FAQs:
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially of the spine. It has esoteric origins and is based on several pseudoscientific ideas. The primary chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, especially manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues, but may also include exercises and health and lifestyle counseling.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors approach patient care in a manner similar to that used in conventional medicine. They interview the patient, obtain a detailed health history, perform an examination, do tests, and develop a working diagnosis. They then develop a management plan, start treatment, and monitor the patient’s progress. Chiropractors often treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system. The manual treatment methods used by chiropractors range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations, usually delivered by hand and involve a quick and gentle thrust. The purpose of the manipulations is to improve joint motion and function. Manipulations are most commonly done on the spine, but other parts of the body may also be treated in this way.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
Chiropractors don’t hold an M.D, so they aren’t medical doctors, but they graduate with a doctor of chiropractic degree. They do have extensive training in chiropractic care and are licensed practitioners. Chiropractors begin their education by getting an undergraduate degree with a focus on the sciences. After graduation, they move on to a 4-year chiropractic program with classes and hands-on experience. All states in the United States require that chiropractors obtain a doctor of chiropractic degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited college. Some chiropractors choose to specialize in a certain area. They do an additional residency that lasts between 2 and 3 years. There are over 100 different chiropractic methods. No one method is necessarily better than another. Some chiropractors choose to specialize in several different areas, which they may describe as using “diversified” or “integrated” techniques. Regardless of specialty, all chiropractors must obtain a license to practice by taking an exam. They must also keep current in the field by taking regular continuing education classes.
Are Chiropractors Safe?
Chiropractic is generally safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor. Some people may experience side effects from treatment, such as aches and pains, stiffness, and tiredness. These side effects are usually mild and pass in a few days. There is a risk of more serious problems, such as slipped disc and stroke, from spinal manipulation. Speak to a GP if you're unsure whether chiropractic is safe for you.
Can a Chiropractor Fix a Pinched Nerve?
In most situations, a pinched nerve is caused by spinal alignment issues related to the tissues of the body. This could include the body’s bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or muscle tissue. These tissues should not compress the body’s nerves. If this is the case, these issues need to be realigned. That is where a chiropractor can help you. A chiropractor can use manual therapy to adjust the alignment of these body tissues. That way, the trapped nerve can be freed. Even though it is possible that surgery may help, surgery also has a greater chance of leading to side effects and complications than manual therapy. Therefore, it’s best to rely on the skills of a chiropractor to help you address a pinched nerve.
A pinched nerve can be a painful, debilitating medical condition to live with. It can lead to numbness, tingling, and even pains that feel like shocks. Fortunately, there are treatment options, and surgery is not always required. A chiropractor can use adjustments to release a pinched nerve, addressing the root cause of the issue. This can help someone recover without requiring invasive procedures or medications that could otherwise lead to side effects. If you are experiencing symptoms of a pinched nerve, reach out to an experienced chiropractor for help.
Does Chiropractic Work?
Research suggests that chiropractic care can effectively relieve various types of acute and chronic pain — including neck pain, back pain, and certain types of headaches. Studies have found that chiropractic therapy can benefit people with low back pain similarly to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs.) Patients with back pain who receive chiropractic care may also be less likely to use opioids for pain relief. In clinical studies, researchers found chiropractic therapy reduced low back pain intensity and disability compared with a control group. People sometimes use chiropractic care in conjunction with standard medical care, such as physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, and other therapies. Like other forms of treatment, chiropractic care will not benefit all injuries. Doctors should tailor sessions to a person’s needs, and a licensed chiropractor should perform the procedure.
How Often Should I Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The frequency of your chiropractic adjustments depends on your reasons for seeking chiropractic care, your individual chiropractor, and how you respond to treatment. For instance, people who experience chronic pain might visit the chiropractor more often than someone seeking help for an acute issue. Although, if a chiropractor can alleviate your pain in one visit, they may still ask you to return for at least one follow-up appointment. Some chiropractic patients prefer to see a chiropractor regularly to keep their joints aligned, prevent injury, and maintain flexibility, or because they feel it contributes to their overall sense of health.
Can a Chiropractor Break Your Neck?
Cracking the neck to relieve pain is a commonly used practice by chiropractors. While there are risks of a vascular injury, fracture, or nerve damage, the chances of it happening are low. The risk is lowest in people who have healthy bones, ligaments, and muscles. Neck manipulation, which can often lead to cracking, through massage and stretching of the soft tissue, has been shown to correct the positioning of the spine and relieve pain. It is important to remember that, if someone chooses this treatment, only a qualified chiropractor should carry out the manipulation.
