Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Jack Trapasso is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic serving the Santa Clarita Valley and Valencia, CA community. He founded Valencia Chiropractic at 28001 Smyth Drive, Valencia CA 91355 to provide non-surgical, evidence-informed care for spine, disc, and joint conditions. His approach focuses on identifying the root cause of pain and building a personalized treatment plan before care begins.

A Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) completes a four-year graduate-level program covering anatomy, physiology, diagnosis, radiology, and clinical practice. D.C.s are licensed to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions and are trained to order or review imaging such as X-rays and MRIs. Dr. Trapasso holds a D.C. degree and practices under the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Three things stand out. First, every patient receives a written treatment plan with the exact number of visits and total cost before anything starts - no surprises. Second, Dr. Trapasso offers a free first consultation so you can understand your options before committing to care. Third, the clinic uses advanced technology including computerized spinal decompression, SoftWave tissue regeneration, and cold-laser therapy alongside traditional chiropractic technique.

Yes. Dr. Trapasso treats patients across a wide age range. Paediatric care uses gentle, low-force techniques. Elderly patients with osteoporosis or prior fractures receive a modified approach - spinal decompression settings and manual techniques are adapted to protect bone health. Each plan is built around the individual, not a one-size protocol.

Your first visit is a free consultation. Dr. Trapasso will take a detailed history, ask about your symptoms, and review any imaging you bring. He will perform a physical and neurological exam to assess posture, range of motion, and nerve function. After the exam, he walks you through his findings and explains what treatment options make sense for your specific condition.

No. You can come in without any imaging. If you do have an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays, bring them - or send them in advance. Having your imaging allows Dr. Trapasso to review it before the consultation, so your first visit is focused on solutions rather than gathering information from scratch.

The initial consultation and exam typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If you have imaging to review, allow a little extra time. Follow-up treatment visits are generally 30-45 minutes depending on which therapies are included in your plan.

Bring any MRI, X-ray, or CT scan you have (on disc or printed report), a list of current medications or supplements, your insurance card if applicable, and a photo ID. Wear comfortable clothing - you may be asked to move in various positions during the exam.

Results vary by condition and severity. Some patients notice relief within the first few sessions; disc conditions typically show meaningful improvement after 4-6 weeks of consistent care. Dr. Trapasso will give you realistic milestones in your written plan so you know what to expect at each stage.

Yes. Many of our patients have had prior surgery and still have pain - a situation sometimes called failed back surgery syndrome. Dr. Trapasso reviews your surgical history during the consultation. Some therapies (such as spinal decompression) have specific protocols for post-surgical patients; others may not be appropriate. He will explain all of this clearly before your plan begins.

Non-surgical spinal decompression is a computer-controlled traction therapy. You lie on a motorized table that gently stretches and releases the spine in precise cycles. This creates a negative pressure inside the disc, which can help retract herniated or bulging disc material and draw in oxygen and nutrients that support disc healing. It is not the same as old-style manual traction.

No. The stretching is slow, gradual, and controlled. The table releases before any discomfort builds. Most patients find the sessions relaxing. If anything feels wrong during treatment, tell Dr. Trapasso immediately - settings can be adjusted in real time.

A typical disc rehabilitation program runs 15-24 sessions over 6-8 weeks. The exact number depends on the condition, the number of levels involved, and how your spine responds in the early sessions. Your written plan will state the number before you start - not an open-ended prescription.

Spinal decompression is well-suited for people with herniated or bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or facet syndrome. It is not appropriate for everyone - people with severe osteoporosis, spinal fractures, certain hardware implants, or active cancer may not be candidates. Dr. Trapasso screens for contraindications during the consultation.

Lumbar decompression targets the lower back (L1-S1) and addresses conditions such as lumbar disc herniation, sciatica, and lower back stenosis. Cervical decompression targets the neck (C2-C7) and can help with disc injuries, arm pain, and cervical radiculopathy. Both use the same underlying technology but different positioning harnesses and angle settings.

Yes, in many cases. A herniated disc means disc material is protruding and pressing on a nerve. Non-surgical spinal decompression, combined with chiropractic adjustment and rehabilitative therapies, can reduce that pressure, calm nerve inflammation, and allow the disc to heal. Surgery is not always required - and Dr. Trapasso will tell you honestly if he believes your case warrants a surgical referral instead.

