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What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a complementary healthcare practice based on the self-healing capacity of the human body. In this practice, trained professionals called chiropractors conduct different manipulations on the affected muscles and joints using their hands, which aid in the realignment of your joints and provide pain alleviation. Chiropractic treatment helps manage pain due to conditions or injuries affecting your bones, cartilage, muscles, and connective tissue (fascia).

However, you don't need to be suffering from pain to seek chiropractic care. Nowadays, many people visit chiropractors to enhance the functioning and well-being of their bodies and minds. Such preventive maintenance can keep your musculoskeletal system in good form and reduce the risk of injury.

What certifications do chiropractors have?

After their bachelor's, all certified chiropractors attend a 4-year postgraduate program called Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). After earning their D.C., they must be licensed to practice in the United States. This can be acquired by clearing the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams.

Many chiropractors choose to specialize further in distinct fields of interest to provide advanced care to their patients. According to the ABCs Standards for Chiropractic Specialty Certification, these specialties include acupuncture, internal medicine, neurology, nutrition, occupational health, pediatrics, rehabilitation, radiology, and sports medicine.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment, frequently called a spinal manipulation, is a technique performed by a professional who uses their hands or instruments to apply controlled force to the spinal joint. When performed by a trained, licensed, and reliable chiropractor, the treatment is considered safe to be carried out at home. People often choose chiropractic care for spinal issues as it is a drug-free approach to relieving joint pain and is focused on providing relief for joint discomfort.

How are chiropractic sessions conducted?

During the session, the chiropractor will ask you to lie down in different positions to apply a definite amount of pressure to your joints and muscles for adjustment. They often use their hands for adjustments, but some practitioners use instruments like activators. Remembering that a trained practitioner will know whether a joint has realigned to its original place is essential. Most patients approach chiropractors at a stage when the joints have been out of alignment for far too long. The best chiropractor near you will carry out adjustments over multiple appointments to restore joint alignment in such situations.

Based on the patient's condition, chiropractors may also perform soft tissue treatments like myofascial scraping, taping with rigid or stretchy adhesive tapes, massage therapy, acupuncture, and dry needle therapy as an adjunct to their adjustments. Chiropractors even provide counseling on posture correction, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments to ensure a speedy recovery.

At your first appointment, your chiropractor will inquire about your chief complaint and record your general and medical history. After a round of physical examinations, if needed, the practitioner will recommend lab tests, X-rays, computed tomography (C.T.) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans based on your condition. The chiropractor will devise a treatment plan best suited for you based on the result.

What are some common chiropractic techniques?

Depending on your concern, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to reduce pain and restore joint mobility. Some of these are as follows:

• Gonstead adjustment: Chiropractors use the Gonstead adjustment to restore normal disc alignment and mobility. They use several assessment methods to understand the primary characteristics of intervertebral disc lesions, pelvic alignment, and the neurological effects of vertebral subluxation. The Gonstead adjustment typically helps treat lower back, hip, and sciatica pain.
• Flexion distraction: Chiropractors use the flexion distraction technique for conditions like scoliosis and facet joint pain. During this procedure, they stretch your back and align your spine to treat disk herniations and alleviate back and neck pain.
• Soft tissue therapy: The soft tissue technique is a complex therapeutic massage focusing on ligaments and muscles instead of the spine. Chiropractors apply soft tissue therapy to areas where joints have become inflamed, releasing toxic byproducts and improving blood circulation.
• Thompson drop-table technique: To perform the Thompson drop-table technique, chiropractors use a specially designed table made of padded platforms fitted with drop mechanisms. The table allows them to drop you by a fraction of an inch as they apply quick thrusts to complete the adjustment. This method helps treat neck, shoulder, and lower back pain.
• Spinal decompression: Spinal decompression helps treat pain that results from herniated, bulging, degenerated, and slipped discs. Chiropractors use a special table to perform this procedure, carefully stretching the spine and promoting the healthy flow of oxygen, water, and other essential fluids. They use spinal decompression for conditions like sciatica, lower back pain, and disc-related pain.

Why should you see a chiropractor?

