Chiropractic Care

Precision Care from Doctors Who’ve Perfected Their Craft Over 23 Years

At Celar Chiropractic, Dr. Mike Kochanski and Dr. Dana Celar have spent over two decades mastering the art and science of chiropractic adjustments. Trained at National University of Health Sciences and with thousands of successful patient treatments behind them, they know exactly how to deliver adjustments that provide relief while making you feel comfortable and cared for.

Whether you’ve never been adjusted before or you’re a chiropractic veteran, you’ll appreciate the skill, confidence, and personal attention they bring to every visit.

NEW PATIENTS

Why Chiropractic Adjustments Are Essential

Restoring Motion to Get Your Body Working Right Again

Spinal joints that aren’t moving correctly can choke or irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, stiffness, and dysfunction throughout your body. Chiropractic adjustments add motion to these “stuck” joints, reducing nervous system disruption and interference. When your spine moves properly again, your body has the best opportunity to heal itself naturally—without drugs or surgery.

Dr. Mike‘s approach is reassuring and straightforward: “Listen, I know what’s going on. We have a solution for this.” With experience treating virtually every type of spinal problem over 23 years, he and Dr. Dana can quickly diagnose what’s causing your pain and explain exactly how adjustments will help. Most patients feel improvement within their first couple of visits, and many notice a difference right away.

Our Adjustment Techniques

Multiple Methods Tailored to Your Comfort and Needs
Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana primarily use Diversified technique—a hands-on approach they learned at National University of Health Sciences. This time-tested method involves specific, highly-accurate thrusts to restore proper motion to spinal joints. Sometimes you’ll hear a popping sound (that’s just gas bubbles releasing from the joint—totally normal and harmless). Other times, the adjustment is quieter but equally effective.

We offer several adjustment methods:

Manual Adjustments (Diversified Technique): The classic hands-on approach where the doctor uses controlled force to restore joint motion. This is what most people think of when they picture a chiropractic adjustment.
Activator Method: Uses a handheld instrument that delivers carefully directed energy to the joint. Perfect for patients who prefer gentler techniques or don’t like the idea of the “cracking” sound.
Drop Technique: The table has special sections that drop slightly during the adjustment, allowing gravity to assist the correction while using less force.
Flexion-Distraction: A slow, gentle pumping action that’s especially effective for disc problems and patients with acute pain.
Myofascial Release: Addresses the soft tissues and muscles surrounding your spine, releasing tension and improving mobility.

The method selected depends on your size, age, condition, and personal preference. Nervous about the popping sound? Just tell us—we have excellent techniques that work beautifully without any audible release. The goal is always to restore proper joint mobility and alignment, not to produce sounds. Every adjustment is tailored specifically to you.

Chiropractor adjusting a male patient

Who Benefits from Chiropractic Care?

From Newborns to Seniors—Safe, Effective Care for All Ages
Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana have adjusted thousands of patients over their 23-year career—people of all ages, body types, and conditions. They know how to modify their technique for a petite senior with osteoporosis, a large athlete with a sports injury, or anyone in between. Your adjustment will be customized specifically for your body and your needs.

Whether you’re dealing with acute pain from a recent injury, chronic discomfort that’s been bothering you for years, or you simply want to maintain optimal spinal health, chiropractic adjustments can help. The doctors will always perform a thorough examination first to identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited—and if that’s the case, they’ll be honest and refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chiropractic adjustments safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care enjoys an excellent safety track record. A comprehensive New Zealand government study found that adjustments are “remarkably safe.” Dr. Dana and Dr. Mike have been practicing for over 23 years and have adjusted thousands of patients without incident. A thorough exam can identify the rare person for whom chiropractic care might be unsuited, and if that’s you, we’ll be honest and refer you elsewhere.

Will adjustments make my spine too loose?

No. This is a common misconception. Only the spinal joints that are “locked up” or restricted receive adjustments. The occasional spinal joints that move too much are passed over so weakened muscles and ligaments can stabilize and heal naturally. We’re restoring normal motion, not creating excessive motion.

How many adjustments will I need?

The number of adjustments varies with each patient and their individual health goals. Many patients sense progress within a week or two of frequent visits. As your spine stabilizes and your body learns to hold the corrections better, visits become less frequent. Most acute conditions respond within 4-6 weeks. In difficult cases like severe disc problems or car accident injuries, complete healing can take longer. We’ll always be upfront about realistic expectations for your specific condition.

Can I adjust myself?

No. Some people can make their joints “pop” by twisting or stretching, but that’s not an adjustment! Proper adjustments are specific, controlled, and take years of training to master. Even Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana consult colleague chiropractors when they need adjustments themselves—you simply can’t adjust your own spine effectively.

What does an adjustment feel like?

Most patients report a sense of well-being, calmness, or pleasant release of tension. Some describe it as feeling like their body just “clicked back into place.” Since repeated adjustments are necessary to retrain your spine, if adjustments didn’t feel good, patients wouldn’t return to finish their care. Dr. Dana and Dr. Mike are experts at making adjustments feel comfortable and effective.

Can patients with osteoporosis get chiropractic care?

Absolutely. When developing your care plan, Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana consider the unique circumstances of each patient. There are many ways to adjust the spine safely. The method selected will be best suited to your age, bone density, size, and specific spinal problem. We use gentler, low-force techniques for patients with osteoporosis or other conditions that require extra care.

Isn’t some back pain normal?

Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something isn’t right. Pain is your body’s way of signaling that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. While minor aches might go away on their own, if the underlying problem remains unaddressed, it often slowly worsens until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve. It’s much smarter to address problems early when they’re easier to fix.

Can I have chiropractic care after back surgery?

Yes. Rest assured that Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, surgery often produces compensation reactions either above or below the operated level as your body adapts to the changes. If necessary, these other areas will be the focus of your chiropractic care. We work successfully with many post-surgical patients.

How is your approach different from other chiropractors?

Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana take the time to really listen and understand your specific situation. They’re not rushing you through appointments—you’ll typically spend about 10 minutes with your doctor each visit, receiving both adjustments and hands-on stretching. They’ve built their practice entirely on referrals from satisfied patients over 23 years, which speaks to the quality of care and results they provide. If you’re skeptical or nervous, they’ll put you at ease during your first visit.

Experience the Difference

Schedule Your First Adjustment at Celar Chiropractic

Ready to experience chiropractic care from doctors who’ve truly mastered their craft? Celar Chiropractic welcomes walk-ins during all business hours—no appointment necessary. If you prefer to schedule ahead, give us a call. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna PPO, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans. Free parking is available right outside our Hillside office.

Most patients feel a noticeable difference after their very first adjustment. Let us show you why families throughout Hillside and the Chicago suburbs have trusted Dr. Mike and Dr. Dana for over two decades.

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