Who is a chiropractor?
Specialists who care for your neuromusculoskeletal system are known as chiropractors. They can help manage conditions of the joints, bones, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. They do not prescribe medication but instead try to channel the body's self-healing ability. Their expertise extends to counseling patients on nutrition, diet, and lifestyle. Chiropractors often coordinate with other healthcare providers to help the patients recover and rehabilitate.
Chiropractic physicians, as they are also known, possess a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree. The U.S. Department of Education must accredit this degree. After completing a four-year doctoral graduate program, chiropractors must pass national board exams. The next step is obtaining a license to begin practice. To maintain their license and accreditation, chiropractors must earn continuing education (CE) credits.
History of chiropractic
As a healthcare profession, chiropractic in the U.S. has been there for more than 100 years.
The term ‘chiropractic’ is created from the Greek words cheir (meaning ‘hand’) and praktos (meaning ‘done’), collectively signifying ‘done by hand.’ While manual healing techniques have been practiced for thousands of years, chiropractic as a formal profession began to take shape in the late 19th century.
The foundation of chiropractic care was laid in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment. Palmer went on to establish the first chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa, in 1897. The profession got a boost in the early 20th century, and chiropractors made initiatives to organize societies. The goal was to standardize education and encourage research. As the profession got its feet in the early 20th century, chiropractors began organizing professional societies. These groups made efforts to standardize education and support research. Their efforts proved fruitful. The U.S. government started funding chiropractic research in 1996 through the National Institutes for Health. This research support, along with programs at various chiropractic colleges, has significantly advanced the field.
Today, the Council on Chiropractic Education accredits over 20 chiropractic colleges nationwide. The council was officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in 1974.
Although spinal manipulation is the centerpiece of chiropractic care, modern specialists have explored and developed various new practice styles, including innovative therapies and modalities. Nevertheless, the focus is always on a holistic approach, excluding medications and surgery.Â
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, spinal or joint manipulation, is a standard treatment for lower back pain. Chiropractic adjustment aims to correct posture, reduce nerve irritability, increase the range of motion, and improve physical functions.
A chiropractor uses special instruments or hands to apply a controlled force on a specific spinal joint in this procedure. The pressure pushes the joint beyond its range of motion, relieving pain, improving posture, and increasing spinal movement and physical functions. It is expected to hear popping and cracking sounds as the chiropractor moves the joints during treatment.Â
A chiropractic adjustment is safe and effective when performed by a licensed and well-trained chiropractor near you. It helps improve muscle balance and restore joint functions. It also reduces undue stress on the immune system, significantly decreasing the risk of specific diseases.
A few people may experience minor temporary side effects such as fatigue, pain in the treated body part, or headache. These are temporary symptoms and disappear within a few days post-treatment. Chiropractors recommended various techniques to manage these symptoms effectively. Chiropractic adjustment can also effectively treat spine-related conditions, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.Â
Types of chiropractic treatment
Apart from a chiropractic adjustment, a few of the standard therapies in chiropractic care include the following:
- Heat and cold: Chiropractors may also recommend ice and heat therapy to treat back pain. First, ice packs help numb the area for about 10 to 15 minutes. It is then switched to a heating pad, hot water bottle, or heat wrap to increase blood circulation and promote quick recovery.
- Massage: Soft tissue massage to reduce back pain-linked inflammation and swelling, increase blood circulation, and enhance quick healing.Â
- Exercise: These may include stretches and exercises that strengthen the back muscles and further enhance the benefits of spinal adjustment.Â
- Electrical muscle stimulation: Electrodes transmit soft electric pulses to specific body areas to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent muscle spasms.Â
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy utilizes sound waves to create deep heat therapy for micro-massaging the soft tissues and joints. It helps to reduce muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, increase blood circulation, and ensure faster healing.
Why should you visit a chiropractor?
When you have unexplained neck, back, or knee pain, seeing a qualified chiropractor near you might be the solution. People suffering from chronic pain, numbness, muscle aches, low energy, fatigue, or digestive problems could significantly benefit from expert chiropractic care. In some cases, alignment issues cause tension headaches and migraines. Chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulations can resolve these issues. Here, the professional uses their hands and special instruments to alleviate pain.
Other reasons to visit a chiropractor include sciatica, old sports injuries, frozen shoulder syndrome, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, scoliosis, disc problems, hip bursitis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, and herniated disc. You can consult a chiropractor to help prevent diseases, boost immunity, improve energy, and ensure overall well-being.
If you have any pain, you could first check with your primary care doctor, who can diagnose the issue before referring you to a chiropractor. You will likely experience relief from pain or other symptoms after six to ten chiropractic sessions.
What should you expect during your visit to the chiropractor?
The chiropractor may ask about your general health, symptoms or discomfort, and medical history. They may also inquire about your daily routine, diet, and sleeping patterns. Next, they will physically examine your spine and back muscles. They may even check your overall muscle strength, leg and arm mobility, and hip and shoulder joints to identify the vulnerable areas and recommend preventive therapy.