Can Chiropractors Write Prescriptions?
Chiropractors cannot prescribe pain medication for their patients because they are not medical doctors. This means that chiropractic physicians do not receive the same education and training as M.D.’s and D.O.’s, which is why it’s important to find a doctor who has experience working with your specific condition or injury before beginning treatment. In some cases where surgery or prescription medications were initially required, many people have avoided these methods after receiving regular adjustments from their doctor. In addition to being trained to provide relief for these conditions, chiropractors also focus on how the body can heal itself through natural methods such as diet and exercise. This does not mean that all doctors will recommend you lose weight or stop exercising; it simply means they think about the entire person when treating an injury or illness instead of just prescribing medication or performing surgery. Chiropractor care can still be helpful even if you’ve already begun another treatment plan which is why it’s important to discuss your options with a doctor before deciding what is best for you.
Is It Safe to Take a Child to a Chiropractor?
The good news is that chiropractic is recognized not only as safe but effective for kids of all ages, from infancy to the teen years. Multiple studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is safe for young children and can deliver many of the same benefits as it does for adults. Extensive evidence exists to support the general safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. As their bodies develop from year to year, getting the right kind of treatment can assure that youngsters are getting the very best physical, emotional, and mental support they need from doctors and parents. Multiple studies have demonstrated that chiropractic care is safe for young children and can deliver many of the same benefits as it does for adults. Extensive evidence exists to support the general safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children. As their bodies develop from year to year, getting the right kind of treatment can assure that youngsters are getting the very best physical, emotional, and mental support they need from doctors and parents.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Thumb Arthritis?
The most common chiropractic treatment for thumb osteoarthritis is a procedure known as passive joint manipulation or PJM. In this procedure, the chiropractor performs the passive movement of the joint within the joint’s normal physiological range over the course of several treatment sessions. A study published by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics has shown PJM to be highly effective in both reducing pain and increasing hand strength in patients who have undergone the treatment. As part of this study, 19 patients between the ages of 70 and 90 years of age who suffer from thumb osteoarthritis were given a series of four PJM treatments over the course of two weeks. Patients reported on average an immediate 30 percent reduction in pain levels after the initial treatment. Patients were also seen to increase hand strength by an average of 18 percent. The results of this study match other studies which have shown chiropractic care to be a healthy, safe, and effective treatment option for many forms of osteoarthritis. Chiropractic care can offer new hope to patients suffering from hip, knee, or shoulder osteoarthritis as well as osteoarthritis of the fingers or thumb.
How Much Do Chiropractic Adjustments Cost?
Chiropractic adjustment cost varies depending on your location, your reason for care, your provider, and your treatment plan. It varies widely and can range anywhere from $30 to $300 a visit. Chiropractic care is covered by many health insurance providers. Check with your health provider for specific information about your plan. Though some chiropractors don’t take health insurance, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Many health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used for chiropractic care.
Who is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors (licensed healthcare professionals) are highly trained physicians that practice a unique system of healthcare tailored towards preserving and optimizing health by the use of manual treatment to restore proper neurological and musculoskeletal function. Chiropractors conduct a physical exam in order to unveil any restrictions or misalignments in the spinal column. They refer to such restrictions and misalignments as subluxations, which can cause inflammation, pain, restricted motion, and muscle spasms. Chiropractors are trained to discover subluxations during an examination. They use gentle force to effectively adjust the spinal vertebrae ridding the body of a subluxation. This ensures that you have a restored range of motion in the joint treated. Chiropractors are committed to holistic health care, which involves working with patients to enhance their health. Even though the chiropractic profession is based on the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders, they do also counsel patients on lifestyle issues, such as stress management, diet, nutrition, and exercise. Red flags for back pain can help patients recognize when care is needed under the surface of what can be seen with the human eye.
Types of Chiropractic Adjustments
Properly conducted techniques are usually painless, but you may feel some brief discomfort during or shortly after treatment. Patients often find great relief early in their care treatments. Here are the types of chiropractic adjustment techniques that you should be familiar with:
1) Direct Thrust Technique
Direct thrust is also referred to as high velocity, low amplitude method, or mobilization with impulse. The use of direct thrust adjustment means the chiropractor will engage the restrictive barrier, which consists of pulling instead of pushing against body structures. The physician will monitor the increased restraint. Direct Thrust is used for spinal realignment, “cracking” or “popping” the back, relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and Improving range of motion.
