What Is a Chiropractor and When Should You See One?

If you have joint pain, you may be thinking about seeing a chiropractor. Like acupuncture, chiropractic care is a form of holistic, or complementary, medicine. It is used to treat a variety of health conditions and symptoms, including pain in the upper and lower back.

Chiropractic gets its name from the Greek words "praktos," meaning "done" and "cheir," meaning "hand," which combine to mean "done by hand."¹ Chiropractors use hands-on manual techniques, rather than medications or surgery, to treat conditions of the neuromusculoskeletal system.

Chiropractic care can be highly beneficial but it isn't for everyone. Read on to learn more about what chiropractors do and the conditions they treat.

What Is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare practitioners, referred to as Doctors of Chiropractic (DC).¹

Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other techniques to prevent, diagnose and treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions and their impact on health.²

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use additional strategies, such as spinal decompression tables or spinal inversion therapy tables to treat their patients. Ultrasound may also be used to reduce inflammation.

The neuromusculoskeletal system is comprised of nerves, muscles, soft tissues and the skeleton.² In chiropractic care, a disorder in any part of the neuromusculoskeletal system is thought to impact general health. Alleviating disorders in structural parts of the body, such as the spine, is thought to reduce stress on the nervous system, restoring health and wellness.²

Are Chiropractors Doctors?

Doctors of Chiropractic are not medical doctors (MDs). Some chiropractors may choose to pursue additional degrees, such as Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), or Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM, OMD). Additional degrees are not necessary, however, to effectively, or legally, practice chiropractic care.

To become a chiropractor in the U.S., you must meet these criteria:³

• Complete at least three years of undergraduate study.
• Attend a four-year program at a chiropractic college that is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education.
• Graduate chiropractic college with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree.
• Pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.
• Have a state license to practice chiropractic care.

State law also requires that chiropractors take continuing education classes.

Some chiropractors choose to continue their education with postgraduate study. This enables them to specialize in areas such as orthopedics or pediatrics.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Chiropractic care is a well-established practice that is considered safe for most people. However, to ensure your safety, you must seek out the care of a licensed and experienced practitioner with a solid reputation for good patient care.

It also makes sense to discuss the use of chiropractic treatments with your medical doctor, before you try it. Medical doctors and chiropractors often work together to treat patients.⁴

As with many medical treatments, there are potential risks to consider from spinal adjustments. They include:⁵

• Herniated disk
• Exacerbation of an existing herniated disk
• Nerve compression in the lower spine

High-velocity thrusts are typically used by chiropractors to adjust the cervical (upper) spine. While rare, this movement may significantly strain the carotid and vertebral arteries, possibly causing stroke, blood clots, paralysis or death.⁶

Chiropractic care is not right for everyone. In most instances, people with an increased risk for stroke should not see a chiropractor. Other contraindicated conditions may include:⁵

• Spinal cancer
• Skeletal anomalies in the upper neck (cervical spine)
• Severe osteoporosis
• Tingling, numbness or loss of strength in a limb

How Do Chiropractic Adjustments Work?

When you see a chiropractor for the first time, you will discuss your symptoms and the medical issues you may have. If you've already had diagnostic tests done, such as an x-ray, MRI or CT scan, bring your films with you. In some instances, the chiropractor may order these tests for you.

If you and the chiropractor determine that getting an adjustment makes sense for you, they will position your body on a padded table that has a space for your face to peek through. You will most likely be placed in a facedown position, so the chiropractor can easily manipulate your spine. The chiropractor will manually adjust your spine by using controlled, strong movements to push a joint beyond its typical range of motion. During an adjustment, you may hear cracking sounds or pops. This is normal and to be expected.⁵

After an adjustment, some chiropractors have their patients spend time in a resting position, or on an electric massage table. The chiropractor may also add soft tissue therapy to your treatment. This massage technique is helpful for reducing muscle spasms, and releasing tension from the body.⁷

Many people feel immediate relief from symptoms after an adjustment. You may, however, need multiple adjustments before you start to feel positive effects.⁷

You may feel fatigued or minor discomfort in the days after getting an adjustment. Headaches may also occur. You shouldn't feel intense pain, weakness or numbness.⁷ If you feel severe pain or experience unusual side effects, call your doctor immediately.

What Do Chiropractors Treat?

The goal of chiropractic care is to support overall health and keep you pain-free. People see chiropractors to treat a variety of conditions. Research supports the use of chiropractic care for the following issues:²

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Arthritis
• Rehabilitation after accidents
• Sports injuries
• Back problems, including sciatica and herniated disks
• Neck, shoulder, arm, hip and back pain
• Carpel tunnel syndrome
• Scoliosis
• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)

When Should You See a Chiropractor?

People of any age may seek out the help of a chiropractor. Many people consider chiropractic care when they have symptoms such as back pain, neck pain or stiff joints.⁷ You don't necessarily have to have symptoms, however, to benefit from adjustments or chiropractic treatment.

If you think chiropractic care might be beneficial for you, talk to your doctor. You can see a chiropractor for adjustments, once you've been medically cleared for this type of treatment.

Benefits of Going to a Chiropractor

The benefits of chiropractic care can include symptom relief and improved quality of life. After adjustments, you may have:⁸

• Pain relief and prevention for back and neck: Adjustments can reduce the pressure on the nerves and spinal disks, reducing pain caused by conditions such as sciatica, osteoarthritis and herniated disks. Spinal adjustments can reduce tension in the neck, decreasing pain.
• Better posture: As a result of chiropractic care, increased joint mobility and less pain can help improve your posture.
• Better sleep: By reducing pain and increasing blood flow, you may find yourself better able to sleep as a result of chiropractic treatment.
• Increased flexibility and range of motion: Chiropractic treatment of sports injuries, muscle spasms and soreness can get you back in the game faster by improving your flexibility and range of motion.
• Improved quality of life: Reducing pain and restoring joint function can eliminate a barrier between you and all kinds of activities, including physical and social pursuits.
• Alleviation of headaches: Tension headaches may be eased by adjustments and soft tissue therapy.

Does Insurance Cover Chiropractors?

Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care.⁹ However, there may be limits to the number of visits you can claim. Your plan may also require you to use specific chiropractors that are part of their network.

Some chiropractors don't accept health insurance. In this instance, your plan may provide you with full or partial reimbursement.⁹

If you don't have health insurance, or your plan doesn't cover chiropractic care, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $300 per appointment.⁹

Financing Chiropractor Treatments with the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting chiropractic care, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or chiropractor specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience focusing on medical issues and health and wellness content. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Newsweek and Time, Inc.