What Do Chiropractors Do?

Many people associate chiropractors with handling back pain and spinal adjustments, but they provide much more than a few simple back fixes. Chiropractors are trained professionals who diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders, focusing on spinal alignment and related issues to relieve pain, restore mobility, and support the body’s natural healing abilities. Their care is holistic and non-invasive, aiming for long-term relief and improved overall wellness that provides additional healing alongside conventional healthcare.

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractors are licensed to treat conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They use techniques such as spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, reduce nerve interference, and promote improved function throughout the body. A central goal of chiropractic care is to enhance nervous system performance by improving spinal health.

As part of a holistic healthcare approach, chiropractors help manage a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to limited mobility. Their techniques, including spinal manipulations, are designed to reduce discomfort and boost overall function without the use of drugs or surgery.

Understanding the Chiropractic Process

For those new to chiropractic care, the process can seem complex. Others may view it as a ruse intended to take your money for minimal payoff. Asking the right questions, like how treatment plans are developed or what conditions are treated, can help you feel more confident and engaged.

Chiropractic adjustments are the cornerstone of treatment. These procedures realign the spine, relieve nerve pressure, and restore joint function. There are two main adjustment techniques:

• High-Velocity, Low-Amplitude (HVLA) Thrusts: A rapid, targeted force applied to a joint, often producing a popping sound. This technique helps release tension, improve mobility, and correct misalignments.

• Low-Force Mobilization: A slower, gentler method suited for individuals with conditions like osteoporosis or chronic pain, providing relief without excessive pressure.
  

During the initial visit, chiropractors review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and may order imaging, such as X-rays, to better understand the issues that affect you. Treatment is then customized to your needs and may involve specific adjustments targeting problem areas.

Is There Pain Involved With Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is often integrated with other therapies, such as physical rehabilitation, to enhance results. Many patients report immediate relief after an adjustment, with reduced pain and increased range of motion. While some soreness may occur, it usually subsides quickly, leaving patients feeling more mobile and at ease.

When most people think about chiropractic care, they picture someone getting their back cracked to relieve pain, and they aren’t wrong. However, there’s much more to chiropractic care than spinal adjustments. Chiropractors treat a wide range of conditions, offer numerous health benefits, and tailor their care to each individual, no matter their age or stage of life.

If you feel any discomfort during the process, let your chiropractor know to determine if it is normal pain associated with the treatment or if you need to seek additional treatments. While a bit of discomfort is normal, excessive pain is indicative of something deeper. 

Conditions That Chiropractors Treat

Chiropractors specialize in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, which means they’re experts at treating problems that affect your muscles, joints, nerves, and spine. Here are just a few conditions they help with:

• Sciatica: Sciatica is often a result of nerve compression and results in shooting pain up your leg that chiropractic adjustments can help relieve it.

• Migraines and Headaches: Tension and misalignment in the neck and spine can trigger chronic headaches. Chiropractic care can reduce both frequency and intensity.

• Sports Injuries: Whether you’ve pulled a muscle or strained a joint, chiropractors help athletes recover faster and reduce the risk of future injuries.

• Auto Accident Injuries: Sudden impact injuries can throw your spine out of alignment. Chiropractic care can help restore mobility and reduce pain.

• Chronic Back Pain: Long-term pain often stems from underlying alignment issues. Regular adjustments offer relief without medications.

• Joint Pain: Chiropractors don’t just work on the spine. They treat all major joints to improve function and reduce stiffness.
  

Each patient gets a personalized treatment plan that targets the root cause of their discomfort, not just the symptoms. Your chiropractor will determine the best treatment depending on your discomfort, symptoms, and healthcare recommendations. 

What Kind of Training Do Chiropractors Have?

Chiropractors don’t just take an overnight course to get certified. Being a chiropractor means getting a license after years of study.

Chiropractors undergo extensive training before they ever start treating patients. The process looks like:

• Pre-Chiropractic Education: Candidates must complete at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, typically in biology, chemistry, or other sciences.

• Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) Degree: This four-year program includes over 4,200 hours of combined classroom and clinical training.

• Coursework Includes: Human anatomy, physiology, neurology, diagnostic imaging, nutrition, and hands-on adjusting techniques.

• Licensing: Chiropractors must pass a rigorous four-part exam from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. They also complete continuing education to stay current.
  

It takes a lot of time and effort to become a licensed chiropractic professional, so if you’re ever unsure of the validity of your chiropractor, ask to see their license to verify if they’re genuine or not. 

The Lasting Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is all about alleviating pain and discomfort, with the main benefits including:

• Pain Relief: By addressing the source of the pain and not just masking it, adjustments help relieve back, neck, and joint discomfort.

• Improved Mobility: Spinal alignment can improve range of motion and flexibility, making everyday tasks easier.

• Reduced Inflammation: Chiropractic care improves circulation and reduces pressure on nerves, easing swelling and stiffness to give you a broader range of motion without incurring discomfort. 

• Faster Healing: Adjustments support your body’s natural healing abilities. This can be used on its own or alongside healthcare treatment to speed up your healing journey holistically. 
  

Whether you’re managing chronic pain or bouncing back from an injury, chiropractic care offers a safe, effective path to wellness.

Chiropractic Techniques and Complementary Therapies

Adjustments are at the heart of chiropractic care, but they’re just the beginning. Many chiropractors also incorporate other therapies for a more comprehensive approach:

• Spinal Decompression: Relieves pressure on discs and nerves.

• Acupuncture: Stimulates natural healing and eases chronic pain.

• Cold Laser Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation and repair soft tissue.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Supports tissue regeneration using your body’s own platelets.
  

These therapies are often used alongside traditional adjustments to boost recovery and improve results.

Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults with back pain. It’s for all ages, from newborns to seniors.

• Infants: Gentle adjustments can help with colic, feeding issues, and sleep problems.

• Children: Supports spinal alignment during growth and may help with issues like chronic ear infections.

• Pregnant Women: Techniques like the Webster Method can reduce pelvic pain and support optimal fetal positioning.

• Older Adults: Low-force adjustments help manage arthritis and improve mobility. Chiropractors screen carefully to ensure treatments are safe, especially for those with conditions like osteoporosis.
  

No matter your age or activity level, chiropractic care can help you feel your best.

Finding a Chiropractor That’s Right for You

When you’re looking for a chiropractor that makes a difference in your healing journey, Chiropractic Memphis Downtown is here to help. We take your discomfort and pain seriously, offering a wide range of treatment options to give you back the range of motion and comfort you deserve. If you’ve experienced pain and aren’t sure where to turn, Chiropractic Memphis Downtown is here to help.