2) Spinal Mobilization
Spinal mobilization is a type of technique that is made up of passive movement of a specific spinal section. The goal of this treatment is to obtain a therapeutic effect. Experts associate the procedure with passive, gentle movements that help to improve the range of motion. Largely, the aim of mobilization is almost similar to that of spinal manipulation, which is to reinstate proper joint function. Your doctor may choose this method with respect to your personal preference, the sensitivity of your nervous system, a pain condition, or obesity. Spinal mobilization is used for decreasing pain in the spine, increasing the range of motion, and re-aligning spinal segments.
3) Articulatory Technique
This is a type of chiropractic adjustment performed by a chiropractor for therapeutic purposes. Your physician will make use of high to moderate amplitude forces and low velocity to restore a dysfunctional joint by engaging its full range of motion. To successfully achieve the full range of motion, your doctor will engage the restrictive barrier repeatedly. He or she will ease off every now and then before re-engaging the restriction. To be precise, this chiropractic adjustment introduces a specific motion into a specific joint space. The Articulatory Technique is used for improving the range of motion in joints and decrease pain.
4) Myofascial Release
This type of chiropractic adjustment refers to a group of manual procedures that are used by a chiropractor to alleviate the tension in the fascia of the body. A doctor of chiropractic will apply sustained pressure with his or her hands in order to relieve stiffness and pain. The advantages of this technique are not limited to fascia and muscle, but it extends to joints, bones, tendons, cartilage, blood, skin, and ligaments along with soft tissues of your body.
Myofascial Release is used for:
- Muscle relaxation
- Improved tissue recovery and reduced soreness
- Reduction or suppression of trigger point pain and sensitivity
- Reduced adhesions along with scar tissue
- Increased joint range of motion
- Improved neuromuscular efficiency
- Regulation in the production of cytokines
- Decreased neuromuscular hypertonicity
- Promote growth and repair of muscle tissue
- Decreased effects of stress
5) Muscle Energy Technique
This is a chiropractic adjustment of soft tissue that incorporates directed and controlled constrictions tailored toward reducing back pain and improving musculoskeletal function. Muscle energy procedures can be used by your doctor of chiropractic to help stretch a muscle. Muscle energy techniques are most effective when used on patients with unbearable discomfort from acute somatic dysfunction. This may include a whiplash injury due to a car accident or a person with severe muscle spasms from a long fall. The Muscle Energy Technique is used for stretching tight or weak muscles, increasing mobility, promoting healing, reducing muscle spasms, and relieving soft tissue pain.
6) Spinal Manipulation
The term manipulation is usually used to describe a range of manual therapy techniques, but our focus is on the rapid thrust or impulse used to correct misalignments. Some chiropractors may conduct cervical spine manipulation to help get rid of back pain. Your doctor may adjust your cervical spine in the supine position where you rest flat on your back while facing up. Some adjustments may also be made while you are sitting on a special chair. Spinal manipulation will seek to address the smallest details that may be causing abnormalities in your body by applying a gentle force on the affected joints. When you experience spinal misalignment symptoms, spinal manipulation is often a required treatment. Spinal Manipulation is used to stop muscle spasms, relieve localized inflammation, and re-align spinal segments.
7) Functional Technique
This particular adjustment targets affected joints in order to free them from restriction and improve mobility. Your chiropractor will use gentle force as he moves the affected joint through its specific natural range of motion. A doctor of chiropractic will move the joint until it meets any restrictions, then he will hold the joint on this restrive barrier until it releases. Like all forms of chiropractic adjustment, this functional technique must be conducted by a highly qualified practitioner. Like all forms of joint cracking, chiropractors will use this functional technique only when required. Functional Technique is used for restoring function to various joints, relieving pain, and reducing inflammation
8) Flexion-Distraction
While some other adjustment techniques require force around the spine, flexion-distraction isn’t one of those. Instead, this method is all about gently stretching the spine out and allowing the chiropractor to use a gentle (and some say relaxing) pumping method to align the spine. Flexion-Distraction is used for sciatica relief, increased disc, and joint motion, herniated disc treatment, and pinched nerve relief.
9) Gonstead Method
The Gonstead method is a hands-on technique that nearly all chiropractors use. It is highly effective in relieving long-term back pain and getting the spine back in alignment. This method is performed while the patient is either sitting up or lying on their side. This can be used in different ways at different parts of the spine to improve mobility and relieve pain. The Gonstead Method is used for back pain, neck pain, hip or pelvic misalignments, inflammation, and Chronic pain.
