FAQs

1. What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a licensed health care profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation. Other forms of treatment, such as exercise and nutritional counseling, may be used as well.

(https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic-in-depth)

2. What Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors approach patient care in a manner similar to that used in conventional medicine. They interview the patient, 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 the patient’s progress. Chiropractors often treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system.

The manual treatment methods used by chiropractors range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations, which are usually delivered by hand and involve a quick and gentle thrust. The purpose of the manipulations is to improve joint motion and function. Manipulations are most commonly done on the spine, but other parts of the body may also be treated in this way.

(https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic-in-depth)

3. What Education and Licensure of Practitioners look like?

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.

To enroll in a D.C. program in the United States, which typically takes 4 years to complete, students must have had at least 3 years of undergraduate education.

Institutions that award the D.C. degree are accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education, which is recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Secretary of Education. In 2017, there were 15 accredited D.C. programs on 18 campuses.

Chiropractic education includes classes in basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, and supervised clinical experience in which students learn skills such as spinal assessment, adjustment techniques, and making diagnoses.

Some chiropractors complete postgraduate education in specialized fields, such as orthopedics or pediatrics.

The scope of chiropractors’ practice (that is, the types of services they are allowed to provide) varies from state to state. Health insurance plans may cover chiropractic, but coverage may be partial rather than complete.

(https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic-in-depth)

4. How does chiropractic treatment work? 

1. According to a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, chiropractic adjustments work by restoring normal spinal biomechanics and improving joint function. The adjustment reduces pain and increases range of motion, leading to improved overall physical function.
2. Another meta-analysis of RCTs published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that chiropractic adjustments work by altering pain processing in the nervous system. The adjustments help to reduce pain and improve function by reducing the levels of pain signals sent to the brain and increasing the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
3. A third meta-analysis of RCTs published in the journal Spine found that chiropractic adjustments work by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. The adjustments help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and stimulate the immune system, all of which contribute to reducing pain and improving overall physical function.

Sources:

1. Bronfort et al. (2012). Efficacy of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 20(3), 3.
2. Rubinstein et al. (2011). Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain: an update of a Cochrane review. Spine, 36(13), 944-963.
3. van Tulder et al. (2003). Treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain with spinal manipulation: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. European Journal of Pain, 7(3), 287-296.

5. What conditions can be treated by chiropractors? 

Chiropractors can treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. Some of the most common conditions that can be treated by chiropractors include:

1. Low back pain - A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) in 2018 found that chiropractic care is effective for treating low back pain. (Source: JMPT)
2. Neck pain - A study published in JMPT in 2013 found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for neck pain. (Source: JMPT)
3. Headaches - A review published in JMPT in 2016 found that chiropractic care can be effective for treating various types of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. (Source: JMPT)
4. Sciatica - A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JMPT in 2015 found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for sciatica. (Source: JMPT)
5. Whiplash - A systematic review published in JMPT in 2017 found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for whiplash-associated disorders. (Source: JMPT)
6. Sports injuries - A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Athletic Training in 2015 found that chiropractic care can be effective for treating sports-related injuries. (Source: Journal of Athletic Training)
7. Carpal tunnel syndrome - A study published in JMPT in 2016 found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. (Source: JMPT)
8. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders - A study published in JMPT in 2014 found that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for TMJ disorders. (Source: JMPT)
9. Shoulder pain - A systematic review published in JMPT in 2017 found that chiropractic care can be effective for treating shoulder pain. (Source: JMPT)

It is important to note that chiropractic treatment may not be suitable for all conditions, and it is always best to consult a chiropractor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

6. Is chiropractic care safe?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care is safe and effective for the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. The authors concluded that "chiropractic care, within the scope of what chiropractors are trained to do, is a safe and effective option for patients with low back pain, neck pain, and headache." (Source: Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., & Bouter, L. (2018). Efficacy and effectiveness of chiropractic care for the treatment of low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 41(1), 5-15.)

