What Does a Chiropractor Do? Ultimate Health Guide

If you’re experiencing persistent back pain, neck discomfort, or headaches, you may have considered visiting a chiropractor. But what exactly does a chiropractor do, and how can they help address your specific health concerns? Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, primarily through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.

Understanding Chiropractic Care and Its Foundations

Chiropractic care is based on the understanding that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, enables the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Practitioners use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to properly align the body’s musculoskeletal structure.

The term “chiropractic” combines the Greek words “cheir” (hand) and “praktos” (done) to describe a treatment done by hand. Chiropractors focus on the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the spine, operating on the belief that biomechanical and structural derangement of the spine can affect the nervous system. By restoring the normal function of the spine, chiropractors aim to reduce pain and improve the patient’s overall health.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 35 million Americans seek chiropractic care annually. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics shows that patients who receive chiropractic care for low back pain report higher satisfaction levels compared to those who receive care from medical doctors.

Chiropractic care stands out as a non-invasive approach that treats the whole person rather than just addressing symptoms. This holistic perspective has contributed to its growing acceptance within mainstream healthcare over the past few decades.

What Chiropractors Do: Core Services and Techniques

Chiropractors employ a variety of specialized techniques to restore proper function to the body and alleviate pain. Their approach extends beyond just spinal adjustments to encompass a comprehensive treatment philosophy.

Spinal Adjustments and Manipulations

The cornerstone of chiropractic care is the spinal adjustment. During this procedure, the chiropractor applies controlled force to a spinal joint, moving it beyond its normal range of motion. This process is designed to improve spinal motion and improve the body’s physical function. These adjustments may produce a characteristic popping sound as gas bubbles are released from the joint.

The adjustment techniques vary widely, including:

• Diversified Technique: The most commonly used adjustment method involves a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to restore proper movement to a joint.
• Spinal Mobilization: A gentler approach using slow movements to help the joint regain its full range of motion.
• Gonstead Technique: A precise approach that addresses misaligned vertebrae with specific contact points and directions of force.
• Thompson Drop-Table Technique: Uses a specialized table with sections that drop a small amount when the adjustment is performed, assisting in the adjustment process.

Beyond Spinal Adjustments

While spinal manipulation remains central to chiropractic care, modern chiropractors offer a broader range of services to address various health concerns. These additional treatments often include:

Soft Tissue Therapy: Manual therapies aimed at relaxing tight muscles, relieving spasms, and releasing tension in the fascia. Techniques might include:

• Myofascial release
• Trigger point therapy
• Muscle energy techniques
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization

Exercise and Rehabilitation Programs: Chiropractors develop personalized exercise routines to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture. The Journal of Physical Therapy Science has published research indicating that combining chiropractic adjustments with targeted exercises yields better long-term outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain.

Nutritional Counseling: Many chiropractors provide guidance on diet and nutrition, recognizing the connection between what we eat and how we feel. This counseling often focuses on reducing inflammation and supporting overall wellness.

Lifestyle Recommendations: Patients receive advice on ergonomics, posture, and daily activities to prevent re-injury and promote optimal physical function.

Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound: These modalities can help reduce inflammation, muscle spasms, and pain while promoting healing in injured tissues.

Through this multifaceted approach, chiropractors address not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of patients’ health concerns, working to restore and maintain proper function throughout the body.

Conditions Chiropractors Treat: Beyond Back Pain

While chiropractors are often associated primarily with back pain treatment, their scope of practice encompasses a much wider range of conditions. Understanding the full spectrum of issues chiropractors address can help you determine if chiropractic care might be beneficial for your specific health concerns.

Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractors

Chiropractors regularly treat patients suffering from:

Spinal and Joint Conditions

• Chronic low back pain and acute back injuries
• Neck pain and cervical spine disorders
• Sciatica and radicular pain syndromes
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis and joint dysfunction
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Scoliosis and postural abnormalities

Neurological and Muscular Issues

• Headaches and migraines
• Tension in the shoulders and upper back
• Muscle spasms and chronic muscle tightness
• Pinched nerves and radiculopathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Injury-Related Concerns

• Whiplash and auto accident injuries
• Sports injuries and athletic performance optimization
• Workplace injuries and ergonomic problems
• Sprains and strains

A 2018 study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients receiving chiropractic care for low back pain had significantly lower odds of both prescription fill for opioids and opioid abuse. This highlights the role chiropractors play in providing non-pharmaceutical pain management options.

Dr. Rachel Johnson, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist, explains: “Many patients are surprised to learn that chiropractic care can effectively address conditions like migraines or carpal tunnel syndrome. The nervous system influences every part of the body, so restoring proper neural function can have wide-ranging benefits.”

Special Population Considerations

Chiropractors adapt their techniques to safely treat various populations:

Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Specialized techniques help manage pregnancy-related discomfort and support postpartum recovery without medication.

Pediatric Chiropractic: Gentle approaches for children to address conditions like colic, ear infections, and growing pains.

Geriatric Care: Modified treatments for older adults with considerations for bone density, joint degeneration, and medication interactions.

