc spacing, alignment issues, degeneration, and structural problems that change how — and whether — you should be adjusted.

Do they offer more than one technique? If a clinic uses only one adjustment method on every patient, that should raise a question. Different spinal conditions respond to different approaches. A patient with a herniated disc may need something very different from someone with a fixated joint. You want a chiropractor who selects the technique based on your specific findings — not one who applies the same approach to everyone who walks through the door.

Do they know when chiropractic alone isn’t enough? The most honest chiropractors are the ones who’ll tell you when you need something beyond adjustments. Pain is rarely one-dimensional. If your chiropractor doesn’t have additional tools — or isn’t willing to refer you to someone who does — that’s a limitation.

Are they willing to tell you if they can’t help? This matters more than most people realize. You want someone who’d rather give you an honest answer than keep you coming back for visits that aren’t getting results.

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How I Approach Chiropractic Care

At Synergy Institute, chiropractic care starts well before I ever put my hands on your spine. Here’s how the process actually works:

It Starts with Your Story

Every patient starts with a detailed conversation. I want to know what’s hurting, how long it’s been going on, what you’ve already tried, and what makes it better or worse. I’m listening for patterns — things that tell me whether we’re dealing with a structural issue, a nerve problem, an inflammatory condition, or a combination.

Imaging Tells Me What I Can’t Feel

If you come in with existing imaging — an MRI, x-rays from your doctor, anything recent — I want to see it. If you don’t have imaging and it’s clinically indicated, we have a brand new digital x-ray system right here in our office. I can take images, review them, and start your treatment the same day.

Here’s why this matters: x-rays show me disc spacing, alignment patterns, degeneration, and structural issues that affect which technique I use, how much force is appropriate, and where I should or shouldn’t be adjusting. A patient with significant disc degeneration at L4-L5 needs a completely different approach than someone with a simple fixation in the mid-back.

Not every patient requires imaging — it depends on your history, presentation, and what treatment we’re considering. But when it’s indicated, I want to see it before I decide how to treat you.

The Exam Fills in the Rest

After reviewing your history and any available imaging, I do a hands-on examination — checking range of motion, palpating the spine and surrounding muscles, testing neurological function, and identifying areas of restriction or tenderness. Between your history, imaging, and exam findings, I now have a clear picture of what’s actually driving your symptoms.

Then — and Only Then — I Choose the Technique

This is where Synergy differs from most chiropractic offices. I don’t default to one technique for every patient. I choose from four different adjustment methods based on what YOUR spine actually needs. Let me explain each one.

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Chiropractic Techniques We Use at Synergy

One of the questions I get most often is “What kind of adjustments do you do?” The honest answer: it depends on you. I’m trained in multiple techniques, and I select the one — or the combination — that fits your condition, your imaging findings, and your comfort level.

Technique Comparison

How I Choose

Here’s what most chiropractors won’t explain: the choice of technique should be driven by your clinical findings, not by the doctor’s preference.

When I review your x-rays, I’m looking at alignment patterns, disc spacing, degree of degeneration, and the overall structural picture. Some patients get manual adjustments on their lumbar spine and instrument-assisted adjustments on their cervical spine — in the same visit. It’s not one or the other. It’s whatever each region of your spine actually needs.

I frequently combine techniques within a single visit. For example, a patient with a straightforward mid-back restriction might get a Gonstead adjustment there, while their neck — which shows disc thinning on x-ray — gets the Impulse iQ Adjuster because the reduced force and computer-guided precision are safer for that area.

That flexibility is the whole point. A chiropractor who only does one technique is like a surgeon who only knows one operation. It might work for some patients, but it limits what you can do for the ones who need something different.

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Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments: The Impulse iQ Adjuster

If you’ve avoided chiropractic care because you’re nervous about the cracking and twisting, I want you to know there’s another option.

The Impulse iQ Adjuster is an FDA-registered, computer-guided adjusting instrument that delivers precise chiropractic adjustments without the popping, twisting, or sudden movements associated with manual techniques. It’s not a basic spring-loaded tool like the Activator that many clinics use. The iQ contains a micro-computer with an embedded accelerometer and patented Auto-Sense technology that actually monitors how your spine responds during the adjustment and adapts its frequency in real time.