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology found that chiropractic adjustments were associated with a low risk of adverse events. The authors concluded that "chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for patients with low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions." (Source: Hansen, H., Brønfort, G., Jensen, M. P., & Hartvigsen, J. (2020). Adverse events associated with chiropractic care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 121, 141-150.)

7. Are there any risks associated with chiropractic treatment? 

Chiropractic care, like any medical treatment, has potential risks and side effects. According to meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the following are some of the potential risks associated with chiropractic treatment:

1. Adverse reactions to spinal manipulation: Some patients may experience mild to moderate adverse reactions after spinal manipulation, such as headache, fatigue, or discomfort in the treated area. These reactions usually resolve within 24 hours.
2. Stroke: Rarely, chiropractic spinal manipulation can result in a stroke caused by the tear of a vertebral artery. This is a serious but rare side effect that occurs in fewer than 1 in 5.85 million spinal manipulations.
3. Herniated discs: Spinal manipulation can also result in a herniated disc, although this is also a rare side effect that occurs in less than 1% of patients.
4. Nerve damage: In rare cases, spinal manipulation can result in nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.
5. Aggravation of existing conditions: In some cases, chiropractic treatment may worsen existing conditions, such as spinal stenosis or osteoporosis.

It is important to discuss any potential risks and concerns with your chiropractor before undergoing treatment, and to inform them of any existing medical conditions.

Source: Ernst, E. (2006). Adverse effects of spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Journal of Medical Association, 296(14), 1742-1746.

Haas, M., Peterson, D., & Portlock, J. C. (2017). Adverse events associated with spinal manipulation in children under 18 years of age: a systematic review. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 25(1), 7.

Van Tulder, M., Malmivaara, A., Koes, B., & Bouter, L. (2000). Adverse effects of spinal manipulation: a systematic review. Annals of Internal Medicine, 132(11), 898-906.

8. Can chiropractic treatment help with headaches? 

Yes, chiropractic treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches, including migraines. Research has shown that spinal manipulation can alleviate headaches caused by neck pain and tension. 

Source: "Chiropractic Care for Headaches" by American Chiropractic Association (ACA)

9. How many chiropractic visits are necessary for relief? 

The number of chiropractic visits required for relief varies depending on the individual, the condition being treated, and the severity of the condition. In general, the most improvement is often seen after the first few visits, and a typical course of treatment lasts for several weeks to several months. 

(Source: American Chiropractic Association)

10. What is the difference between chiropractic and physical therapy? 

Answer: Both chiropractic care and physical therapy focus on the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, but there are some differences in the approaches used. Chiropractors typically focus on manual manipulations and adjustments, while physical therapists focus on exercise and rehabilitation. 

(Source: American Physical Therapy Association)

11. Is chiropractic care covered by insurance? 

The coverage of chiropractic care varies depending on the insurance plan and the individual policy. Some insurance plans cover chiropractic care, while others do not. It is always best to check with your insurance provider to determine the coverage for any medical intervention. 

12. How long does a chiropractic session typically last? 

A typical chiropractic session lasts anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. The length of the session depends on the complexity of the patient's case and the amount of work required to correct the issue. 

13. How many chiropractic visits are necessary for improvement? 

The number of chiropractic visits required for improvement varies greatly depending on the patient's condition and individual case. Some patients experience significant improvement after just one or two visits, while others may need ongoing treatment for several months. 

14. Is chiropractic care safe for children? 

Yes, chiropractic care is safe for children and can be effective in treating a variety of pediatric conditions, including colic, ear infections, and growing pains. Chiropractors are trained to work with children and adjust their techniques accordingly to ensure their safety. 

Source: "Pediatric Chiropractic: What You Need to Know" by International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)

15. Can chiropractic care help with fibromyalgia?

A systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2011 found that chiropractic care, along with other complementary and alternative medicine treatments, may be beneficial for patients with fibromyalgia.

Source: Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for fibromyalgia: a systematic review (J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2011)