Learn more about what chiropractors really do in this article. Read on to learn about their education, techniques, and history.
Chiropractors are medical health professionals that diagnose and treat overall body wellness while emphasizing spinal and musculoskeletal alignment. Patients with disorders of the nervous system or general health issues may benefit from their care. Utilizing non-surgical therapies to treat a wide variety of complaints,
this form of complimentary alternative medicine is at once holistic and specialized. Manipulation therapy of the spine and joints is often combined with counsel on diet and exercise to achieve overall patient wellness.
While chiropractors are usually referred to as doctors, their place in mainstream medicine has been controversial over the years. Since its inception in the 1890s, chiropractic care was founded on the belief that vertebral subluxation or spinal joint dysfunction interferes with the body’s innate intelligence. Medical studies of treatments have been unable to adequately dispel the controversy and conflicting results cloud the estimates of efficacy and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care. Complaints that are commonly accepted as appropriate for this type of therapy include chronic lower back pain, whiplash, neck pain, headache or migraines, and adult scoliosis.
Chiropractors are similar to many medical doctors in the way they conduct history and physicals and the fact that they practice out-patient care in a comfortable clinic setting. A patient’s health history, physical status, neurologic examination, orthopedic complaints, and other laboratory tests are vital to ensuring appropriate treatment. Diagnostic imaging modalities such as x-ray or MRI are used to further evaluate spinal and musculoskeletal disorders. Subspecialties among this type of treatment may focus on neurological complaints and nerve disorders, pain, sports injuries, children, or intestinal disorders and nutrition.
The most common form of therapy used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation. Also known as an “adjustment”, it is a passive manual maneuver with a dynamic thrust in an attempt to increase range of motion in a joint. Massage, mobilization, adjustment, stimulation, and traction may also be used to treat soft tissue musculoskeletal complaints. Chiropractors also advise patients on posture, ergonomics, self-care, physical fitness, exercise, trigger points, nutrition, relaxation, stress reduction, and disease prevention. Additional procedures may include heat, light, water, massage, ultrasound, electric currents or acupuncture. Chiropractors do not perform surgery or prescribe medication.
4,200 hours of experience in the classroom, laboratory and clinic are required for this type of program. Similar to allopathic medical education, the first two years focus on subjects such as anatomy and physiology, while the last two years focus on clinical experience. Governing bodies and educational institutions are required to meet state requirements and grant the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic when specifications are reached or exceeded.
Due to the extensive education required to receive licensure, care is generally safe when administered by a skilled and experienced chiropractor. However, there are many known side effects and adverse events. Temporary effects may include worsening pain or stiffness. Permanent and devastating results may include paralysis, disability or even death. Patients that should avoid this type of therapy include those with rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoporosis.
Consult an experienced and qualified chiropractor in your area today to discuss your specific needs and available treatment options.