What does that mean for you? The instrument measures how far the bone moves and how fast it’s moving during the adjustment. When mobility is maximized — meaning the adjustment is complete — it automatically stops. One beep, and we move on.

Who Benefits Most from the iQ Adjuster?

I choose the iQ over manual adjustments in several specific situations:

Condition-based: Patients with disc herniations, bulging discs, osteoporosis, severe acute pain, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis often respond better to instrument-assisted care because the force is more controlled and targeted.

Patient-based: Children, elderly patients, anyone apprehensive about manual adjustments, and patients who’ve avoided chiropractic entirely because they were afraid of the cracking.

Imaging-based: When x-rays show specific findings — significant degeneration, compromised disc spaces, certain alignment patterns — that indicate instrument adjusting is safer than manual techniques.

Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that the Impulse instrument produces nearly three times greater vertebral motion than spring-loaded devices like the Activator, while a systematic review of eight clinical trials found that instrument-assisted adjustments provide comparable benefits to manual adjustments for spinal pain conditions.

The important thing to understand: gentle doesn’t mean less effective. It means the force is delivered differently — through speed and precision rather than body weight.

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Conditions We Treat as Your Naperville Chiropractor

Chiropractic care isn’t just for back pain — though that’s certainly one of the most common reasons people find us. At Synergy Institute, I treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions. Here’s what I see most often:

Spine-Related Conditions

Back pain and low back pain — The most common reason patients come to see me, and the most common reason people search for pain relief in Naperville. Whether it’s from a disc problem, a facet joint issue, muscle strain, or degenerative changes, the treatment depends on identifying the specific cause. That’s why imaging matters.

Neck pain and stiffness — From desk work posture to cervical disc issues to whiplash injuries, neck problems often involve both the joints and the surrounding soft tissue. Many neck pain patients do particularly well with the iQ Adjuster because of the precision and reduced force.

Disc problems — Herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease are conditions where technique selection becomes critical. I often combine chiropractic adjustments with spinal decompression therapy for disc-related cases.

Sciatica — Leg pain that originates from nerve compression in the lower back. The treatment approach depends entirely on what’s compressing the nerve — a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome each require different strategies.

Joint and Extremity Pain

Shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, elbow conditions like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow — these are all within the scope of chiropractic care. I treat extremity joints with both manual techniques and the iQ Adjuster, depending on the joint and the condition.

Neurological Symptoms

Headaches and migraines — Many headaches originate from the cervical spine. The connection between neck alignment, muscle tension, and headache patterns is something most specialists miss because they’re not looking at the spine.

Numbness, tingling, and radiculopathy — When nerves are compressed or irritated, you get symptoms that travel — down the arm, down the leg, into the hands or feet. Finding where the compression is happening is the first step.

Neuropathy — Peripheral neuropathy involves nerve damage that causes pain, tingling, and numbness — often in the hands and feet. This is a condition where our integrative approach becomes especially valuable.

Injury-Related Conditions

Auto accident injuries — Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and post-collision spinal misalignment. We work with auto injury and personal injury cases regularly and provide the documentation needed for your case.

Work injuries — Repetitive strain injuries, lifting injuries, and posture-related conditions from desk work.

Sports injuries — From weekend warriors to competitive athletes, sports injuries often involve both the spine and the extremities.

Other Conditions

TMJ and jaw pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, spinal stenosis, plantar fasciitis, pregnancy-related back pain — the list goes on. If you’re not sure whether your condition falls within what we treat, call us and ask. I’d rather give you an honest answer over the phone than waste your time with a visit that won’t help.

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Beyond Chiropractic: Our Integrative Treatment Approach

Here’s what most clinics won’t tell you: chiropractic adjustments alone aren’t always enough. Pain is rarely caused by one thing, and when you only address one dimension of a multi-dimensional problem, you get incomplete results. That’s why patients bounce from provider to provider without getting better.