10) Activator
During some chiropractic adjustment techniques, the muscles of the body have a tendency to tense up. Tense muscles can resist adjustments, prolong healing, and make the session unpleasant. This enters the Activator device. This is a unique, spring-loaded device that’s used to perform localized low-force pulses to certain joints of the spine. The device is fast, so the body doesn’t have time to tense. Using the activator device can help the doctor of chiropractic perform effective treatments. Since the device allows for pinpointed force, it’s ideal for keeping the rest of the spine or other joints from moving into compromised positions. The Activator Method is used for headaches, back, and neck pain
11) Thompson
Also known as the Drop-Table Technique, this method utilizes a special table to perform low-force, low-amplitude, and high-velocity adjustments. The table has platforms and is made specifically to drop these platforms while the chiropractor applies low amounts of force to the spine for adjustments. The Thompson Method is used for chronic back pain, pregnancy chiropractic care and adjustments, pediatric chiropractic adjustments, and correcting neck curvature.
Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
Those who receive regular chiropractic care have common stories and themes to share when singing the praises of being brought back to health once more. Some of these benefits include:
1. Relief from back and neck pain
The spine is an intricate network of nerve fibers and vertebrae running up and down the spinal column. When a subluxation or misalignment of vertebrae occurs, it can result in the nerves inside the spinal column becoming pinched. As nerves become pinched, they are no longer able to send and receive signals that must run to all systems of the body, regulating and maintaining proper function. When these subluxations are corrected, muscles and tendons that were pulled out of alignment are once more positioned for optimal health, and the result is reduced pain along the back and neck.
2. Improved mood
Many patients who receive chiropractic care also report improvements in mood and mental clarity. Nerves that run along the spinal column are also responsible for sending and receiving messages that affect the efficiency and function of the brain. When nervous system messages are clear, everything functions more smoothly, including the chemicals and hormones responsible for regulating mood and improving mental clarity.
3. Relief from conditions like asthma, hypertension, and menstrual cramps
Nervous system signals literally regulate every system in your body—-when you are in alignment, your spine protects those delicate nerves and allows the body to operate in a state of homeostasis. When vertebrae are pulled out of alignment or damaged in some way, it can result in the development of certain conditions or exacerbate existing conditions. Chiropractic patients have reported relief from conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, and menstrual cramps as a result of getting regular adjustments.
4. Improved digestion and elimination processes
Gut health is essential to good overall health. The nerves that run through your spine control your stomach and its functions. When your spine is improperly aligned, the nerves in this area of the spine can trigger the release of excess stomach acid, resulting in heartburn, gas, and acid reflux. Quite often, chiropractic treatment can relieve pressure on the thoracic spine, allowing those nerves that control digestion to send the proper signals for proper digestive function.
5. Increased energy
We do not often realize the effect that chronic pain has on the body. It saps us of our energy, lowers our ability to handle the stresses of daily life, and stirs up emotional upset. When we are free from aches and pains through proper alignment of the spine, it frees up a natural energy that courses through our body, allowing us to move with ease and experience increased energy. Your body becomes an efficient, balanced, well-oiled machine, running as it was intended to.
Who Can Get A Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is an effective treatment option for all ages, including both children and adults. The most common age range for someone to seek chiropractic care is between 45 and 64 years old. It’s more common for people assigned females at birth rather than people assigned males at birth to visit a chiropractor. You should receive a screening before a chiropractic adjustment to ensure that you're a good candidate for chiropractic care. If chiropractic care is not appropriate for your condition, your chiropractor will refer you to another healthcare provider to help you.
When to Consider Chiropractic Care
Painful joint and back problems can be caused by work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, and even the stress of daily living. Chiropractic care may help if you are experiencing aching joints or muscle pain that is affecting your ability to get through the day or preventing you from doing your favorite activities. It can also help maintain a healthy spine and joint function, even if you do not have painful symptoms.
People commonly visit a chiropractor for help with:
- back pain
- neck pain
- headache
- whiplash
- strains and sprains from daily activities
- overuse injuries
- work and sports-related injuries
- arthritis
- restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck, or limbs
The Chiropractic Examination
When you attend a chiropractic examination your chiropractor will:
- conduct a thorough medical history
- look at your vital signs – namely your body temperature, pulse, respiration rate (breathing rate), and blood pressure
- visually inspect for spinal curves or other visible health indicators
- use their hands to palpate (feel) your spine and the muscles and other soft tissues that support it
- conduct orthopedic examinations – these are examinations designed to detect health conditions relating to the spine, bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons. Among other things, an orthopedic exam includes moving the joint and measuring its range of movement
- conduct neurological examinations – these are examinations designed to assess the function of your motor, sensory and cranial nerves (such as testing your reflexes and testing for numbness).
