What is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a professional in the healthcare industry who cares for a patient's neuromusculoskeletal system (the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments). Specifically a chiropractor focuses on back and neck pain through the use of spinal adjustments to maintain good alignment.

Self-healing is a major part of how chiropractics to treat patients. The treatment chiropractors offer also includes nutrition and exercise.

By improving the neuromusculoskeletal system's ability to perform, chiropractors fell the benefits of spinal adjustment and realigning joints improves the functioning of other systems throughout the entire body.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

A Chiropractor examines patients by looking at the spine's position and muscle reflexes. They also my do tests and and x-rays to a diagnose the patient's condition. Once they understand the condition, they then come up with a treatment plan and monitor the progress of the patient after the treatment plan has been implemented.

Prescribing medication is not something chiropractors do. Instead, they focus on and assist the body's ability to heal itself. A chiropractor's primary therapy is spinal manipulation where they use hands or instruments to apply force to a joint in the spine moving the joint in a specific direction for better alignment. 

In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may include other treatments such as:

• Stimulation
• Relaxation
• Exercise
• Diet and weight loss counseling
• Hot and cold treatment

If pain is a major issue for a patient, chiropractors may also use massage therapy, ultrasound, braces, and shoe inserts to relieve pain.

Education and Training

To obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, it usually takes four-years to complete the program and that is on top of three years of undergraduate study.

In the United States all states require a chiropractor to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners Exam, and obtain a license in the state they intend to practice in.

What Conditions Does a Chiropractor Treat?

Headache, neck pain, and low back pain are the most common conditions for which people seek a chiropractor's help with.

Chiropractors can also treat arthritic joint functioning. Depending on the type of arthritis, the chiropractor may provide gentle manipulation to increase range of motion and reduce muscle spasms.

Why See a Chiropractor?

Not wanting to use prescription medication is one of the reasons why most adults will go see a chiropractor. They choose chiropractics to manage and eliminate pain in the lower back, neck, and head. The other reasons patient seek care from chiropractors are:

• Increase energy
• Prevent disease
• Strengthen immunity
• Foster overall wellbeing

For a patient to have relief from pain, it usually will take between six to ten visits to a chiropractor. 

 What to Expect When Seeing a Chiropractor?

During your first visit to see a chiropractor you will be given an assessment. Most likely you will be given a list of health questions to complete. Your chiropractor will likely also want to know if you have a history of migraines, your sleeping patterns, your diet, and if you're physically active. 

You will be given a physical exam that includes you posture, a test of your muscle strength, your arm and leg mobility, and anything out of the ordinary like a shoulder or hip out of alignment.

In addition to this, your chiropractor may also take an x-ray.

Chiropractic Procedures

Chiropractors are trained in over 150 techniques and procedures that mostly rely on gentle manipulation. To access various areas of your body, you chiropractor may position you in different ways. Usually, you will be on a special padded chiropractic table, face down for chiropractic adjustments. As the chiropractor realigns your spine or joints using gentle force, you may hear popping and cracking sounds. 

During a procedure you may be placed on a drop table that is designed with sections that drop down when pressure is applied to your back. Another piece of equipment that could be used is what is a called an activator. An activator is a small device that may be used for gentle manipulation. 

Post Chiropractic Procedures

After seeing a chiropractor you may have a mild headache, feel fatigued, or have soreness in the treated areas. 

In rare occasions following a chiropractic procedure some people may experience problems what include the following:

• Pinched nerves
• Stroke
• Herniated discs

In most cases though, people experience immediate relief and over time see their health improve. 

If by chance you you do feel unusually weak, experience numbness, or if your pain is not alleviated after seeing a chiropractor it is a very good idea to contact your primary care doctor about the symptoms your are experiencing.

Related:

What is a Kinesiologist?

What is a Physiologist?

Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapy

Manual Muscle Testing

What Does a Chiropractor Do?