39% of U.S. adults
experienced back pain in the past 3 months, making it the most prevalent type of pain among American adults.
Source: CDC / NCHS Data Brief No. 415 (2021)
Treatment
Chiropractor in Gaithersburg, MD
Personalized Chiropractic Care
Get out of pain and feeling your best — faster, simpler, and with less effort.
Our doctors combine personalized chiropractic care, rehab, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and cupping into one clear plan — so you can stop guessing and start feeling better.
The short version
Personalized chiropractic care in Gaithersburg, MD for adults, kids, athletes, and patients recovering from auto accidents. With 25+ years of experience, 5,000+ patients treated, and a 5.0-star rating across 189 Google reviews, we help you get out of pain quickly — and stay there.
What this means for you
Personalized chiropractic care in Gaithersburg built around your goals
Hands-on chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, sciatica, sports injuries, auto accidents, and more — built around you, your symptoms, and your goals.
Who chiropractic care is for
Chiropractic care at Potomac Valley Chiropractic is for anyone in Gaithersburg, Potomac, Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda, or the surrounding Montgomery County area who wants to get out of pain and improve their health.
We treat working professionals dealing with desk-related neck and back pain, parents juggling kids and a busy schedule, athletes who want to keep training, retirees who want to stay active, and patients recovering from auto accidents or sports injuries. If pain, stiffness, or limited movement is getting in the way of your normal life, you're who we built this practice for.
- Adults with back, neck, shoulder, knee, or hip pain
- Parents and working professionals with desk-related or stress-related pain
- Athletes and active adults — runners, weekend warriors, lifters, golfers
- Patients recovering from an auto accident, personal injury, or work injury
- Older adults who want to keep moving comfortably as they age
- Kids and teens with sports, posture, or growth-related concerns
What chiropractic care helps with
Chiropractic care is one of the most well-supported non-drug, non-surgical options for musculoskeletal pain. We focus on the joints, muscles, and movement patterns that are driving your symptoms — not just the area where you feel the pain.
We commonly help patients with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and migraines, knee pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, sports injuries, whiplash from auto accidents, disc-related symptoms, posture and desk-work pain, TMJ pain, arthritis-related stiffness, and pinched-nerve symptoms.
When to consider chiropractic care
If your pain has lasted more than a few days, keeps coming back, or is starting to get in the way of work, sleep, training, or daily life — it's time to get evaluated. Waiting often makes a small issue harder (and more expensive) to fix later.
Common signals that chiropractic care can help: stiffness when you wake up, pain that worsens with sitting or driving, recurring tweaks during workouts, headaches connected to neck tension, or symptoms you've been managing with rest, ibuprofen, or stretching that aren't fully resolving.
How we provide chiropractic care
Every patient starts with a personalized exam and a clear, plain-language explanation of what's going on. From there, our doctors build a treatment plan around your symptoms, your goals, your work, and the activities you want to get back to.
Our doctors combine chiropractic adjustments with rehab modalities (delivered under their physical therapy privileges), soft tissue work, dry needling, cupping, traction, therapeutic exercise, and sports rehab — under one roof, with one care team. That means you don't have to coordinate three separate providers to get better.
- Hands-on, gentle chiropractic adjustments matched to how your body actually moves
- Diversified, Activator, Thompson, and instrument-assisted technique options when appropriate
- Soft tissue, dry needling, and cupping when muscle tissue is part of the problem
- Rehab modalities including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and traction (delivered under our doctors' physical therapy privileges)
- Therapeutic exercise and rehab so progress lasts after care ends
- Documentation support for auto accident and personal injury cases
What to expect during your first visit
Your first visit takes about 45 minutes and includes a thorough intake, a movement and orthopedic exam, and a personalized care plan. You'll leave knowing what's driving your symptoms, what we recommend, and what your visits will actually look like.
We don't pressure patients into long, locked-in care plans. We earn the next visit by helping you feel and move better — visit by visit.
Where we serve — and why patients drive in from across Montgomery County
Our office is in Gaithersburg, MD, near Quince Orchard High School and the Kentlands area. We see patients from Gaithersburg, Potomac, North Potomac, Darnestown, Rockville, Germantown, North Bethesda, Bethesda, Derwood, Montgomery Village, Clarksburg, and Travilah.
Patients regularly drive from across Montgomery County because they want chiropractic care that actually combines multiple proven approaches into one personalized plan — instead of a quick adjustment and a punch card.