- Where required, your chiropractor can also refer you directly for other diagnostic tests such as an MRI or x-ray.
Based on their examination, your chiropractor will give you a differential diagnosis (that considers all of the potential causes of your primary complaint) and a working diagnosis (the most likely cause of your primary complaint). They will explain this diagnosis, including its natural history (when you would expect it to resolve), the treatment options available to you, and any benefits or risks associated with those treatments.
What to Expect in a Chiropractic Treatment
Your first visit to the chiropractor will likely consist of giving your medical history and having a physical exam. Your provider may even call for additional tests, like an X-ray, to rule out fractures and other conditions.
From there, your chiropractor may start with the adjustment. You’ll likely sit or lie down on a specially designed, padded table for the treatment.
You may be directed to move into different positions throughout the appointment, so the chiropractor can treat specific areas of your body. Don’t be surprised if you hear popping or cracking sounds as your chiropractor applies controlled pressure to your joints.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing to your appointment, and remove jewelry before the practitioner begins. In most cases, a chiropractor can perform all of the necessary adjustments without you needing to change out of your clothing into a hospital gown.
After your appointment, you may experience headaches or feel tired. The areas your chiropractor manipulated may also feel sore for a while after treatment. These side effects are mild and temporary.
Sometimes, your chiropractor will prescribe corrective exercises for you to do outside of your appointments.
Your practitioner may also give you lifestyle advice, like nutrition and exercise suggestions. They may incorporate complementary medicine, like acupuncture or homeopathy, into your treatment plan as well.
The scope of what a chiropractor’s license allows them to do varies by state. In some states, chiropractors may order diagnostic tests, including imaging and laboratory tests.
What is the Popping Sound I Hear During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
You may feel and hear popping or cracking sensations during a chiropractic adjustment. These are gases, like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, released from your joints. Gas gets trapped in small cavities of your joints when you move and stretch. While this gas release may be more apparent during a chiropractic adjustment, you experience a similar sound when you crack your knuckles.
What Happens After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
After a chiropractic adjustment, you might feel mild soreness or have very minor aches in areas of your body that your chiropractor worked on. This feeling usually goes away within 24 hours and rarely affects people who see a chiropractor regularly.
After your appointment, your chiropractor might recommend “homework” for you to extend your therapy after an adjustment. These recommendations might include:
- Exercises and stretches.
- Proper ergonomics for improving your posture.
- Icing/heat therapy or topical analgesics.
- Advice on nutrition, diet, weight or general health.
- Ways to manage stress and relax muscles.
- Electrical muscle stimulation using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators (TENS).
What is the Recovery Time for a Chiropractic Adjustment?
Many people feel almost immediate relief from symptoms after a chiropractic adjustment. After treatment, you might feel sore for 24 hours.
The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to restore your health over the long term, rather than to relieve your symptoms short term. Your chiropractor will encourage you to learn about new ways to position your body at your desk, when you’re standing and moving, and when you’re in bed. They might also recommend incorporating stretches into your daily routine. These long-term tips can help prevent future problems.
It’s important to inform your primary care physician about any pain you’re experiencing, whether recent or chronic (lasting more than three months). Your primary care doctor can rule out potentially serious problems that need treatment beyond a chiropractic adjustment.
Choosing The Right Chiropractor
The best way to find the right chiropractor for your needs is to ask friends, family members, or co-workers who they might recommend. If you are new in town, don’t be afraid to look online at local websites that offer reviews of doctors in your area. You can also call each office and inquire about their experience with specific conditions about you personally. When choosing a chiropractor, the most important factor is ensuring that they have plenty of experience treating people with similar issues as yourself.
Once you have chosen one, please make an appointment so they can get all of your health history information on file (especially any previous injuries). During this initial consultation visit, the chiropractic physician will sit down with you and discuss your goals for treatment. In addition to this, they will need a full medical history from you explaining any current conditions or complaints affecting you physically. Lastly, they may require X-rays to get the best possible diagnosis and determine what is causing your pain or discomfort.
Chiropractors can provide relief from many different types of issues such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, whiplash injuries, and even tension caused by stress which will help improve overall health. Most patients with these conditions have found chiropractic care extremely helpful when it comes to avoiding surgery or taking medication for their problems. Some people who have asthma find great improvement after having regular adjustments done on their spines.
It is essential for you to feel comfortable with your doctor to best help reduce pain and improve health overall. If it seems like there might be an issue between yourself and your chiropractic physician, consider asking someone else from their office for another opinion or even another doctor until you find the right fit.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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