Who is a chiropractor?
By definition, chiropractors are certified healthcare professionals who relieve pain and inflammation from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) of the muscles, tendons, joints, nerves, cartilage, ligaments, and spinal discs. Your chiropractor will help relieve the pain in these parts of your body by conducting tests, developing a working diagnosis, creating a management plan, and suggesting treatment options depending on your condition. Some common chiropractic treatments are:
- Spinal manipulation: Also called chiropractic adjustment, spinal manipulation is a therapeutic technique where the practitioner applies a controlled thrust or force in a specific direction to the spinal joint that may have become restricted in movement as a result of tissue injury. This procedure helps to ease muscle pain and restore the spinal joint's mobility.
- Neck adjustments: Poor posture, injury, stress, obesity, and degenerative disorders can often result in chronic neck pain, bone deformation, and restricted movement. Cervical manipulation (neck adjustment), which involves improving the mobility of the neck by performing specific techniques on the neck joint itself, can help treat these conditions.
- Soft tissue mobilization therapy: Soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains, tendonitis, and contusions are common. Soft tissue mobilization therapy, which may involve stretching exercises and using ergonomically designed tools to alleviate muscle pain, can solve these issues.
- Joint bracing or taping: Bracing or taping can externally support an injured muscle or joint so that it can heal faster.
- Diet and nutritional counseling: In addition to adjustments, your chiropractor may refer you to a dietitian or nutritionist who may suggest a diet to reduce inflammation and weight associated with your condition.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Chiropractors do not complete a medical degree and cannot dispense medication or perform surgeries. However, they are licensed health practitioners, Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C.). Chiropractic physicians must complete a nationally accredited four-year doctoral graduate program, pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) test, and earn a state license to practice chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care includes patient examination, diagnosis, treatment, performing adjustments, recommending rehabilitative exercises, and providing nutritional counseling. Some chiropractors may further specialize in pediatrics or orthopedics. Before getting a doctoral degree, chiropractors also study science at the undergraduate level and receive more intensive training in anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, and public health.
What are the different chiropractic specialties?
Various specializations have developed within chiropractic care, each designed to target specific health needs and conditions. These specialties go beyond traditional chiropractic techniques, incorporating a range of natural therapies to provide comprehensive and effective results.
- Naturopathic chiropractic: Naturopathic chiropractors distinguish themselves by seamlessly integrating traditional chiropractic methods with other natural therapies. The holistic approach encompasses massage therapy, acupuncture, and dietary counseling. The goal is to achieve effective results without resorting to invasive procedures or medications, emphasizing the body's innate ability to heal.
- Occupational chiropractic: Tailored for individuals with physically demanding jobs, occupational chiropractic treatments aim to reduce pain, enhance posture, and mitigate the risk of injuries. Beyond individual care, occupational chiropractors can serve as valuable consultants in workplaces with elevated potential for injury, contributing to overall workplace well-being.
- Pain management chiropractic: Specializing in alleviating pain, pain management chiropractors treat patients with chronic pain, migraines, and other persistent conditions. The specialists work towards pain relief and improved functionality through a combination of techniques, including spinal manipulation, offering ongoing support for those grappling with prolonged discomfort.
- Prenatal chiropractic: Tailored to the unique physical changes during pregnancy, prenatal chiropractors play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of expectant mothers. The specialists address back pain, improve posture, and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, prenatal chiropractors focus on pelvic balance, creating an optimal environment for both mother and baby, facilitating a smoother birthing process, and aiding postpartum recovery.
- Pediatric chiropractic: Specially trained to cater to the unique needs of growing bodies, pediatric chiropractors assist children dealing with issues such as earaches and colic. Beyond addressing specific concerns, the specialists work towards pain relief, improved sleep, injury prevention, and developmental support.
- Sports chiropractic: Geared toward athletes, sports chiropractors specialize in managing pain and injuries associated with sports activities. Employing hands-on treatments, these specialists craft personalized plans to expedite recovery and enhance performance. In some cases, sports chiropractors may even work directly on the sidelines of sporting events, providing immediate care to athletes.
What common conditions do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors treat the following conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) – This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs down from the forearm into the hand, becomes constricted in the carpal tunnel (a compact tunnel at the wrist formed by bones and soft tissue). This condition results in pain, muscle atrophy, and numbness in the wrist and forearm. Burning, itching, or numbness in the thumb, index, or middle finger may indicate CTS. Initial treatment of CTS may include resting the arm and restricting the wrist's movement by putting it in a splint to avoid further damage.