Why choose Potomac Valley Chiropractic
We've been serving the Gaithersburg community for over 25 years and have treated 5,000+ patients. Our team is led by Dr. Spiro Theodore, D.C., a Montgomery County native with over 20 years of chiropractic experience, and Dr. Marvin Diaz, D.C., M.S., who brings a sports rehabilitation, applied clinical nutrition, and exercise science background to the care plan.
We're rated 5.0 stars across 189 Google reviews and accept most major insurance plans — including Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medicare, GEHA, Johns Hopkins EHP, and Optum VA.
How it works
A clear plan from day one.
Every visit starts with a clear evaluation, a plain-language explanation of what's going on, and a personalized plan built around your symptoms, goals, and daily life.
Step 1
Personalized exam and movement evaluation
We start with a thorough intake, orthopedic and neurological screening, and a movement assessment so we understand exactly what's driving your symptoms.
Step 2
Clear explanation and a personalized care plan
We explain what's going on in plain English, walk through your options, and build a treatment plan around your symptoms, your goals, and your day-to-day life.
Step 3
Combined chiropractic, rehab, and soft tissue care
Adjustments, soft tissue work, dry needling, cupping, traction, and rehab modalities (delivered under our doctors' physical therapy privileges) are combined into the plan so recovery is faster with less effort on your part.
Step 4
Therapeutic exercise and home guidance
We give you simple home exercises and prevention guidance so improvements stick after the visit — not just for a few hours.
Step 5
Progress checks tied to your real life
We measure progress against the things you actually care about — your job, your training, your sleep, your hobbies — and adjust the plan as you improve.
Step 6
Step-down to maintenance, only if you want it
Many patients reach their goals and graduate. Others choose periodic visits to stay ahead of flare-ups. We never lock anyone into a long, prepaid plan.
What the research says
The case for personalized chiropractic care
Verified national data showing why chiropractic care is one of the most recommended non-drug options for back pain, neck pain, and related musculoskeletal problems.
8 out of 10
people will experience low-back pain at some point during their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Source: NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2024)
Recommended first-line option
The American College of Physicians' 2017 clinical guidelines list spinal manipulation — most often performed by chiropractors — as a recommended non-drug option for acute and chronic low-back pain.
Source: American College of Physicians — Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain (2017)
9,211 patients studied
A BMJ meta-analysis of 47 randomized controlled trials found chiropractic spinal manipulation produces outcomes similar to other recommended therapies for chronic low-back pain — with small, clinically meaningful improvements in function.
Source: BMJ — Benefits of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain (2019)
90–95% non-surgical care
Less than 5–10% of low back pain is caused by a specific spinal pathology — the rest is best managed with effective care like chiropractic, exercise, and rehab before considering surgery or imaging.
Source: NIH NCCIH — Low-Back Pain and Complementary Health Approaches (2024)
Real patients, real results
What patients say about our chiropractic care
Verified word-for-word reviews from our Google Business Profile. We're rated 5.0 stars across 189 reviews.
★★★★★
“I've been seeing Dr. Theodore for about 4 years and the care has been a game-changer. He and his staff take the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and tailor each adjustment to what I need that day. My neck/shoulder pain has improved dramatically, and I always leave feeling better than when I walked in.”
★★★★★
“Potomac Valley Chiropractic is by far the best Chiropractic in MoCo. My first appointment was beyond my expectation — they asked questions to gain an understanding of what may be the underlying issue, then developed a therapy plan. Dr. Diaz stretched and cracked every area I have been complaining about for years.”
★★★★★
“I had my first visit with Potomac Valley Chiropractic yesterday and I was thoroughly impressed! Dr. Spiro made me feel comfortable during my first ever visit to a Chiropractor. He took time to educate me on the areas that needed adjustments and I felt almost immediate relief!”
★★★★★
“Excellent and very friendly practice. Dr. Spiro takes his time to understand your individual needs and focus on resolving your issue. He is patient, kind and loves what he does. The office tries its best to get you in quickly and they also don't pressure you into making multiple, recurrent appointments.”
FAQ
Common questions about chiropractic care
Quick, plain-language answers about chiropractic care visits, insurance, what to expect, and how we help in Gaithersburg and Montgomery County.