Sciatica - pain, tingling, or numbness running from the lower back through the hip and leg - is most commonly caused by disc pressure on the sciatic nerve. Spinal decompression directly addresses that pressure. Chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue work, and laser therapy can reduce surrounding inflammation. Many patients resolve sciatica through conservative care alone.

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, most often causing numbness, burning, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. Causes include diabetes, vitamin deficiency, autoimmune conditions, and chemotherapy. Valencia Chiropractic offers a neuropathy protocol that combines low-level laser therapy (which stimulates nerve tissue), nutritional support guidance, and circulatory therapies to reduce symptoms and support nerve repair.

Yes. Knee decompression therapy uses a device that applies gentle unloading force to the knee joint, reducing bone-on-bone compression and allowing joint fluid to circulate. This is combined with targeted muscle strengthening and, where appropriate, SoftWave or laser therapy to reduce inflammation. It is particularly useful for osteoarthritis and cartilage wear.

SoftWave is an FDA-cleared technology that delivers acoustic (sound) waves into tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It increases local blood flow, reduces inflammation, and activates stem cells near the treatment site. It is used at Valencia Chiropractic for tendinopathies, joint pain, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and post-injury tissue repair.

Failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) describes persistent or recurring pain after spinal surgery that was expected to relieve it. It affects a significant proportion of back surgery patients. Causes include scar tissue, residual disc material, nerve damage, or adjacent-segment breakdown. Dr. Trapasso evaluates post-surgical patients carefully. Where chiropractic or decompression care is appropriate, it can offer meaningful relief without further surgery.

Cervicogenic headaches - those originating from neck tension or cervical joint dysfunction - often respond well to chiropractic adjustment and soft-tissue therapy. If your headaches have a neck or upper-back component, Dr. Trapasso will assess whether spinal care is appropriate as part of a broader headache management plan.

Yes. Valencia Chiropractic is experienced in treating injuries from motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash, cervical and lumbar disc injuries, soft-tissue damage, and nerve compression. Dr. Trapasso provides thorough documentation of your injuries, which is important for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during impact - most often in rear-end collisions. It damages the muscles, ligaments, and discs of the cervical spine. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, and arm numbness. Treatment at Valencia Chiropractic typically combines cervical chiropractic adjustment, soft-tissue therapy, cold laser, and - where disc injury is confirmed - cervical decompression.

Yes. If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver, you can typically receive care under the at-fault party’s liability insurance. Valencia Chiropractic has experience working with patients navigating personal injury claims. Call (661) 941-1900 to discuss your situation before your first visit.

As soon as possible. Symptoms from whiplash and soft-tissue injuries often peak 24-72 hours after the accident. Early evaluation creates a contemporaneous medical record of your injuries, which is important for insurance and legal purposes, and early treatment can reduce the risk of chronic pain developing.

Valencia Chiropractic accepts certain insurance plans. Because coverage varies widely by plan and by treatment type, we recommend calling (661) 941-1900 or emailing Info@valenciachiropracticcare.com before your first visit. We will verify your benefits and explain exactly what is and is not covered before you commit to care.

No insurance? No problem. Valencia Chiropractic offers flexible self-pay rates and payment plans. Many of our patients choose to pay directly because it is often more straightforward than navigating insurance limits. The total cost of your plan is disclosed in writing before care begins - with no hidden fees.

Yes. Financing options are available to spread the cost of your treatment plan over time. Ask about current financing options during your free consultation or call (661) 941-1900. Approval and terms are discussed at the office. No care is started until you understand and agree to the payment arrangement.

Yes. Your first visit - the consultation, history, and exam - is at no charge. There is no obligation to continue with care after the consultation. Dr. Trapasso will explain what he found and what he recommends, and the choice is entirely yours.

Valencia Chiropractic is at 28001 Smyth Drive, Valencia, CA 91355, in the Santa Clarita Valley. The office is conveniently located off the I-5 and serves patients from Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Canyon Country, Saugus, and the surrounding Santa Clarita area. See the map on our contact page.

Monday-Friday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

You can request a consultation online at valenciachiropracticcare.com/appointment.html, call (661) 941-1900, or email Info@valenciachiropracticcare.com. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.

Yes. Use our Send Us Your MRI page to submit your imaging before your consultation. This lets Dr. Trapasso review it in advance so your first visit can go straight to discussing your options.