Chiropractic is an alternative medicine that involves a licensed professional making physical adjustments to the skeleton through a series of manipulations. Chiropractors mostly treat people who are suffering from pain or stiffness in their joints or muscle but can also be beneficial to those simply looking to improve their mobility.
Here’s a little more detail about what a chiropractor does and what you can expect when you book a session with one.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a licensed professional who can help people suffering from pain or mobility issues. It is the law in every state that a chiropractor must have a relevant degree from a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredited college in order to practice legally.
Chiropractors can help with similar problems to a physiotherapist or osteopath, but their focus is more specifically on the spine. This means they can often treat people suffering with issues like back and neck pain, or even posture-related headaches. Some people report beneficial effects from chiropractic Treatment for other complaints, like asthma and allergies, but there isn’t currently much scientific evidence to back this up.
What does a chiropractor do?
Compared to other physio-therapies, a chiropractor focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system. They use a range of techniques to ‘adjust’ the bones, joints, and muscles – these could involve applying pressure, short thrusting movements, or stretching muscles.
Chiropractic treatment can be used alongside other, more traditional medical care, or as a solo treatment. It’s not uncommon for people to visit a chiropractor without any serious injuries. Just sitting at your desk all day can leave you back, neck and shoulders feeling worse for wear, and a chiropractor might be able to provide some light relief. They might also counsel you on how to prevent further problems occurring, such as through diet and exercise, or regular massage therapy.
In your initial session, the chiropractor will examine you, addressing any specifics concerns that you might have. They will also want to know about your medical history and any prior injuries you’ve sustained. Following that, they will potentially provide some minor treatment, but that might be reserved for the next session.
During the treatment itself, you might occasionally be asked to remove or lift certain items of clothing so that specific joints and muscles can be accessed. The chiropractor will then perform manipulations on key areas. Some adjustments are performed manually by the chiropractor, but others might require specialist equipment to help get you into the right positions.
What can a chiropractor help with?
Chiropractors have reported benefits for many different people and conditions. Here are some, but not all, of the things a chiropractor might be able to help with:
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Sports injuries
- Sciatica
- Poor posture
- Menstruation pain
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Elbow pain
- Osteoarthritis
How to find chiropractors near you
Your comfort is important and if you’re in pain, it’s worth trying anything that might make a difference. There are many success stories from people who have sought treatment from a chiropractor and found it has made a valuable contribution to their quality of life. When looking for a chiropractor, make sure that they have the necessary qualifications. It’s also a good idea to check if they have any specialisms or experience in a certain area of chiropractic that might make them the perfect fit for you.