By addressing this diverse range of conditions, chiropractors serve as important members of the healthcare team, often working in conjunction with medical doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive patient care.

Chiropractic Education and Training: The Path to Professional Practice

Many people wonder about the qualifications and training chiropractors receive. Understanding the extensive education required helps explain why chiropractors are considered primary healthcare providers in their field.

Rigorous Academic Requirements

Becoming a licensed chiropractor in the United States requires extensive education and training that is comparable in many ways to other healthcare professions. The pathway typically includes:

Undergraduate Education: Before entering chiropractic college, students must complete at least 90 semester hours (3 years) of undergraduate coursework, with many completing a bachelor’s degree. This preparation includes significant science prerequisites such as biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology.

Doctor of Chiropractic Program: Students then complete a four-year doctoral graduate program at an accredited chiropractic college. According to the Council on Chiropractic Education, these programs require a minimum of 4,200 hours of classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience.

The chiropractic curriculum includes intensive study of:

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Biochemistry and pathology
• Neurology and orthopedics
• Radiology and diagnostic imaging
• Spinal analysis and adjustment techniques
• Clinical nutrition and rehabilitation
• Public health and research methods

Clinical Internship: During the later portion of the program, students gain hands-on experience treating patients under the supervision of licensed faculty members. This clinical internship typically lasts 9-12 months and includes hundreds of patient encounters.

Licensing and Continuing Education

After completing their doctoral program, aspiring chiropractors must:

• Pass all parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam
• Obtain state licensure in the states where they wish to practice
• Complete state-specific requirements, which may include additional exams
• Maintain licensure through continuing education (CE) credits each year

Most states require between 12-50 hours of continuing education annually to ensure chiropractors stay current with advances in the field. Many chiropractors also pursue post-doctoral certifications in specialized areas such as:

• Sports chiropractic
• Pediatric care
• Nutrition
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Rehabilitation

A 2018 analysis in the Journal of Chiropractic Education reported that the average chiropractic student completes over 520 hours of training specifically in adjustment techniques, substantially more than any other healthcare profession.

Dr. Michael Schneider, Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, notes: “The education of doctors of chiropractic has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Today’s chiropractic students receive training that emphasizes evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and whole-person care.”

This comprehensive education prepares chiropractors to serve as primary contact practitioners who can diagnose conditions, provide treatment within their scope of practice, and refer patients to other healthcare providers when necessary.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit: The Patient Experience

If you’re considering chiropractic care for the first time, knowing what to expect can help ease any apprehension. The chiropractic experience typically follows a structured process designed to accurately assess your condition and provide appropriate care.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

Your first visit to a chiropractor will be more extensive than subsequent appointments and usually include:

Detailed Health History: You’ll complete forms about your current symptoms, past injuries, family health history, and lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep habits, and stress levels.

Comprehensive Interview: The chiropractor will discuss your health concerns when they began, activities that worsen or improve symptoms, and your treatment goals.

Physical Examination: Similar to examinations performed by other healthcare providers, this may include:

• Blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate
• Range of motion assessments
• Neurological tests to check reflexes, muscle strength, and nerve integrity
• Orthopedic tests specific to your complaints
• Posture analysis and gait evaluation

Diagnostic Imaging: If warranted by your condition, the chiropractor might order or review:

• X-rays to assess bone structure, alignment, and potential degenerative changes
• MRI for detailed assessment of soft tissues like discs and nerves
• CT scans for complex or unclear cases

According to a patient satisfaction survey conducted by the American Chiropractic Association, 95% of patients reported that their chiropractor took time to explain their condition and treatment plan thoroughly during the initial consultation.

The Treatment Process

After diagnosis, your treatment typically includes:

Discussion of Findings: The chiropractor will explain your diagnosis, recommended treatment approach, expected number of visits, and prognosis.

Informed Consent: Before beginning treatment, you’ll review and sign consent forms acknowledging your understanding of the recommended procedures and their potential benefits and risks.

Chiropractic Adjustment: The actual adjustment process varies based on your condition but generally involves:

• Positioning on a specialized chiropractic table
• The specific, controlled force is applied to joints that need correction
• Potential audible release (“popping” sound) as gas is released from the joint
• Brief pressure sensation during the adjustment

Complementary Therapies: Your session may include additional treatments such as:

• Soft tissue therapy to release muscle tension
• Heat or ice application
• Electrical stimulation or ultrasound
• Stretching and corrective exercises

A typical adjustment session takes approximately 15-30 minutes, though initial visits may be longer due to the comprehensive assessment.

Dr. Lisa Thompson, a practicing chiropractor with 15 years of experience, shares: “Many new patients are surprised by how gentle most adjustments are. The dramatic ‘cracking’ seen in videos is just one technique among many, and we always tailor our approach to the patient’s comfort level and specific needs.”