- Back injury and back pain - Low back pain (LBP) is common in adults in the United States. The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) states that nearly 31 million U.S. citizens suffer from LBP. Back pain can occur because of an injury, poor posture, arthritis, obesity, or psychological stress. To treat this condition, chiropractors usually perform spinal manipulation, which is a safe and effective non-drug treatment.
- Arthritis - Arthritis is a condition marked by swelling and tenderness in the joints and tissues surrounding the joints. Facts and figures provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put arthritis among the most commonly reported disabilities in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control arthritis pain better. Chiropractors use more than 150 manual techniques to adjust the spine, joints, and muscles.
Chiropractic care is effective and safe for chronic pain due to osteoarthritis (degeneration of the joint cartilage in the hip, knee, and thumb joints). However, in rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disorder) or spondylitis (inflammation in the spinal bones), you might also want to visit a medical doctor.
Benefits of chiropractic care
Chiropractic care has some unexpected benefits besides alleviating your pain and relieving symptoms. They are:
- Reduced dependency on pain medication – If you have chronic pain, your doctor might prescribe painkillers to ease discomfort. Chiropractic treatments can reduce pain and, thus, decrease your dependency on pain medication.
- Better athletic performance - Treatments such as spinal adjustments can enhance athletic performance by increasing joint mobility, reducing pain, and easing tissue restriction.
- Enhanced immunity - Chiropractic care can restore nerve function and enable cells to function optimally. A healthy nervous system boosts immunity and helps the body prevent infections.
- Increased energy - Tense muscles, joints, or a sore body can cause inflammation. This can make you tired and devoid of energy. Chiropractic treatment can soothe your muscles and give you a boost of energy.
- Improve sleep quality - Getting a good night's rest can be difficult when your body is in pain or experiencing discomfort due to tense muscles. After chiropractic sessions, you will likely feel relaxed and stress-free. This will help you get the required amount of sleep each night.
Are there any risks and side effects of chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic treatments, particularly spinal manipulation, may cause temporary side effects. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort shortly after a chiropractic session. These symptoms are usually not severe and tend to resolve within 24 hours without medical intervention. A 2020 study involving 200 people found that about half of the individuals experienced minor and benign side effects following spinal manipulation, indicating that such reactions are relatively common but generally not serious.
The most commonly reported side effects involve pain or soreness in the treated area, a feeling of stiffness, and occasional headaches. While these effects are typically short-lived and manageable, it is important for patients to be informed of potential risks associated with chiropractic care.
In uncommon instances, more serious complications may arise. A 2018 review noted that cervical arterial dissection—a tear in the artery wall of the neck—is one such potential risk linked to spinal manipulation. Though this condition is life-threatening and may lead to blood clots, ischemic strokes, paralysis, or even death, the evidence connecting it directly to chiropractic treatments remains inconclusive. Additional research is needed to determine whether modern chiropractic techniques significantly contribute to this risk.
There have also been isolated incidents of serious complications. For example, a 2021 case report described a rare hemopneumothorax condition involving air and blood in the chest cavity following chiropractic manipulation. This condition can prevent the lungs from fully expanding and poses a medical emergency.
Other reported complications, though very uncommon, include spinal cord injuries from compression, herniated disks, and epidural hematomas—a build-up of blood between the skull and the brain's protective membrane.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health emphasizes that individuals with preexisting conditions may face higher risks. Although rare, arterial dissection has been documented to occur once in 8.06 million office visits, suggesting that serious side effects are extremely infrequent. Nonetheless, ongoing research is necessary to better understand and quantify these risks.
Frequently asked questions about chiropractic adjustments
It is natural to have some concerns and queries about chiropractic adjustments if you are about to start treatment. Here are some common questions and their answers:
- Who qualifies for chiropractic adjustments?
People of all ages, regardless of age- children or senior citizens - can benefit from chiropractic adjustments. Your primary care doctor, specialist, or chiropractor will assess your symptoms and overall health before determining whether you are a good candidate for chiropractic adjustments.
- Are these adjustments painful?
Patients often compare chiropractic adjustments to a daily fitness workout. An experienced chiropractor will assess an individual's health and the conditions that need treatment. This assessment lets them determine the appropriate amount of pressure to apply to give the necessary relief from pain. Popping noises typically occur during the treatment process, but they do not result in any pain.
- How does it feel after a chiropractic adjustment?