At Synergy Institute, I don’t just adjust your spine and send you home. I have the ability to match a combination of treatments to your specific condition — what I call finding your “secret formula.”

Acupuncture — I’m both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an Acupuncturist. That means I don’t refer you to a separate provider for acupuncture — I evaluate and treat you myself. This dual perspective lets me see connections between systems that most practitioners miss because they’re only trained in one modality.

Spinal Decompression — I was one of the first providers in Illinois to offer spinal decompression therapy back in 2002. Over 20+ years, I’ve used six or seven different decompression systems and performed thousands of treatments. For disc-related conditions — herniations, bulges, degenerative disc disease — decompression therapy creates negative pressure within the disc to promote healing.

SoftWave Therapy — I was the first provider in Naperville to offer SoftWave therapy when we brought it in during August 2021. SoftWave uses acoustic wave technology to reduce inflammation, break up scar tissue, and activate your body’s own stem cells for tissue regeneration. We’ve performed thousands of treatments since then.

MLS Laser Therapy — Multi-wave locked system laser therapy for inflammation, pain, and tissue healing at the cellular level.

Advanced Neuromodulation — Technologies like HT Cellular Reset, Stimpod, and ARPwave that address the neurological component of pain — particularly when the nervous system itself has become part of the problem.

Why does this matter? Because a patient with sciatica from a herniated disc might need decompression therapy to address the disc, chiropractic to restore alignment, acupuncture to manage pain and inflammation, and SoftWave to promote tissue healing. That’s four modalities working together on different aspects of the same problem — addressing the root cause from multiple angles — and I can provide all of them right here, coordinated by one provider who understands the full picture. Most clinics can only offer one piece of that puzzle.

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Who Should — and Shouldn’t — See a Chiropractor

I believe in being honest about what chiropractic can and can’t do. Not everyone is a candidate for care, and that’s okay.

You May Be a Good Candidate If:

• You’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, or nerve-related symptoms
• You’ve tried medications or basic therapies without lasting improvement
• You want to address the root cause of your pain, not just mask symptoms
• You’re recovering from an auto accident, work injury, or sports injury
• You prefer non-surgical, drug-free treatment options
• You’ve been told you need surgery but want to explore alternatives first
• You’re apprehensive about traditional adjustments and want a gentle option

You May NOT Be a Good Candidate If:

• You have an unstable spinal fracture or severe spinal instability
• You have certain vascular conditions that make spinal manipulation contraindicated
• You have an active spinal infection or tumor
• Your condition requires immediate surgical intervention
• You’ve been specifically advised against chiropractic care by a qualified specialist for a documented medical reason

If I don’t think we can help you, I’ll tell you directly. I’d rather refer you to someone who can actually address your problem than waste your time and money on treatments that won’t get results. That’s not a sales pitch — it’s how I’ve practiced for 26 years.

🚨 Seek Immediate Medical Care If You Experience:

• Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control
• Progressive weakness in both legs
• Numbness in the groin or saddle area
• Severe pain accompanied by fever
• Sudden onset of the worst headache of your life

These symptoms may indicate a serious neurological emergency and require immediate evaluation at an emergency room.

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What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit at Synergy Institute is straightforward. Here’s the process:

Consultation — We start with a one-on-one conversation about your symptoms, health history, and what you’ve already tried. I want to understand the full picture before I examine anything.

Examination — A thorough hands-on evaluation of your spine, joints, range of motion, and neurological function.

Imaging — If you have existing x-rays or MRI, bring them. If imaging is clinically indicated and you don’t have any, we can take digital x-rays right here in the office and review them immediately.

Findings and Recommendations — I’ll explain exactly what I think is going on, what I recommend, and — just as importantly — what I think won’t work. No pressure, no hard sell, no pre-packaged treatment plans.

Same-Day Treatment — When appropriate, many patients receive their first treatment on the same day. If your situation needs more time for planning, I’ll tell you that too.

The whole process doesn’t take long, and you won’t be left sitting in a waiting room. We respect your time.

