Most people think of chiropractors as experts who fix back and spine issues, but what do chiropractors do beyond that? They specialize in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, addressing spinal misalignments and related issues to relieve pain, restore mobility, and enhance overall well-being. Using non-invasive treatments like adjustments, chiropractors provide personalized, holistic care focused on long-term relief and supporting the body’s natural healing process.
What Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a licensed professional trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use non-invasive techniques to restore alignment, reduce pain, and enhance overall health. A key focus of chiropractic care is improving spinal alignment to optimize nervous system function.
Chiropractors play a vital role in holistic health care, focusing on treating conditions that impact the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use non-invasive techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to restore alignment, alleviate pain, and improve overall well-being.
For many patients, understanding what a chiropractor does and how they approach care can feel overwhelming at first. Knowing the best questions to ask a chiropractor, such as how they develop treatment plans or what conditions they treat, is an excellent way to feel more confident and informed about the process.
Chiropractic Adjustments Explained
Chiropractic adjustments are the foundation of chiropractic care, designed to realign the spine, alleviate nerve pressure, and restore joint function. These adjustments typically involve two main techniques:
- High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude Thrusts: A quick, controlled force applied to a specific joint, often producing the familiar "popping" sound. This technique relieves tension, improves mobility, and addresses misalignments.
- Low-Force Mobilization: A gentle, slower adjustment used for patients with conditions like osteoporosis or chronic pain, where a softer approach is required.
During the initial consultation, chiropractors assess the patient’s symptoms, health history, and, if necessary, imaging results like X-rays. The adjustment itself is tailored to the patient’s condition and may involve targeting specific areas to relieve pain and improve alignment.
Adjustments are often combined with complementary therapies, such as physical therapy, for enhanced results. This comprehensive approach ensures effective care and long-term benefits.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A typical chiropractic adjustment begins with a consultation where the chiropractor evaluates the patient’s health history and performs a physical examination. Imaging studies, such as X-rays, may also be used to pinpoint problem areas.
The adjustment takes place on a specialized chiropractic table. For high-velocity techniques, the chiropractor applies controlled force to specific joints to restore alignment and reduce nerve pressure. This process often results in a “popping” sound, which occurs when gas bubbles are released from the joint. Low-force techniques involve slower, more localized movements and are ideal for patients who require a gentler approach.
Patients frequently experience immediate relief, with reduced tension and improved range of motion. While mild soreness may occur, it typically resolves quickly, leaving patients feeling more comfortable and mobile.
What Does a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractic care addresses a wide variety of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Commonly treated issues include:
- Sciatica: Relieving lower back and leg pain caused by nerve compression.
- Migraines and headaches: Reducing tension and improving blood flow to ease discomfort.
- Sports injuries: Treating sprains, strains, and joint issues to promote recovery.
- Auto accident injuries (e.g., whiplash): Restoring neck and back function after trauma.
- Chronic back pain: Alleviating persistent discomfort through targeted adjustments.
- Joint pain (e.g., shoulders, knees): Improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
Chiropractors create individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition, ensuring optimal recovery. For athletes, combining adjustments with sports pain management can enhance performance and prevent further injuries.
Chiropractic Education Training
Chiropractors typically complete an undergraduate degree in science, though currently chiropractic candidates aren't required to have a degree; instead, chiropractic programs require candidates to complete a minimum of 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework before acceptance. This schooling is followed by a four-year chiropractic program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). During their graduate studies, aspiring chiropractors attend classes and gain hands-on experience before obtaining their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Classes include detailed coursework in human anatomy, orthopedics, physiology, neurology, lab procedures, diagnostic imaging, nutrition, and adjustment techniques. This coursework is backed up by clinical training which allows students to master those concepts in real life. All of this work totals at least 4,200 hours of training and experience.
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners oversees licensure in the United States. Testers must pass a four-part exam then complete continuing education and other requirements (as determined on a state-by-state basis) to maintain their license.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking non-invasive solutions to pain and mobility issues. Key benefits include:
- Pain Relief: Chiropractic adjustments target the root cause of pain, alleviating discomfort in the back, neck, and joints.
- Improved Mobility: Restoring alignment enhances flexibility and range of motion, making everyday activities easier.
- Reduced Inflammation: Adjustments relieve nerve pressure and improve circulation, which helps decrease swelling and stiffness.
- Enhanced Healing: By addressing misalignments, chiropractic care supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself without relying on medications or surgery.
This approach pairs effectively with chronic pain management for a well-rounded recovery plan.
Other Chiropractic Modalities
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors often integrate other therapies to enhance patient outcomes. Common modalities include:
- Spinal decompression: Relieves pressure on herniated discs and pinched nerves.
- Acupuncture therapy: Promotes circulation and reduces pain naturally.
- Cold laser treatment: Reduces inflammation and accelerates tissue healing.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Supports tissue regeneration and recovery.
These complementary treatments provide a multidisciplinary approach to healing, ensuring patients achieve faster, more effective results.
Who Can Receive Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective for individuals of all ages. For infants, gentle adjustments can address colic, nursing difficulties, and sleep disturbances. Older children may benefit from chiropractic care to relieve chronic ear infections, support developmental milestones, and maintain proper spinal alignment during growth.
Pregnant women often benefit from chiropractic care, particularly through specialized techniques like the Webster method. This sacral adjustment helps optimize pelvic alignment, alleviating common pregnancy-related discomforts such as pelvic pain and sciatica. In some cases, it can even create more space for a breech baby to turn into the optimal position for delivery.
Older adults also find relief through chiropractic care. Low-velocity adjustments are ideal for addressing pain and improving mobility in seniors, especially those with conditions like arthritis. However, chiropractors carefully evaluate patients for contraindications, such as osteoporosis, anticoagulant use, or underlying medical conditions, ensuring treatments are safe and effective.
Find Chiropractic Care at Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine
At Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine, we welcome patients of all ages to experience the benefits of chiropractic care. With nine convenient locations in New Jersey, including Aberdeen, Barnegat, and Freehold, our team is ready to help you improve your spinal health and overall well-being. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief.
