Frequently asked questions

No. Care is built around your examination and your history. Two people with back pain can have different causes and different plans. Dr. Getzik gives you a specific plan in your report of findings, not a fixed package.

Often yes, with the right approach and the right levels. We use low-force and instrument-assisted options and we avoid any level that should not be moved. Bring your surgical records and imaging so we know what was done and what hardware, if any, is in place.

We do not recommend self-adjusting. A self-crack releases gas but does not correct the joint that is restricted, and it can strain the joints around it. A specific adjustment targets the joint that needs it. Leave the adjusting to the doctor.

Yes. A joint can be restricted before it causes pain, which is why some people find a problem on examination they did not feel. Pain is one signal, not the only one. The examination shows what is moving well and what is not.

Yes. We provide pediatric chiropractic using gentle, low-force techniques suited to children. The examination and approach are different from adult care. We explain everything to you and your child before we begin.

Chiropractic care helps with problems of the joints, muscles and nerves of the spine and related areas. It does not treat every condition. If your problem is outside what we help with, we tell you plainly and point you to the right next step.

An adjustment applies a controlled, specific force to a joint that is not moving as it should. The goal is to restore normal movement to that joint. With movement restored, the surrounding muscles and nerves settle. The adjustment is precise and quick.

Exercise and adjustment do different things. Exercise builds strength and supports the spine. An adjustment restores movement to a joint that is restricted. Many people need both. We give you specific guidance on exercise alongside the care.

No. Chiropractic care is not habit-forming in the way a drug is. Some patients choose maintenance visits because their problem returns without care. That is your choice, not a requirement. We give you an honest read on what you need.

For the right candidate it is a low-force, non-surgical option. The examination first rules out the situations where it is not appropriate. We use lower-force and instrument-assisted options for older patients, children and anyone nervous about manual work.

Yes. We provide prenatal chiropractic using techniques adapted for pregnancy. Low-force and instrument-assisted options are available. We make no claims about conditions unrelated to the spine. Tell us your stage of pregnancy and we adjust the approach.

The sound is gas releasing from the joint as it moves, the same sound you hear when you crack a knuckle. It is not bones cracking and it is not required for the adjustment to work. Some techniques make no sound at all.

An adjustment is a controlled, specific force applied to a joint that is restricted. It is done by hand or with a small instrument. The goal is to restore normal movement to that joint so the surrounding muscles and nerves settle.

We aim for the cause. The examination shows what is driving the pain, and the plan follows from that. Easing the symptoms matters, but the plan works on the underlying problem so the symptoms are less likely to return.

Both treat the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor focuses on the spine and the nervous system and uses adjustments as the core tool. An osteopath has broader medical training and may use manipulation alongside other care. The two overlap but are not the same.

Dr. Getzik trained at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Chiropractic education is a doctoral program that covers anatomy, diagnosis, imaging and adjustment. He holds Pennsylvania chiropractic license DC010861 and NPI 1841695871.

We take x-rays when the examination points to a problem that imaging will change the plan for. X-rays show the bones, the disc spaces and the alignment, and they help us treat you safely. Not every patient needs them.

Spinal decompression is a computer-controlled traction treatment that gently separates the vertebrae to lower pressure inside the disc. That lets fluid and nutrients move back in and can take pressure off a nerve. Sessions run 15 to 20 minutes.

Most patients feel a gentle stretching, not pain. The table pulls in cycles with rest periods built in. If anything feels sharp, the table can be adjusted or stopped right away. Tell us during the session and we change it.

A typical course runs 6 to 12 sessions, with more for severe cases. Dr. Getzik gives you a specific number in your report of findings after the examination. We track your response at each visit and adjust the plan.

No. Spinal decompression is $65 per session, cash only, and is not covered by insurance. Packages are 8 sessions for $468 or 12 sessions for $663, also cash only. CareCredit is available to spread the cost.

About 45 minutes. It covers a consultation with Dr. Getzik, a comprehensive examination, x-rays where needed, and a clear report of what we found and what we recommend.

Bring your insurance card, a photo ID, a list of your medications, any prior imaging, and incident or claim details if a crash is involved. Wear comfortable, loose clothing you can move in.

No. You can book directly with us. Call (724) 222-2074 and tell us what hurts. Most new patients are seen within 48 hours.

Parking is available near the clinic at 400 Jefferson Ave, Suite 5. Call us if you need directions.

There are two $49 new patient offers. The $49 new patient special includes a consultation, an examination, x-rays and your first adjustment. The $49 new patient decompression visit includes a consultation, an examination, one adjustment and one decompression treatment. Offer not valid for Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA or other government health plan patients.

We accept UPMC Health Plan, UPMC For You, UPMC For Life, Aetna Medicare, Aetna Health Plan, BCBS (all except wholecare), The Health Plan, Peak Health, WVU Insurance, Cigna, United Health Care, Humana, Medicare. Spinal decompression and Class IV laser therapy are cash only and are not covered by insurance. We verify your specific plan and tell you your expected cost before care begins. Call us at (724) 222-2074 to confirm we take your plan.

No. You are told your expected out-of-pocket cost before care begins, and you get an itemised statement. Call us at (724) 222-2074 or email washingtonpachiro@gmail.com with any billing question.

Yes. CareCredit lets you spread the cost. We tell you the cost before care begins so you can plan. See our pricing page for the link to CareCredit.

In Pennsylvania, medical bills from a crash usually go first to the medical benefits on your own auto policy, no matter who caused it. When those benefits run out, other coverage may apply. Before care begins, we help you understand what coverage you have. We can't give legal advice; for questions about fault or a settlement, talk with an attorney.

No. You can be treated without an attorney. If you do have one, we work with them and send records. We document your injury the same way either way.

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call us at (724) 222-2074 and tell us you were in a crash. We make room for injury visits quickly.

Monday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Tuesday 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Thursday 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm, Friday 8am to 1pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.

Yes. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Call us at (724) 222-2074 and tell us what hurts. Most new patients are seen within 48 hours.

We are at 400 Jefferson Ave, Suite 5 in Washington, PA 15301. Call us at (724) 222-2074 if you need directions.

Yes. We provide pediatric chiropractic using gentle, low-force techniques suited to children. The examination and approach are different from adult care. We explain everything before we begin.