What Is a Chiropractor?

Posted on September 22, 2022.

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that cares for a patient’s neuromusculoskeletal system — the bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A chiropractor helps manage back and neck pain through the use of spinal adjustments to maintain proper functional alignment.
As a Chiropractor, my main mission is to relieve possible nerve impingement by restoring function to your vertebrae and the spine.

Chiropractic is focused on the body’s ability to self-heal and includes 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 improves the functioning of other systems throughout the body, all of which completely depend on the proper function of the nervous system.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractors conduct an examination of a patient, looking at the spine’s position and muscle reflexes. They also perform tests and may take x -rays to diagnose the patient’s condition, then come up with a treatment plan and monitor progress. 

Chiropractors do not prescribe pain medication. Instead, they rely 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:

• Relaxation
• Stimulation
• Hot and cold treatment
• Exercise
  

Education and Training

In the United States, the Doctor of Chiropractic degree is a four-year program on top of four years of undergraduate study. As well, the 3,600 Course Hours and subject matter are very similar to attaining a M.D. degree. Although chiropractors are not required to study surgery and pharmacology, we are experts in subjects like spinal and neural anatomy and physiology, and chiropractic adjustment techniques.

All states require a chiropractor to earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam, and obtain a license to practice in that state. Our licensing is as a Primary Care Physician, like MD's. Doctoral programs provide studies in life sciences like anatomy and physiology. Some states require a background check and exams in that state’s laws about chiropractic. Additionally, as a condition of ongoing licensing, all states require continuing education. 

What Conditions Does a Chiropractor Treat?

Low back pain, neck pain, and headache and sciatica are the most common problems for which people seek chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic care is a useful pain management resource as well as for long-term maintenance. Chiropractors ensure the muscles surrounding the joints are working properly. 

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.

Reasons to See a Chiropractor

Most adults who do not want to use medication see a chiropractor to manage or eliminate pain in the low back, neck, and head. But there are other reasons patients seek chiropractic care. They include:

• Preventing disease
• Increasing energy
• Strengthening immunity
• Fostering overall wellbeing

It generally takes anywhere from two to six visits to a chiropractor for most people to experience relief. 

What to Expect at the Chiropractor

Your first visit to the chiropractor will begin with an assessment. You will likely be given a list of health questions to complete. Your chiropractor may also want to know if you have a history of migraines and your sleeping patterns, your diet, and if you are physically active.

You will also have a physical exam which may include a postural assessment, a test of your muscle strength, range of motion, and appropriate orthopedic testing.

When indicated, your chiropractor may also need x-rays.

During a Chiropractic Procedure

Your chiropractor is trained in many different techniques, most of which rely on gentle adjustments of the spine or extremities.

To access various areas of your body, your chiropractor may position you in different ways. But usually, you will be on a specially padded chiropractic table, face down for chiropractic adjustments. As your chiropractor realigns your spine or joints using precisely applied manual impulses, you may hear the occasional "popping" sounds. No reason for concern! These are natural by-products of the adjustment restoring function.

Following a Chiropractic Procedure

Your Chiropractic Doctor may advise you to apply home therapies to the adjusted areas, such as icing to reduce inflammation or moist heat to relax muscles, to help you feel better faster.

However, most people experience immediate relief and over time see their health improve. Your chiropractor can also provide you with valuable ergonomic information to address and relieve potential sleep and work issues that might be aggravating or even causing your symptoms.

Please be aware that not everyone is a candidate for Chiropractic Care. In some instances when a patient presents with severe pain, seeking medical care for pain relief is often the sensible first step before attempting adjustments.