Why do you need to see a chiropractor?
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine. Chiropractors are medical professionals who can diagnose and treat various disorders involving the body's muscles, joints, and nerves. They are also experts at providing non-surgical treatment for back pain, headaches, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractic care involves using manipulative techniques to adjust the joints and muscles of the body. Practitioners typically use natural, non-drug treatments such as nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, adjustments, and massage. They may also provide nutritional counseling and advice on exercise and lifestyle changes to help patients manage their condition.
Some common treatments in chiropractic clinics include:
- Spinal manipulation/adjustment
- Ice/heat therapy
- Physiotherapy modalities
- Cold laser therapy
- Traction
- Trigger point therapy
- Recommended supplements
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Self-care instructions
- Nutritional counseling
The origins and evolution of chiropractic care
Chiropractic, stemming from the Greek words *cheir* (hand) and *praktos* (done), is a healing discipline centered on manual therapy. Though hands-on treatments have ancient roots, modern chiropractic took shape in the late 19th century in the U.S.
- Founding principles and early beginnings: In 1895, Daniel David Palmer performed the first recorded chiropractic adjustment. He later established the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, in 1897. Early practitioners believed spinal adjustments could relieve pain and improve function without medication or surgery.
- Professionalization and regulation: In the early 20th century, chiropractors formed professional organizations to standardize training and practice. The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) earned federal accreditation in 1974, overseeing nearly 20 chiropractic colleges in the U.S. Kansas pioneered state licensure in 1913; today, all 50 states and more than 40 nations regulate the profession.
- Mainstream acceptance and healthcare integration: Chiropractic care entered mainstream healthcare when Medicare included spinal manipulation in 1972, followed by federal employee health plans in 1974. Most workers' compensation systems now recognize its value. In 1996, the National Institutes of Health began allocating federal funding to chiropractic research, marking a pivotal moment in the profession's scientific validation. Since then, millions of dollars in government grants have supported studies examining chiropractic care's efficacy.
- Serving military and veterans: Congress expanded access to chiropractic care by integrating it into the Department of Defense (1993) and Veterans Affairs (VA) systems (1999). Today, over 60 military bases and 70 VA facilities offer chiropractic services at over 60 military bases in the United States, Japan, and Germany. In 2014, the VA launched the first chiropractic residency program for training practitioners within hospital environments.
- Contemporary relevance and growth: Amid the devastating opioid epidemic, healthcare systems worldwide have turned to non-drug approaches for pain management. This shift has spotlighted chiropractic care. In 2017, the American College of Physicians updated its clinical guidelines to strongly recommend spinal manipulation as a first-line therapy for both acute and chronic low back pain. Today, the chiropractic field boasts a robust presence in the U.S. healthcare landscape—thousands of licensed doctors of chiropractic (DCs) practice nationwide, delivering care in various settings.
Education and training of chiropractors in the United States of America
To become a licensed chiropractor in the United States of America, aspirants must first complete four years of undergraduate study in an accredited college. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) as the accrediting agency for chiropractic colleges and training programs. After gaining an undergraduate degree, students must complete a four-year professional doctoral degree (a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)). It typically takes four years to complete and requires at least 4,200 hours of classwork, laboratory work, and clinical experience.
There are 19 CCE-accredited chiropractic programs in the U.S., ranging from 4-year undergraduate to 3-year doctoral programs. Most programs include both didactic (classroom) and clinical training. Didactic training typically covers anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and diagnostic imaging. Clinical training allows students to put their knowledge into practice by treating patients under the supervision of licensed chiropractors.
Upon completing an accredited program, all chiropractors must pass an examination administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE). Once they have obtained their license, they may begin practicing chiropractic. Each state has its licensing requirements, which generally include completing several continuing education credits each year. The respective state laws regulate the scope of practice for chiropractors.
Difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor
Chiropractors and osteopaths are very similar in that they both work with bones, connective tissue, and muscles to enhance your body's function and structure. Osteopaths typically complete a 4-year course to earn their BSc degree (BOst). At the same time, chiropractors undergo 4-5 years of training, including a BSc in human sciences and chiropractic, followed by a year of postgraduate training to earn their chiropractic degree.
Both professionals use a technique known as the "high-velocity thrust," a quick, sharp motion applied to the spine. Chiropractors generally perform this maneuver by pushing on the spine with their hands, whereas osteopaths often use the patient's arms and legs to achieve the thrust. The two fields share many similar techniques.
Chiropractors might use X-rays for diagnostic purposes, while osteopaths generally use them to rule out other potential issues.
Chiropractic treatment often involves a series of six sessions, with the initial sessions being more frequent and the later ones every week. In contrast, osteopaths typically see patients on an "as-needed" basis.
Is chiropractic treatment safe? What are the risks?
Chiropractic adjustment is generally safe, primarily when performed by a trained and licensed professional. Although complications are rare, they may include herniated disks or worsening of existing disk herniations. Other risks include compression of nerves in the lower spinal column and a particular stroke following neck manipulation.
Experts advise against seeking chiropractic adjustment if you have tingling or loss of strength in an arm or leg, cancer in your spine, severe osteoporosis, or numbness. Further, such treatment is best avoided by those at increased risk of stroke or a known bone abnormality in the upper neck.
What does a chiropractor treat?
Chiropractic is a certified healthcare profession that focuses on the body's natural potential to heal. Chiropractors use manual therapy, like spinal manipulation and adjustment techniques, to treat:
- Back pain
- Migraine
- Headaches
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems
- Scoliosis
- Neck Pain
- Disc Pain
- Hip Bursitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Sports Injuries
Spinal manipulation (often called spinal manipulative therapy) is a technique in which practitioners deliver a regulated thrust to a joint of the spine. The jab can vary in magnitude, but it moves the joint independently. Spinal manipulation differs from spinal mobilization, which does not entail a thrust. It happens within a joint's natural range of motion, with the patient in control.
