What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a type of therapy focused on improving function, relieving pain, and allowing the body to heal itself. Chiropractic care usually involves manual therapy, ranging from stretching and sustained pressure to more specified joint manipulations.
What is chiropractic used for and how could it help me?
Chiropractors are most known for their ability to treat spinal conditions, but they can treat other conditions such as frequent headaches, arthritis, and sciatica. As stated previously, chiropractic care can allow the body to have the necessary structure to heal itself, with minimal use of surgery or medicine. Chiropractic care is also cited to possibly increase whole body wellness, energy levels, immune function, and memory/concentration.
What are the risks?
The NIH cites that spinal manipulation is relatively safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The most common side effects of spinal manipulation are temporary muscle soreness, stiffness, or a temporary increase in pain. In very rare cases, there have been reports of serious complications, such as stroke.
Who practices/performs chiropractic?
Chiropractic training is not equal to the training licensed medical doctors receive, but it is extensive. To practice in the United States, chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam, and have a state license. Many states also require chiropractors to pass an exam about state-specific laws, and all states require practicing chiropractors to take continuing education classes.
What else should I know before going to a chiropractic session?
When seeing a chiropractor, they will interview the you, obtain a detailed health history, perform an examination, do tests, and develop a working diagnosis. They then develop a management plan, start treatment, and monitor your progress. Treatment may involve lying on your stomach on a special table, while the chiropractor uses his or her hands and elbows to realign the spine. Additionally, it is important to check whether your health insurance will cover your chiropractic treatment. Those with Medicaid will be covered for chiropractic care with an authorization from your primary care physician.