One could need the assistance of a chiropractor for a variety of reasons. The following are the most common signs for which you should see a chiropractor near you:

• Frequent headaches: Misaligned neck vertebrae or sprained neck muscles can trigger nagging headaches. A visit to the chiropractor can help you find the cause of the headache. Chiropractic adjustments in the neck improve blood flow, relieve pinched nerves under displaced vertebrae, and increase the brain's oxygen supply. 
• Chronic joint or muscle pain: For people with degenerative disorders of the bone, like arthritis, pain is an unavoidable part of life. Rather than popping a pill every time you are in pain, seeking a chiropractor's care can be a better option. These practitioners are skilled at examining and investigating the exact joint, bone, or muscle behind your persistent pain. Spinal adjustments are also more effective than over-the-counter painkillers in bringing lasting comfort. 
• Sedentary lifestyle: A slouched back, text neck and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in people who remain seated too long or are generally sedentary. Your chiropractor can help prevent your posture from aggravating and causing slipped or herniated discs. In addition to adjustments, they will also recommend a detailed schedule for posture correction and exercises for your spinal health. 
• Trouble during movements of the mouth: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) helps in the movements of the lower jaw during chewing, speaking, and swallowing. If you are experiencing pain or rigidity around the TMJ during any regular functions of the mouth, you could be suffering from TMJ dysfunction (TMD). Your chiropractor can help readjust your TMJ to reduce the clicking sounds, improve mouth opening, and relieve pain without invasive surgery.
• Uneven wearing on the soles of your footwear: If the soles of your shoes begin wearing out unevenly, it could be a sign that your pelvis and spine are out of alignment. A chiropractor can realign your spine through manipulation before it becomes a chronic condition.
• Reduced mobility: Chiropractic adjustments effectively restore joint range of motion. Seek timely care if your neck, arms, and legs are less flexible than they used to be.
• After a recent accident: Whiplash is common in people involved in a collision or fall. Chiropractors can treat strained necks and evaluate the body for any hidden signs of impact following an accident. 
• Sharp, shooting pain in your legs: Sciatica is the pain that radiates through one or both legs, starting from the lower back, due to the pinching of a sciatic nerve. It can even present as a tingling sensation or weakness of the leg. Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and perform the necessary adjustments to free the pinched nerve for pain relief.

Who should avoid chiropractic adjustments?

While chiropractic adjustments are usually considered a safe and low-risk procedure, some individuals should not seek chiropractic care if they have the following conditions:

• Osteoporosis: Patients with osteoporosis may not be best suited to receive chiropractic adjustments since the manipulation of the spine may increase the risk of fractures.
• Spinal cord compression: Doctors might not recommend chiropractic adjustments for individuals with spinal cord compression because the manipulation of the spine could exacerbate the issue.
• Increased risk of bleeding: Given that the manipulation of the spine during a chiropractic adjustment could result in bleeding, it may not be suitable for people with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning drugs.
• Pregnant women: Before obtaining chiropractic adjustments, pregnant women should speak with their obstetrician because some positions and methods might not be safe during pregnancy.
• Active infection: If an individual has an active infection, they should avoid chiropractic treatments until it clears up.
• Certain medical conditions: Before obtaining chiropractic adjustments, anyone with specific medical illnesses, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, or ankylosing spondylitis, should speak with their doctor.

Before receiving any chiropractic care, it's crucial to inform your chiropractor about any current medical issues, drugs you're taking, and other pertinent information. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can leave you with muscle soreness, stiffness, and a temporary increase in joint pain or fatigue. However, this usually resolves quickly.

Is chiropractic care safe during pregnancy?

Various physiological and endocrinological changes occur during pregnancy to create the most favorable environment for the developing baby. These shifts can lead to misalignment of the spine and joints due to several factors, including a protruding abdomen and increased back curvature, changes in the pelvic structure, and adaptations in posture.

One important reason to consider chiropractic care during pregnancy is to establish proper pelvic balance and alignment. A misaligned pelvis may not only reduce the available space for the growing baby, potentially leading to a condition known as intrauterine constraint, but it can also complicate the baby's positioning for delivery. Improper positioning, such as breech or posterior, may hinder the natural progression of labor and increase the likelihood of needing interventions like cesarean sections.