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Why Patients Choose Synergy Over Other Naperville Chiropractors

I’m not going to claim we’re the “best chiropractor in Naperville” — that’s for our patients to decide. But I can tell you what makes us different:

26+ years of clinical experience. I’ve been in practice since 1999. That’s over two decades of treating complex cases, refining techniques, and learning what actually works — and what doesn’t.

Dual credentials. I’m both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an Acupuncturist. That’s not common. Most Naperville chiropractic offices that offer acupuncture have a separate provider doing it. I evaluate and treat you myself, which means I’m looking at your condition through two clinical lenses simultaneously.

Four adjustment techniques. Gonstead, Diversified/Palmer, Thompson Drop Table, and the Impulse iQ Adjuster. I pick the technique based on your imaging, your exam, and your condition — not based on what’s easiest for me.

On-site digital x-ray. We have a brand new digital imaging system so I can see what’s happening inside your spine before I decide how to treat it.

Technology that goes beyond adjustments. Spinal decompression (since 2002), SoftWave therapy (since 2021), MLS Laser, and advanced neuromodulation technologies. When chiropractic alone isn’t enough, I have real treatment options — not just a referral to somewhere else.

An honest approach. I’ll tell you what I can help with and what I can’t. If your condition is outside what we treat, I’ll point you toward someone who can help. I’ve built a 26-year practice on trust, not on telling people what they want to hear.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care in Naperville

How do I choose the right chiropractor in Naperville?

Look for a chiropractor who takes time to evaluate you properly — including imaging when indicated — before starting treatment. Ask about what techniques they offer and whether they tailor care to individual patients. A good chiropractor should be transparent about what they can and can’t treat, and they should be willing to explain their approach before you commit to anything. Experience, credentials, and the range of services available all matter.

Does chiropractic treatment hurt?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments comfortable — some even describe them as relieving. You may hear a popping sound during manual adjustments, which is simply gas releasing from the joint. Some mild soreness after treatment is normal, especially during the first few visits, and usually resolves within a day. If you’re concerned about discomfort, instrument-assisted techniques like the Impulse iQ Adjuster provide effective adjustments with minimal force and no cracking.

Do you offer gentle chiropractic adjustments without cracking?

Yes. The Impulse iQ Adjuster is an FDA-registered, computer-guided instrument that delivers precise chiropractic adjustments without the popping, twisting, or cracking associated with manual techniques. It uses patented Auto-Sense technology to monitor your spine’s response in real time and automatically stops when the adjustment is complete. Many patients who were previously afraid of chiropractic care find this approach comfortable and effective. Learn more on our iQ Adjuster page.

What conditions can a Naperville chiropractor treat?

Chiropractors treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and nerve-related conditions including back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, herniated and bulging discs, joint pain, sports injuries, auto accident injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ, neuropathy, and more. The key is proper evaluation — not every condition responds to the same approach, which is why diagnosis and imaging matter before treatment begins.

How many chiropractic visits will I need?

It depends entirely on your condition, its severity, and how your body responds to care. Some patients feel significant improvement within a few visits. Others with chronic or complex conditions may need a longer course of care. I’ll give you realistic expectations after your evaluation — not a pre-packaged plan designed to keep you coming back indefinitely. If you’re improving, we continue. If you’re not, we change our approach or refer you.

Do you accept insurance for chiropractic care?

Yes. We accept many major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, and others. Coverage varies by plan, and our team can verify your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins. We also offer affordable cash-pay options and work with auto injury and workers’ compensation cases.

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

Both treat musculoskeletal conditions, but the approach differs. Chiropractors focus on spinal and joint alignment, using adjustments to restore proper motion and reduce nerve interference. Physical therapists typically focus on rehabilitation through exercise, stretching, and movement training. In many cases, both can be beneficial — and at Synergy, our integrative approach lets us combine chiropractic care with rehabilitative therapies when appropriate.

Can I see a chiropractor after a car accident?

Yes, and sooner is better. Auto accidents — even minor ones — can cause spinal misalignments, soft tissue injuries, and whiplash that may not produce symptoms immediately but can become chronic if left untreated. We work with auto injury cases regularly and provide the documentation and treatment coordination your case may require. You don’t need a referral to come see us.

