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What is a Chiropractor?

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) otherwise known as a Chiropractor are physicians trained in a non invasive care to treat various conditions with the human body. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate a patient through a variety of exams and tests to determine a diagnosis and treatment that will best aid in the patients recovery.

There are many forms of examination, be it a hands on approach through physical exams, laboratory testing, or diagnostic imaging, all depending on the needs of the patient. Chiropractors will often work in tandem with other clinicians as seen fit to facilitate the care and treatment; it is not uncommon for a Chiropractor and a MD or a PT to work together in a case where deemed necessary by the caring physicians.

DC’s much like MD’s go through a rigorous amount of schooling overseen by both the Department of Education here in the US, as well as a National and State level Licensing Board. After a 4 year degree is obtained in specific science fields, a Chiropractic applicant must be accepted at a licensed and accredited Chiropractic school. There they receive education in multiple fields such as Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Pathology, Radiology, Physical Diagnosis etc. on top of the Chiropractic specific fields in Methodology. Upwards of around 4300 education hours are accrued throughout their time in school. Some DC’s will go above and beyond and learn other methods or sciences behind the human body to better their level of care. After graduation they still must pass multiple National Board Exams before they can apply for a license.

What does a Chiropractor do?

A Chiropractor utilizes what is called a “Chiropractic adjustment” as their primary tool. An adjustment is the use of the DC’s hands or a small tool to restore motion or mobility in a joint structure that has been found to be restricted or malpositioned. This is done with a quick controlled force into the joints to restore function and motion. These restrictions are often caused by tissue damage of some degree; this may have been an acute trauma like an accident or fall. or a chronic wearing on the region such as sitting with poor posture for an extended period of time. With either scenario, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for an individual. With that, the inflammation or the joint itself can cause a nerve dysfunction due to an impingement. If a nerve is unable to send the proper electrical impulses, diminished motor function or sensation can occur, until the offending cause is removed.

Other methods Chiropractors may or may not use include therapies they have been trained in, such as Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Low Level Laser Therapy, Ultrasound Therapy, or Muscular Rehab. Specialized techniques such as ART or IASTM (GRASTON) can be used to mobilize soft tissue and reduce incorrect motion patterns.

It is uncommon, however some patients may have some soreness or pain after an adjustment, often compared to soreness after a good workout. This often will resolve within 48 hours without issue. Chiropractic is unlike some common pain therapies like over the counter medicines that will reduce the pain of an issue, but will not fix the core problem causing the offending issue. Chiropractic aims to treat the cause of pain or dysfunction, not simply cover up the pain.