Furthermore, maintaining spinal alignment is crucial for the overall function of the nervous system, which acts as the master communication system for all bodily functions, including those related to reproduction. Ensuring the spine remains aligned allows the body to operate more efficiently, benefiting both mother and baby during this critical time.

What is the difference between a chiropractor and a physiotherapist?

If you're dealing with muscle or joint pain, figuring out the proper treatment can be challenging. It's crucial to distinguish between chiropractors and physiotherapists to determine the most suitable one based on your healthcare needs.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists address joint and musculoskeletal issues by enhancing movement and strength, alleviating pain, and restoring full bodily function. Yet, the primary difference between the two lies in their approaches. Chiropractors utilize techniques like spinal manipulation, whereas physiotherapists use mobilization techniques. Chiropractors use hands-on methods to ease restricted movement in the spine and limbs. The focus is on gentle, specific techniques to restore normal body movement and enhance overall mobility. On the other hand, physiotherapists use various massage techniques and electrical therapies. Their approach aims to improve your range of motion and promote overall well-being.

So, should you opt for a physiotherapist or a chiropractor? Contact chiropractors for a comprehensive approach to evaluating, restoring, and sustaining spinal and nervous system health. With a minimum of six years of dedicated education in spine and nervous system health, they shall thoroughly understand your spine's condition. This insight helps them facilitate effective healing. Chiropractors view the body as a unified system and strive to treat all tissues, not just specific organs or organ systems. Their approach can address existing back and neck discomfort and prevent potential long-term damage and other health issues.

In contrast, physiotherapists specialize in musculoskeletal injuries and can assist with back pain and sports-related injuries. Their focus is primarily on treating individual tissues that have been injured rather than considering the entire body as an interconnected system. While physiotherapists don't undergo the same extensive education and training as chiropractors, they are experts in effective pain management strategies.

Finding the best chiropractor near you in Atlanta, Georgia

If you plan to visit a chiropractor in Atlanta, Zocdoc can help you find the best practitioners near you. Visit the Zocdoc website and enter your primary condition or symptoms and details of your city. Choose a date based on your convenience and the doctor's availability for an online or in-person appointment.

You can even check whether the chiropractor of your choice is covered under your insurance carrier plan through Zocdoc’s insurance detector. If you do not see your plan listed, try taking a picture of your medical insurance card and uploading it. The website will automatically scan the image and show you your most likely plan. You can contact Zocdoc’s service team if you face any problems uploading the picture. Check Zocdoc’s patient help center for more insurance-related queries. 

You can make an informed choice from the list of top chiropractors in Atlanta after checking their educational background, years of experience, area of expertise, languages they speak, and verified patient reviews. You can also learn about the languages they speak, whether or not they treat children, etc. Once you have decided upon a chiropractor near you, you can choose between an in-person or online session.

All your bookings on Zocdoc can be made for free, safely, and securely.

Statistics on chiropractic care in Georgia and the United States

Currently, chiropractors are in high demand due to their ability to offer non-invasive pain management solutions and improved mobility. As per reports by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 37,630 chiropractors were actively practicing in the United States in 2024. Approximately 560 chiropractors were employed in outpatient care facilities, while over 35,760 worked in various health practitioners' offices. In Georgia alone, there were about 1,490 practicing chiropractors during that year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 23.1 to 25.7% of adults in Georgia live with the diagnosis of arthritis. The organization also predicted that the number of people with arthritis in the U.S., which is currently at 54 million, is expected to grow to 78 million by 2040.

Data from America's Health Rankings indicates that in 2023, approximately 23.9% of Georgia's population was affected by arthritis, which is lower than the national average of about 26.3%. A breakdown by sex reveals that 27.5% of women were affected by arthritis, compared to only 19.9% of men. Additionally, age is a significant factor in the prevalence of arthritis, with individuals aged 65 and older representing around 50.2% of the affected population. Conversely, adults between 18 and 44 had the lowest incidence, with only about 7% impacted.

Sources

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America’s Health Rankings[1]

America’s Health Rankings[2]

America’s Health Rankings[3]

American Pregnancy Association

ChiroCare of Florida

Southwest Spine & Rehab

HealthMax Physiotherapy Clinics

Gonstead Clinical Studies Society

Willis Knighton Health

Physiopedia

American Chiropractic Association

Optimize Chiropractic

Healthline

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.