Is chiropractic care safe for children and seniors?

Yes. Chiropractic care can be adapted for patients of all ages. For children and elderly patients, I use gentler techniques — including the Impulse iQ Adjuster, which has force settings specifically designed for pediatric and geriatric patients. The low setting delivers less force than a basic spring-loaded instrument, making it safe for even the most sensitive patients.

What makes Synergy different from other Naperville chiropractors?

Three things, primarily. First, I’m both a Doctor of Chiropractic and an Acupuncturist — I treat you through two clinical lenses, not just one. Second, I choose from four different adjustment techniques based on your specific findings rather than using one approach for everyone. Third, when chiropractic alone isn’t enough, I have spinal decompression, SoftWave therapy, MLS laser, and other advanced technologies right here — not just a referral pad. We’ve been providing this level of integrative care in Naperville since 1999.

Do you combine chiropractic with acupuncture?

Yes, frequently. Because I’m trained and credentialed in both disciplines, I can evaluate when a patient would benefit from combining chiropractic adjustments with acupuncture. Many pain conditions involve both structural misalignment and inflammation or muscle tension that acupuncture addresses through different pathways. Having both tools under one roof — and one provider — means your care is coordinated, not fragmented across multiple offices.

How do I know if I need a chiropractor or a different specialist?

If you’re dealing with musculoskeletal pain — back pain, neck pain, joint pain, headaches, nerve-related symptoms — a chiropractor is a reasonable first step. We evaluate you thoroughly, and if your condition requires medical management, surgical consultation, or another specialty, I’ll tell you. I don’t try to treat conditions that are outside my scope. If you’re unsure, call our office at (630) 355-8022 and we can help you determine the right next step before you even book an appointment.

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Ready to Find Out If We Can Help?

Living with pain isn’t something you should just accept. And finding the right chiropractor shouldn’t feel like a gamble.

At Synergy Institute in Naperville, Dr. Jennifer Wise and our team have spent over 26 years helping thousands of patients find lasting relief through our integrative approach. If I don’t think we can help you, I’ll tell you directly — and help you find someone who can.

Call (630) 355-8022 or text (630) 454-1300 to schedule your consultation.

What to expect at your first visit:

• Complete evaluation of your condition
• Review of your imaging (or on-site digital x-rays if needed)
• Honest assessment of your treatment options
• Same-day treatment if appropriate

Synergy Institute Acupuncture & Chiropractic 4931 Illinois Route 59, Suite 121 Naperville, IL 60564

Serving Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, and surrounding communities.

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References

1. Goertz CM, et al. Effect of Usual Medical Care Plus Chiropractic Care vs Usual Medical Care Alone on Pain and Disability Among US Service Members With Low Back Pain. JAMA Network Open. 2018;1(1):e180105. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2680417
2. Coulter ID, et al. Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Spine Journal. 2018;18(5):866-879. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29371112/
3. Bryans R, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2014;37(1):42-63. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24262386/
4. Keller TS, Colloca CJ. A rigid body model of the dynamic posteroanterior motion response of the human lumbar spine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2002;25(8):485-496. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12381970/
5. Colloca CJ, et al. Comparison of mechanical force of manually assisted chiropractic adjusting instruments. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2005;28(6):414-422. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16096041/
6. Keller TS, Colloca CJ. Dynamic dorsoventral stiffness assessment of the ovine lumbar spine. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2006;29(7):574-585. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16904488/
7. Shekelle PG, et al. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. 2019. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/spinal-manipulation/research
8. Chou R, et al. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):493-505. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28192793/
9. Hurwitz EL. Epidemiology: spinal manipulation utilization. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2012;22(5):648-654. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22289432/
10. Schneider MJ, et al. Comparison of Spinal Manipulation Methods and Usual Medical Care for Acute and Subacute Low Back Pain. Spine. 2015;40(4):209-217. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25423308/
    

    Medical Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. Individual results may vary.

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

    Last reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Wise, DC — February 2026