How soon can I see a chiropractor in Gaithersburg?+
Same-day appointments are often available, and most new patients are seen within 1–3 business days. Call (301) 869-0006 or book online for the next opening that works for you.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?+
No. You do not need a referral from a primary care doctor to come in. Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care directly — we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.
Is chiropractic care safe?+
Yes. Chiropractic care performed by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic is considered very safe. Side effects (like mild soreness for 24 hours) are typically minor and short-lived. Our doctors screen every patient on the first visit before any adjustments.
Does chiropractic care actually work for back pain and neck pain?+
Yes. Spinal manipulation is recommended by the American College of Physicians and NIH NCCIH as a non-drug option for acute and chronic low-back pain. Most of our patients feel meaningful improvement within the first few visits.
What does a first chiropractic visit look like?+
Your first visit takes about 45 minutes and includes intake paperwork, a thorough exam, a clear explanation of what's going on, and a personalized care plan. Many patients receive their first adjustment that same day.
Do you accept insurance?+
Yes — we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Aetna, United Healthcare, Medicare, GEHA, Johns Hopkins EHP, Optum VA, and other major plans. We also work with personal injury and auto accident cases.
Will I have to come in three times a week forever?+
No. We build a personalized care plan around your goals and never pressure patients into long, prepaid plans. Most patients reduce visit frequency as they feel better and graduate to maintenance or as-needed care.
Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?+
Often, yes. Sciatica symptoms can come from joint irritation, muscle tension, disc-related issues, or movement patterns. We start with a careful exam to understand the actual driver and build a plan from there.
Can a chiropractor help after an auto accident?+
Yes. We have 25+ years of experience treating whiplash, neck and back pain, and soft tissue injuries from car accidents — with documentation support for personal injury cases.
Do you treat athletes and sports injuries?+
Yes. Dr. Diaz has a Master of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition and a background in exercise science and personal training. We treat runners, lifters, golfers, weekend warriors, and competitive athletes.
Are your doctors licensed and experienced?+
Yes. Both doctors are licensed Doctors of Chiropractic. Dr. Theodore is a graduate of Life University with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Diaz holds an M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition and has physical therapy privileges.
Do you treat kids and teens?+
Yes — we use gentle, age-appropriate techniques for kids and teens with posture concerns, sports issues, headaches, or growth-related pain.
Where is your office located?+
12105 Darnestown Road, Suite L-8, Gaithersburg, MD 20878 — near Quince Orchard High School. We serve patients from across Gaithersburg, Potomac, Rockville, Germantown, Bethesda, and Montgomery County.
How much does chiropractic care cost?+
Costs vary based on insurance and the care plan that fits your needs. Most patients pay a standard insurance copay per visit. Call us at (301) 869-0006 and we'll verify your benefits before your first visit.
What if I'm nervous about being adjusted?+
That's normal — especially for first-time patients. Our doctors take the time to explain what they're going to do before they do it and have multiple techniques (including instrument-assisted and lower-force options) to match your comfort level.
Pair with
Related treatments we combine with chiropractic care
Most patients get better faster when chiropractic care is paired with the right rehab, soft tissue, or recovery support — all under one roof.
Rehabilitation Care
Movement-focused rehab paired with chiropractic care so improvements last beyond the visit — not just for a few hours.
Learn more →Soft Tissue Therapy
Targeted soft tissue and fascial work when muscles, tendons, or trigger points are part of the problem.
Learn more →Auto Accident Care
25+ years of experience treating whiplash, neck pain, and soft tissue injuries from car accidents — with documentation support.
Learn more →Ready to get out of pain?
Book a personalized chiropractic visit with Potomac Valley Chiropractic — same-day appointments often available, most major insurance plans accepted.
https://www.potomacvalleychiro.com/treatments/chiropractic-care
Sources
- 1. CDC / NCHS Data Brief No. 415 (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db415.htm Accessed July 2026.
- 2. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2024). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-spinal-manipulation-for-lowback-pain Accessed July 2026.
- 3. American College of Physicians — Noninvasive Treatments for Low Back Pain (2017). https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M16-2367 Accessed July 2026.
- 4. BMJ — Benefits of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain (2019). https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l689 Accessed July 2026.
- 5. NIH NCCIH — Low-Back Pain and Complementary Health Approaches (2024). https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/low-back-pain-and-complementary-health-approaches-what-you-need-to-know Accessed July 2026.