Chiropractic therapy may be a patient's primary treatment option in certain circumstances, such as lower back pain. When other medical issues exist, one may use chiropractic services to supplement or enhance medical treatment by alleviating musculoskeletal pain. Chiropractors have a more holistic approach to healthcare than typical medical doctors, employing various methods to prevent disease and treat the "whole person" rather than simply the most evident symptoms.
Manual chiropractic adjustments to the spine, use of heat and ice, stress-relieving techniques (including breath control/deep breathing), electrical stimulation, stretches and exercises, supplement recommendations, and nutritional counseling are examples of an "integrative wellness" approach.
A chiropractor might be one of your most valuable pain treatment and preventative resources. Most people go to a chiropractor when they have a problem, but chiropractors can also help avoid problems. A chiropractor can detect where adjustments are needed to help realign the body to prevent or minimize harm.
Sitting at a desk for an extended time or even a few hours daily can lead to poor posture. People who work at a desk experience pain and stress in their upper back, shoulders, and neck. If you're experiencing these symptoms, there's likely too much pressure in these locations.
According to Chicago law, one must report any injury event within ten days of the occurrence. Furthermore, many insurance companies will only pay for medical claims within three days of an accident. Filing your claim later will reduce your benefits, and insurance firms may or may not pay for your treatments.
What to expect during your first appointment with a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are trained specialists who provide treatment in the form of chiropractic adjustments. They aim to improve the body's physical function and spinal motion. The number of sessions and the type of treatment depends on the patient's needs and goals. Here's what to expect during your first appointment with the best chiropractor near you:
- Health history and symptoms: The first appointment is essential for your chiropractor to understand your medical condition deeply. Hence, they will ask questions about your medical history, symptoms, and any complaints you may have. It will help them accurately diagnose and develop the best treatment plan for your condition.
- Physical examination: After recording your medical history, the chiropractor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination of your body. They will check for muscle tone, strength, and reflexes. They will also check neurological integrity and assess the range of motion of the affected area. Additionally, they may conduct other tests such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory activity.
- Diagnostic reports: Depending on your medical history, chiropractors may also examine your lab reports and other diagnostic studies. These include X-rays, MRI scans, and additional information about injuries or surgeries. The diagnostic reports help them identify the affected area and develop treatment plans accordingly.
- Performing chiropractic adjustment: Once you are ready for the treatment, the chiropractor will lie you down (usually facedown) on a padded chiropractic bed. Then, they will use their hands to apply sudden and controlled force to the affected area briefly. You need not be concerned if you hear cracking or popping sounds, as this is normal.
- Follow-ups: As mentioned earlier, the number of treatment sessions will depend on your condition. The first appointment can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. However, the follow-up sessions will last twenty minutes to half an hour. You may experience minor side effects for a few days, such as pain in the affected area, fatigue, or headaches.
Finding the best chiropractor near you in Chicago, Illinois
Consulting a chiropractor can be the best option if you are looking for a non-drug and natural solution for your backache or any other form of muscular pain. However, finding the ideal chiropractor can be challenging if you've never been to one. But Zocdoc is here to help you find the perfect provider and book your first appointment.
You can find the best chiropractors in Chicago, Illinois, through a straightforward online search. Visit the Zocdoc website and enter your symptoms, the city/region, and the ideal appointment date. In no time, Zocdoc will provide you with a list of experienced and qualified professionals to help you with your medical needs. You can also enter your insurance carrier to find the best in-network chiropractor.
If you need help finding chiropractors who accept your insurance, our online patient help center can assist you. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Please note that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.
You can include secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. You can enter your secondary insurance information if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms.
Each provider on Zocdoc has a dedicated profile detailing their medical overview. Thus, one can compare practitioners based on their education, experience, services, certifications, clinic location, etc. Additionally, verified patient reviews and ratings can also be helpful in the selection process. Once you've chosen the best chiropractor in your vicinity, you can fix an in-person or online consultation through Zocdoc.
Booking appointments with the best chiropractor near you with Zocdoc is fast, free, and secure.
Statistics on physical injuries in the U.S.
The statistics reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor state that Illinois's fatal work injuries totaled 145 in 2023. Throughout the United States, 5,283 fatal work injuries were recorded in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from 5,486 in 2022, as per the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). Men totaled up for 89% of work-related fatalities in Illinois.
The report further noted that transportation incidents made up 38% of the fatalities in Illinois. Males accounted for 89% of the work-related fatalities in Illinois, and workers aged 55-64 accounted for 26% of the state's work-related fatalities in 2023.
Recurrent, moderate to severe headaches are the hallmark of migraine. Per the World Health Organization, migraine is one of the ten most disabling illnesses in the world. The American Migraine Foundation reported that migraine affects over 37 million Americans, including men, women, and children, every year. Worldwide, 148 million people suffer from chronic migraine. The report also states that at least one person in every four households in the U.S. has migraine. Medical expenses and lost productivity from migraine are responsible for more than $20 million every year.
Chiropractic visits increased by 60% among extended care users, and Medicare costs associated with expanded services climbed by $34.8 million. According to a budget neutrality analysis, compared to normal chiropractic users' total Medicare expenses in matched control counties, total Medicare costs for users of any chiropractic treatments for neuromusculoskeletal illnesses increased by $50 million overall for the extended care regions. Most cost increases happened in non-HPSA urban areas like Chicago, Illinois, and its surroundings.
Sources
WebMD
Mayo Clinic
American Chiropractic Association[1]
Better Health Alaska
Chiropractic First
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
American Migraine Foundation
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
American Chiropractic Association[2]