Mild soreness and tiredness are expected after a chiropractic session and will disappear within 24 hours. In between appointments, you will likely have to do the exercises and stretches recommended by a chiropractor. Additionally, they will offer suggestions on managing your diet, nutrition, and weight to optimize the results. If you experience any other side effects, do not hesitate to call your primary care doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible.
When should you visit a chiropractor, and what to expect?
Initially, you can also visit your primary care doctor, who can refer you to a chiropractor. However, a referral is generally only necessary for a chiropractic consultation if your health plan requires it. If you experience the following symptoms, you might want to visit the best chiropractor near you:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Arm and shoulder pain
- Hip and pelvic pain
You can first expect your chiropractor to ask questions about your medical history and recurring pains at your appointment. They may also perform a physical examination and recommend further tests such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (C.T.) scans to diagnose your condition correctly and rule out other possibilities.
Once your test results are ready and the chiropractor diagnoses your condition, they will proceed to treatment, which can involve an adjustment. Along with the adjustments performed, the specialist may advise you on diet and exercise, stretching exercises, icing or heat therapy, stress management techniques, and massage therapy. Depending on your condition, you may be required to visit your chiropractor several times.
Is seeing a chiropractor safe and helpful during pregnancy?
Chiropractic care can help relieve spinal nerve stress and promote overall health. Complications are usually rare in this type of therapy. However, doctors do not recommend chiropractic care for pregnant women experiencing ectopic pregnancy, vaginal bleeding, placenta previa or abruption, or moderate to severe toxemia. Therefore, seeking approval from a qualified doctor before receiving chiropractic care during pregnancy is essential, even if you do not suffer from the above conditions.
While all chiropractors are trained in treating pregnant women, some also specialize in providing prenatal care. You may ask the chiropractor if they have experience in this area or get a referral from your doctor. Chiropractors use adjusting tables and safe techniques to accommodate growing bellies without putting pressure on the abdomen. They can also teach you some effective stretches that can help relieve tension and discomfort.
Hormonal and physical shifts throughout pregnancy may influence your posture and comfort. These changes can cause discomfort and pain due to misalignments in the spine or joints. As your baby grows heavier, the back curves and changes occur in the pelvic region as the body prepares for labor. All these developments shift your center of gravity and posture.
Routine visits to a chiropractor near you who specializes in prenatal care can address these issues. Chiropractic adjustments can also help you and the fetus by re-establishing balance and alignment in your pelvis and spine. Other potential benefits of visiting a chiropractor during pregnancy include ensuring a healthy and comfortable pregnancy, managing nausea, and relieving back, neck, or joint pain.
Find the best chiropractor near you in Houston, Texas
If you reside in Houston, Texas, and are looking for the best chiropractor in your neighborhood, Zocdoc can help you find one. Visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition, city, insurance carrier plan, and the date you wish to schedule an online appointment. You'll then be redirected to a list of top providers in your area.
Here's where you can make an informed decision by choosing a chiropractor based on their educational background, experience, or verified patient reviews. Zocdoc also allows users to book same-day appointments and provides the location of each chiropractor so that you can schedule an in-person visit. You can also check for professionals in your network using Zocdoc's insurance checker.
To use the feature to pick your insurance plan, enter the name of your insurance company in the search query. If you can't find your medical insurance plan on Zocdoc, upload a photo of your insurance card. Zocdoc will automatically scan the image and display the plan that is most likely for you. This feature isn't available for dental or vision insurance cards. If you face any issues while uploading the image, don't hesitate to contact Zocdoc's service team for assistance. Additionally, you can check out Zocdoc's patient help center for answers to any further insurance-related queries.
All bookings on Zocdoc with a chiropractor near you are fast, free, and secure!
Chiropractor statistics in Houston, Texas
According to data collated in 2021 by the United Health Foundation, of all the arthritis cases reported in the United States, Texas had about 6.3% of cases among people aged 18-44.
In Texas, out of the 4.1 million people who reported arthritis in 2014, around 1.7 million had arthritis severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
In a report shared by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 35,000 cases of occupational injuries reported that resulted in musculoskeletal disorders, including sprains, strains, back pain, CTS, sciatica, and hernia.
Statistics from the May 2021 edition of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded that Texas had the second-highest number of chiropractors, about 2,520, for the same year.
Sources
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
WebMD
Hands Down Better[1]
Hands Down Better[2]
American Chiropractic Association
Cleveland Clinic
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Arthritis Foundation
America's Health Rankings
Texas Department of State Health Services
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
Northwestern Health Sciences University
Medical News Today
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