A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional focusing on your body’s healing capability. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that overlooks your neuromusculoskeletal system—the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A chiropractor helps manage back and neck pain through spinal adjustments to maintain good alignment.
Chiropractic is concentrated on the body’s capability to self-heal and contains other treatments like nutrition and exercise.
By improving the neuromusculoskeletal system’s ability to perform, chiropractors believe the benefits of spinal adjustment and realigning joints enhance the functioning of other systems throughout the body.
Chiropractor vs. osteopath
Both professions share similarities in their approach. Chiropractors and osteopaths work with the bones, connective tissues, and muscles to improve the overall function and structure of the body. Osteopaths typically undergo a 4-year course to obtain their BSc degree (BOst). In contrast, chiropractors undergo 4-5 years of training, including a BSc in human sciences and chiropractic, followed by one year of postgraduate training, and ultimately earning their chiropractic degree.
Both professionals use a standard technique called the “high-velocity thrust.” This is a quick and sharp motion done on your spine. It can be done in many ways. Chiropractors usually push on your spine with their hands, while osteopaths use your arms and legs to make the thrusts. Many other actions are shared between the two professions.
Your chiropractor might use X-rays to diagnose you, while an osteopath uses them to rule out other issues.
Treatment with your chiropractor might include six sessions. The preferable ones might be more regular, while the latter sessions maybe every week. With an osteopath, you’ll manage to go to them “as required” instead.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors analyze patients, looking at their spine’s role and muscle reflexes. They also perform tests to diagnose the patient’s condition, devise a treatment plan, and monitor progress.
Chiropractors do not use medication or surgery to treat their patients. Instead, they assist the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Their prior treatment method was spinal manipulation, where they used hands or instruments to apply force to a joint in the spine, driving it in a precise direction for more suitable alignment.
Your chiropractor may perform treatments such as:
- Adjustments. This can help realign your body, improve your movement, and reduce pain.
- Exercise. Your chiropractor might have you stretch or do specific exercises to help with joint mobility and balance.
- Soft tissue therapy. This can support the relief of spasms, tension, and tight muscles.
- Kinesio taping. Your chiropractor may use joint bracing or taping to alleviate sprained joints or muscles. Other treatments include hot and cold therapy, dietary and weight loss counseling, and relaxation techniques.
Benefits of chiropractic care
Chiropractic care offers a range of potential benefits for various conditions and overall wellness. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. Correcting misalignments (subluxations) in the spine can reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
- Improved Posture: Regular chiropractic adjustments can assist in aligning the spine correctly, positively impacting posture. This may help reduce strain on the body and decrease the likelihood of developing postural issues.
- Enhanced Mobility and Functionality: Adjustments and therapeutic exercises can improve joint mobility and function, allowing individuals to move more freely and efficiently.
- Headache Management: Chiropractic care has reduced the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines.
- Complementary Treatment: It can be used alongside conventional medical treatments to complement and enhance their effectiveness, especially for musculoskeletal issues.
While chiropractic care has numerous potential benefits, it’s essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor or healthcare professional to assess your specific needs and determine the suitability of this approach for your condition or concerns.
Where do chiropractors work?
Many chiropractors work alone, often in unique rooms within their homes. Some chiropractors work in group clinics, general or multidisciplinary practices, and have contracts with health authorities, primary care groups, or other methods.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors are not medical doctors and do not hold an MD degree. However, they are still considered doctors as they have a Doctor of Chiropractic Care degree. They study many of the same subjects that medical doctors do, such as physiology, orthopedics, anatomy, microbiology, radiology, and more. Additionally, they have similar patient experience time, hours spent in classes, and time spent in labs as medical school students.
Reasons to See a Chiropractor
If you do not want medication, see a chiropractor to manage or eliminate your lower back, neck, and head pain. But there are other causes to aim for chiropractic therapy. They contain:
- Preventing disease
- Increasing energy
- Fostering overall well-being
Most people typically take 6-10 visits to a chiropractor to experience comfort.
What to Expect at the Chiropractor
When you visit the chiropractor for the first time, they will start with an assessment. You will be asked to fill out a health questionnaire and provide details about your medical history, including any migraines you’ve experienced, your sleeping habits, diet, and physical activity.
You will also have a physical exam, including a test of your posture, muscle strength, arm and leg mobility, and anything unusual, like a shoulder or hip, that is out of alignment.
Your chiropractor may also take an X-ray.
During a chiropractic procedure
Your chiropractor is trained in over 150 methods, most relying on gentle manipulation. To access various body areas, your chiropractor may position you differently. But generally, you will be on an especially padded chiropractic table, face down, for chiropractic adjustments. You may hear popping and cracking as your chiropractor realigns your spine or joints using controlled force.
Your chiropractor may use a drop table with sections that drop down when pressure is applied to the back. Another piece of equipment your chiropractor may use is an activator, a small device that may be used for gentle manipulation.
Following a chiropractic procedure
You may have a mild headache, fatigue, or soreness in the treated areas for several days following your visit. On irregular occasions following a chiropractic technique, some people encounter problems that include:
- Pinched nerves
- Herniated discs
- Stroke
However, most people experience immediate relief and, over time, see their health improve. Your chiropractor can provide valuable information on maintaining good posture when standing, sleeping, and sitting at a desk. However, if your chiropractic care does not alleviate your pain or if it gets worse, it is recommended that you contact your primary care physician.
Furthermore, you must contact your doctor immediately if you notice anything unusual, such as feeling weak or experiencing numbness.
Takeaways
Chiropractors focus on your body’s capability to heal itself. They work on your bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They perform adjustments, exercise therapy, soft tissue therapy, and Kinesio taping. Chiropractic is similar to osteopathy.
Chiropractors specialize in improving the body’s natural healing abilities through adjustments, exercise therapy, soft tissue therapy, and Kinesio taping of bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
