A chiropractor is a healthcare practitioner who helps heal the body by manipulating the spine and giving their patients nutritional advice. This healthcare professional will give the patient instructions on how to exercise to alleviate pain and strengthen the muscles. Spinal manipulations and spinal adjustments will usually be performed to treat health problems that affect the neuromusculoskeletal system.
When you go to a chiropractor, he or she will have you fill out a medical history form and examine you. X-rays may be taken, and your back will be examined. Your chiropractor will also check your posture and reflexes, and this healthcare provider may use massage, hot or cold treatment, or ultrasound therapy on you as part of the treatment. Braces or orthotic inserts may need to be ordered and worn to assist with the healing process.
How is Spinal Manipulation and Adjustment Done?
Chiropractors correct misaligned vertebrae by placing their hands on the affected area and administering short, quick thrusts to encourage normal alignment of the spine. Stretching and uninterrupted pressure may also be used. Sometimes parts of the body other than the spine are treated with manipulation.
What Health Problems Benefit From Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment can treat pain in the back, neck, shoulder and upper arm. Pain resulting from engaging in a sporting activity can be eased with chiropractic treatment. People with muscle strain, a joint sprain, or sciatica can benefit from this treatment. Other ailments that can benefit from chiropractic treatment include headache, leg and arm stiffness, and asthma.
If you decide you want to see a chiropractor in the United States, make sure you go to one that is licensed. Also make certain the one you go to for help has earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and has taken and passed the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam. Note that several states also want chiropractic practitioners to take and pass an exam on state-specific laws, and take classes on continuing education, so check to see if these requirements have been met.
Photo Credit: Annie Spratt
Resources: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Chiropractic: In Depth
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Chiropractors Do