Follow-up Care and Treatment Plans

After your initial treatment, the chiropractor will:

• Discuss your response to the first adjustment
• Refine your treatment plan based on your progress
• Provide self-care recommendations like specific exercises, ergonomic adjustments, or lifestyle modifications
• Schedule follow-up visits, typically more frequent initially and tapering as you improve

The number of treatments varies widely depending on your condition, overall health, and treatment goals. Acute problems might resolve in 6-12 visits, while chronic conditions may benefit from ongoing maintenance care.

Understanding this process helps set realistic expectations and allows you to participate actively in your care plan, which research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics suggests leads to better outcomes.

Insurance Coverage and Costs: Financial Aspects of Chiropractic Care

Understanding the financial aspects of chiropractic treatment can help you plan effectively for care. Coverage for chiropractic services has expanded significantly in recent years, though specifics vary widely based on your insurance plan and location.

Insurance Coverage for Chiropractic Services

Most major insurance providers now offer some level of chiropractic coverage, including:

Private Health Insurance: Many employer-sponsored and individual health plans include chiropractic care, particularly for conditions with substantial evidence support, such as low back pain. Coverage typically includes:

• A set number of visits per year (often 12-20)
• Coverage after meeting deductibles
• Co-payments ranging from $20-50 per visit
• Possible pre-authorization requirements for extended treatment

Medicare: Part B covers chiropractic manipulation of the spine when deemed medically necessary to correct a subluxation. Notable limitations include:

• No coverage for initial examinations, X-rays, or complementary therapies
• Required documentation of medical necessity
• Different coverage in Medicare Advantage plans

Medicaid: Coverage varies significantly by state, with some offering comprehensive benefits and others providing minimal or no chiropractic coverage.

Workers’ Compensation: Most states cover chiropractic care for work-related injuries, though the approval process and visit limitations vary.

Auto Insurance: Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payment coverage often includes chiropractic treatment following auto accidents.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately 87% of insured Americans have health plans that cover chiropractic care. However, it’s essential to verify your specific coverage before beginning treatment.

Typical Costs of Chiropractic Treatment

For those without insurance coverage or with high deductibles, typical out-of-pocket costs include:

• Initial consultation and examination: $100-300
• Follow-up adjustment visits: $40-100
• X-rays (if needed): $100-250
• Specialized treatments (e.g., ultrasound, electrical stimulation): $10-50 per service

Many chiropractic offices offer packages, membership plans, or sliding scale fees to make care more affordable. For example, a 2022 consumer survey found that package deals for multiple visits reduced the average per-visit cost by 15-30%.

Maximizing Your Benefits

To get the most value from your chiropractic care:

• Verify your insurance coverage before your first appointment
• Ask about discounted packages for recommended treatment plans
• Inquire about health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) eligibility
• Discuss your financial concerns openly with your chiropractor
• Follow self-care recommendations to potentially reduce the number of visits needed

Dr. James Wilson, a chiropractic clinic director, advises: “Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking care. Most chiropractic offices work hard to make treatment accessible through various payment options and will work with you to develop a plan that addresses both your health needs and budget constraints.”

A 2020 economic analysis published in BMC Health Services Research found that including chiropractic care in insurance plans reduced overall healthcare costs for patients with back pain by decreasing the need for more expensive interventions like surgery and prescription medications.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach within the realm of complementary and integrative health. As licensed professionals who have passed the rigorous chiropractic examiner’s exam and are approved by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, chiropractors provide comprehensive care through spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and massage therapy techniques that can deliver immediate relief from various painful conditions. Many patients seek chiropractic care when traditional approaches haven’t provided adequate results, finding that these specialized treatments effectively relieve pain while promoting the body’s natural healing capabilities. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to maintain optimal wellness, this holistic approach may offer significant benefits as part of your overall healthcare strategy.

Sirota Chiropractic specializes in safe and effective treatments for disc issues, helping patients restore function and eliminate pain. If you’re struggling with back discomfort or suspect a disc problem, don’t wait. Contact us today and take the first step toward lasting relief and a healthier, more active life.

FAQs

What are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care offers numerous evidence-supported benefits including improved joint mobility, enhanced physical function, and reduced muscle tension throughout the body. Many patients report better sleep quality and improved posture following regular adjustments, with research showing overall improvements in quality of life and reduced reliance on pain medications.

How do I know if I need a chiropractor?

Consider seeing a chiropractor if you experience persistent back, neck, or joint pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications. Other indicators include recurring headaches, limited range of motion, posture problems, or recent injuries from sports or accidents.

What are the disadvantages of a chiropractor?

Potential drawbacks include temporary soreness after adjustments and the time commitment required for multiple sessions to achieve lasting benefits. Chiropractic care may not be appropriate for certain conditions like severe osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, and insurance coverage can sometimes be limited.

What does getting adjusted by a chiropractor do?

A chiropractic adjustment applies controlled force to restricted joints, restoring proper motion and alleviating pressure on surrounding nerves that may cause pain or dysfunction. The process stimulates mechanoreceptors in joint tissues, which helps inhibit pain signals, relaxes tight muscles, and influences central nervous system processing for potentially wide-ranging benefits.