If you suffer from specific symptoms or discomfort, the chiropractor will check the area to identify the ailment and provide appropriate treatment. They may also recommend additional screenings or tests, such as an X-ray, for an in-depth disorder analysis.
What happens during treatment
Depending on your symptom or condition, the chiropractor may move you into a specific position to treat the affected area. Often, they ask patients to lie face down on the medical chiropractic table and use their hands to apply a sudden controlled force on a specific joint. The pressure eases the joint and pushes it beyond its normal range of motion. It is common for patients to hear a cracking or popping sound as the chiropractor works on moving the joints during the therapy session.
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What happens after treatment
After comprehensive chiropractic therapy, some patients may experience minor side effects for a few days. These may include pain in the treated body parts, fatigue, or headache. Chiropractors recommend various after-treatment practices to manage these temporary side effects and ensure the longevity of the positive results.Â
How can chiropractors help with sciatica?
Chiropractors can detect sciatica symptoms like numbness, pain, weakness, or tingling sensation and recommend appropriate treatment options. These could include:
- Therapy: Comprises options like acupuncture, manipulation, massage, heat application, exercise, and stretching.
- Imaging scans: Chiropractors may ask you to do an MRI or X-ray for a deeper analysis of the source of pain.
- Medications: Sometimes, they suggest you consult a doctor about short-term prescription medications such as steroids, anti-inflammatory medicines, or muscle relaxants that help minimize the symptoms.Â
- Referral: Depending on the severity of the condition, the chiropractor may refer you to a physical therapist, acupuncturist, or occupational therapist for additional treatment.
The negative impact of a sedentary lifestyle
A sedentary lifestyle can often cause health problems that require chiropractic care. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, more than 60% of adults in the United States do not pursue the recommended amount of physical activity. About 25% of adults in the country are not active at all. These figures provided in the 'Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General' are concerning due to the adverse effects of inactivity.
Being inactive means you burn fewer calories, which can lead to weight gain. You may lose muscle strength and endurance due to not using the muscles much. A lifestyle without exercise can slow metabolism and weaken bones, heightening the risk of fractures. Inactivity can cause chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Moreover, your mental health could also be affected by conditions like depression and anxiety.
It is always possible to start exercising, and you could begin slowly. Gradually build up a moderate exercise regimen that suits your schedule and ability. Physical activity can be manageable so that you reap the health benefits. A reasonable amount of daily physical activity, such as a 20-minute jog or 30 minutes of brisk walking, can do wonders long-term.
Locate the best chiropractor near you in Clifton, New Jersey
Frequent joint pain, muscle stiffness, and nerve problems can keep you from your daily routine. This discomfort can lead to frustration and depression unless you address the root cause. Here, a qualified and experienced chiropractor can help you. Take the first step to a hassle-free search for an appropriate chiropractor by setting up a free account on Zocdoc.
Log into your account and use the filters on the platform to get a list of practitioners based on the languages they speak, their gender, and hospital affiliations. You can also check whether they treat children. The convenient Zocdoc insurance detector and location-based search let you find practitioners in-network and close to your home. Want to simplify this process? Upload a photograph of your medical insurance card, and we will help you select your insurance plan correctly on Zocdoc. However, this is optional. If you would rather skip the upload and manually add your insurance information to your account, you can do that too. For any insurance-related queries, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Zocdoc also has comprehensive profiles for every practitioner, giving details about their qualifications, experience, expertise, and licensure. Read the verified patient reviews and check ratings to find the best chiropractor in Clifton. Depending on their schedule, specialists may also be available beyond regular business hours and on weekends. Schedule an appointment once you zero in on the right chiropractor near you. You could ask for a virtual session before meeting the practitioner in person.
All bookings made on Zocdoc are free, simple, and secure.
Chiropractic care-related statistics in New Jersey
The increasing physical inactivity among the population across the U.S. is a significant cause for concern. The country's prevalence of self-reported physical inactivity from 2017 to 2020 was around 25.3%, as indicated by data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). According to data for 2022 from the New Jersey Department of Health, about 23.3% of the population claimed to have no leisure time activity.
No physical activity can lead to muscle and joint stiffness or pain that may need chiropractic care. Chiropractors may also help people with pain caused by sports injuries, vehicle accidents, and age-related conditions. Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) are also commonly treated by chiropractors. Data published by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that 11 to 12 million people across the country suffer from pain around the temporomandibular joint. This pain was more common in women than men, with females aged 35 to 44 being the most susceptible.
The number of chiropractors in the country is significant, making it likely that you will find one to suit your requirements without difficulty. The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2023 issued by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there are about 41,480 chiropractors employed across the country. Of these, around 720 are in New Jersey.
Sources
WebMD
American Chiropractic Association[1]
American Chiropractic Association[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
MedlinePlus
National Institutes of Health
State of New Jersey
Veritas Health[1]
Veritas Health[2]
CB Physiotherapy
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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